Oct 05, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Physics, B.A.


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Program Description


Degree and major requirements for the B.A. program in physics.

Degree and Major Requirements


Degree RequirementsCredit Hours
General Education  141
Foreign Language classes (intermediate level required) 20-14
Philosophy course (in addition to General Education  courses)3
University electives0-8
Major core requirements 342
Major concentration requirements 3
Total
26
120

Footnotes


1 The General Education  program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. Some credits may be fulfilled by courses required within the major.
2 The foreign language requirement may be satisfied by successful completion of the second semester of the intermediate level (typically 232) of the student’s chosen language or by placing out of that language through the Department of World Languages and Cultures’ placement test.
3 Some of the courses required for the major complete The Natural World   of General Education . PHIL 101  is part of Arts and Humanities  .

Choose one of the following pairs of introductory courses: 6 Credit Hours


Choose one of the following pairs of lab courses: 2 Credit Hours


Physics B.A. Core Requirements Total: 42 Credit Hours


Concentrations


Each student, in consultation with their faculty advisor, will choose one of the following program concentrations:

  • Individual Option
  • Professional

Individual Option Concentration


The individual option is a course of study chosen specifically to match the interest and career plans of the student. This option will allow custom-designed cross disciplinary majors such as the history of physics and physics and the fine arts.

A student electing the individual option must complete the major core requirements of the B.A. in physics and will select a program consisting of a coherent collection of a minimum of 26 additional credits of physics courses numbered above 270, astronomy courses numbered above 301 and courses in related fields. This individualized program must be selected in consultation with a faculty advisor in the department and must be approved by that advisor, the department head and one other faculty member in the department. The student needs to declare this concentration at least 3 semesters prior to graduation.

The individualized program, as approved by the department and accepted by the student, becomes the major requirements for the student.

Students are expected to review progress toward completion of the selected program of study with their faculty advisor.

Professional Concentration, Pre-Medical Preparation Track


Students in this concentration must complete the following courses in addition to core requirements:

Required Courses: 13 Credit Hours


Additional Information


Students are expected to review progress toward completion of the selected program of study with their faculty advisor.

Pre-Medical Preparation Track


Students pursuing the B.A. in physics and astronomy with a professional concentration may complete a track in pre-medical preparation. In addition to degree and General Education  requirements, students complete the following courses.

Recommended Schedule for Majors


Students pursuing the B.A. in physics and astronomy with a professional concentration may complete a track in pre-medical preparation. In addition to degree and General Education  requirements, students complete the following courses.

Fourth Year Courses

  • Two PHYS electives 265 or higher
  • Credits: 0.00 - 1.00
  • Additional courses suggested by the Pre-professional Health program

Program Total: 120 Credit Hours


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