B.A. Programs in PhysicsThe Bachelor of Arts Degree in Physics (B.A.) is appropriate for students seeking an in-depth understanding of physics and the natural sciences within the context of a broader education. This curriculum allows the greatest freedom in choosing electives offered by other departments, and is ideal for students wishing to pursue dual degrees, matching physics with another discipline.
A major in physics with this option consists of a minimum of 120 semester hours that fulfill the general degree requirements of the University and that include at least 33 semester hours in physics with an average grade of C or better. The 33 hours of physics must include eight hours in an introductory sequence of either PHYS 1101, 1102, 1101L, and 1102L or PHYS 2101, 2102, 2101L, and 2102L. The remaining 25 hours must include PHYS 1000, PHYS 3101, PHYS 3121, PHYS 3141, PHYS 4231, PHYS 4241, either PHYS 3282 or PHYS 3283, plus six additional hours at the 3000-4000 level. Also required are CHEM 1251, 1251L and MATH 1241, 1242, 2171, 2241, and 2242. PHYS 3000, 3900, 4000, or 4800 may be used to fulfill the 33-semester hour requirement only if approved in advance for this purpose by the Undergraduate Studies Committee. Freshmen should complete MATH 1241 before the beginning of their second year.
Checklist and Sample Schedule for B.A. in Physics
The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Physics with a Secondary Teacher Licensure Option (B.A.) is for students preparing to teach high school physics. Students in this program may work toward becoming a licensed secondary educator while completing their undergraduate degree in physics. The student must (a) fulfill all requirements for the B.A. degree and (b) complete the additional courses required by the College of Education. The student should make arrangements for an advisor in the Department of Middle, Secondary, and K-12 Education and obtain an up-to-date listing and schedule for required education courses. It is possible to complete this option within four years (eight semesters), however very little flexibility is offered to the student who opts to do so. Licensure applications are the responsibility of the student and the Office of Student Academic Services in the College of Education.
B.S. Programs in PhysicsThe Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics (B.S.) is most appropriate for students desiring to pursue physics as a professional career, either immediately in the workplace, or after undertaking graduate study in physics. Students in this program of study receive a thorough education in introductory physics, and complete course requirements in classical mechanics, electromagnetic theory, and modern physics. B.S. students take more courses in physics and complete more rigorous laboratory course requirements than do B.A. students.
A major in physics leading to the B.S. degree consists of at least 45 semester hours of physics with an average of C or better. The 45 hours of physics must include eight hours in an introductory sequence of PHYS 2101, 2102, 2101L, and 2102L. Under special circumstances, and with the approval of the Undergraduate Studies Committee, PHYS 1101, 1102, 1101L, and 1102L may be substituted for the PHYS 2101-2102 sequence. The remaining 37 hours must include PHYS 1000, PHYS 3101, PHYS 3121, PHYS 3141, PHYS 3151, PHYS 3282, PHYS 3283, PHYS 4231, PHYS 4232, PHYS 4241, and at least nine additional hours at the 3000-4000 level. PHYS 3000, 3900, 4000, or 4800 may be used to fulfill the 45-semester hour requirement only if approved in advance for this purpose by the Undergraduate Studies Committee. Also required are CHEM 1251, 1251L, ITCS 1214, MATH 1241, 1242, 2171, 2241, and 2242. Freshmen should complete MATH 1241 before the beginning of their second year. Students planning for graduate study in physics are strongly advised to take PHYS 4242 as part of their 3000-4000 level elective hours.
Checklist and Sample Schedule for B.S. in Physics
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics with a Concentration in Astrophysics (B.S.) is appropriate for those students who wish to receive a rigorous general education in physics complemented with coursework and research in astrophysics. Students who choose to undertake this degree will be required to complete specific courses in addition to those in the traditional branches of physics that will broaden their understanding in the areas of astronomy, cosmology, stellar and galactic evolution, and quantum mechanics. This curriculum is ideal for students who wish to pursue careers and/or graduate study within the diverse discipline of astrophysics.
A major in physics leading to the B.S. degree with a concentration in astrophysics option consists of at least 45 semester hours of physics with an average of C or better. The 45 hours of physics must include eight hours in an introductory sequence of PHYS 2101, 2102, 2101L, and 2102L. Under special circumstances, and with the approval of the Undergraduate Studies Committee, PHYS 1101, 1102, 1101L, and 1102L may be substituted for the PHYS 2101-2102 sequence. The remaining 37 hours must include PHYS 1000, PHYS 3101, PHYS 3121, PHYS 3141, PHYS 3151, PHYS 3160, PHYS 3161, PHYS 3282, PHYS 3283, PHYS 4231, PHYS 4241, PHYS 4242, and at least three additional hours at the 3000-4000 level. PHYS 3000, 3900, 4000, or 4800 may be used to fulfill the 45-semester hour requirement only if approved in advance for this purpose by the Undergraduate Studies Committee. Also required are CHEM 1251, 1251L, ITCS 1214, MATH 1241, 1242, 2171, 2241, and 2242. Freshmen should complete MATH 1241 before the beginning of their second year.
Checklist and Sample Schedule for B.S. in Physics with a Concentration in Astrophysics
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics with a Concentration in Optical Science (B.S.) is appropriate for those students who wish to receive a rigorous general education in physics complemented with coursework and research in optical science. Students who choose to undertake this degree will be required to complete specific courses in addition to those in the traditional branches of physics that will broaden their understanding in the areas of waves and optics, electrodynamics, and modern optics. This curriculum is ideal for students who wish to pursue careers and/or graduate study within the diverse discipline of optical science.
A major in physics leading to the B.S. degree with a concentration in optical science consists of at least 45 semester hours of physics and engineering with an average of C or better. The 45 hours must include eight hours in an introductory sequence of PHYS 2101, 2102, 2101L, and 2102L. Under special circumstances, and with the approval of the Undergraduate Studies Committee, PHYS 1101, 1102, 1101L, and 1102L may be substituted for the PHYS 2101-2102 sequence. The remaining 37 hours must include PHYS 1000, PHYS 3101, PHYS 3121, PHYS 3141, PHYS 3282, PHYS 4231, PHYS 4232, PHYS 4241, PHYS 4271, PHYS 4281, at least six additional hours at the 3000-4000 level, and ECGR 4125. Also required are CHEM 1251, 1251L, ITCS 1214, MATH 1241, 1242, 2171, 2241, and 2242. PHYS 3000, 3900, 4000, or 4800 may be used to fulfill the 45-semester hour requirement only if approved in advance for this purpose by the Undergraduate Studies Committee. Freshmen should complete MATH 1241 before the beginning of their second year. Checklist and Sample Schedule for B.S. in Physics with a Concentration in Optical Science
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics with a Secondary Teacher Licensure Option (B.S.) is for students preparing to teach high school physics. Students in this program may work toward becoming a licensed secondary educator while completing their undergraduate degree in physics. The student must (a) fulfill all requirements for the B.S. degree and (b) complete the additional courses required by the College of Education. The student should make arrangements for an advisor in the Department of Middle, Secondary, and K-12 Education and obtain an up-to-date listing and schedule for required education courses. It is generally not possible to complete this option within four years (eight semesters), however the student may elect to attend summer sessions, schedule permitting. Licensure applications are the responsibility of the student and the Office of Student Academic Services in the College of Education.
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Undergraduate Programs 
