Bachelor of Science in Physics

Physics, a fundamental and quantitative science, involves the study of matter and energy, and interactions between them. The subject is generally divided into mechanics, electricity and magnetism, statistical and thermal physics, and quantum physics. These form the foundation for present-day research areas, which include astrophysics, atomic, molecular and optical physics, condensed matter physics, nuclear physics, and the physics of particles and fields. In addition to a knowledge of physics, students gain a rigorous training in logical thinking and quantitative problem solving. An education in physics can also provide an entry into many other fields such as biophysics, geophysics, medical physics, and engineering, as well as into less technical fields such as secondary education, technical sales, and science writing. Many students have also found that physics is an excellent preparation for the study of medicine, dentistry, or law. The applied option for the Bachelor of Science degree requires six credits of 2000-level or above PHYS electives, plus a minimum of 12 credits from 2000-level or above related courses in mathematics, other sciences, or engineering, and an additional six credits of either 2000-level or above PHYS electives or 2000-level or above related courses in mathematics, other sciences, or engineering.Required physics courses must include PHYS 2300, 2501W, 3101, 3201, 3202, 3300, and 3401, and at least three credits of an advanced laboratory (PHYS 3150, 3501, or 4150), plus 12 credits of 2000-level or above PHYS electives. It is strongly recommended that students going on to graduate school in physics take PHYS 3402. All students are strongly encouraged to participate in an undergraduate research project. An experimental research project (PHYS 3989 or 4096W) may count towards the advanced laboratory requirement. No more than six credits from PHYS 4099 may be counted towards this degree option. The general option for the Bachelor of Science degree requires a minimum of 12 credits from 2000-level or above related courses in mathematics, other sciences, or engineering.

International applicants should have college preparatory coursework in the core subjects of English (if offered), mathematics, physical science, and social science reflected throughout their high school academic careers. Students applying to the School of Engineering must have taken secondary school level physics and chemistry.International applicants who have completed one year or more of full-time coursework at a post-secondary institution in the United States. The total amount of academic work completed must be officially graded by the registrar of that institution and have a cumulative GPA value of 3.0 or higher, excluding ESL curriculum.International applicants who have received a degree from an international post-secondary institution whose language of instruction is English. Official documentation will be required from the institution’s Registrar’s office stating that the medium of instruction for the degree received was English.International applicants who have achieved 510 or higher on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section of the SAT or 24 or higher on the English, Reading, and Composite on the ACT.