Undergraduate Degree Options

The Department of Physics now offers majors and minors in astronomy and astrophysics as well as several concentrations in physics in order to prepare students for a broad range of careers in these fields and related disciplines. The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in physics, astronomy, or astrophysics provides a traditional liberal arts education with a solid set of core courses in the subject area. The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in physics, astronomy, or astrophysics provides a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for graduate studies or careers in technology, medicine, education, law, finance, industry, and other professions. Interdisciplinary studies are encouraged, and special concentrations are available for physics majors interested in computational physics or pre-health care. All majors and minors are strongly encouraged to attend Physics Colloquium and become involved in undergraduate research. A highly personalized education is provided by professors who are dedicated to undergraduate education with small classes and state-of-the-art laboratories.

B.A. Degree

Requirements for a Major in Physics

Thirty-two semester hours including:

A. PHY 1420, 1430, 2135, 2350, 2360, 3175, 3176, 3320, 3330, 3372, and 4001.

B. Six semester hours from PHY 3373, 4322, 4340, 4360, 4372, 4373, or 4374.

Required courses in other fields:

Courses selected must apply to a major in these fields.

A. Chemistry, three semester hours.

B. Computer Science, three semester hours.

C. MTH 1321, 1322, 2311, 2321, 3325, and 3326.

Requirements for a Major in Astronomy

Thirty-five semester hours including:

PHY 1420, 1430, 2350, 2360, 2455, 3320, 3350, 3455, 4150, 4350, 4351, and 4001.

Required courses in other fields:

Courses selected must apply to a major in these fields.

A. Chemistry, three semester hours.

B. Computer Science, three semester hours.

C. MTH 1321, 1322, 2311, 2321, 3325, and 3326.

Requirements for a Major in Astrophysics

Thirty-six semester hours including:

PHY 1420, 1430, 2350, 2360, 2455, 3320, 3330, 3350, 3372, 4350, 4351, and 4001.

Required courses in other fields:

Courses selected must apply to a major in these fields.

A. Chemistry, three semester hours.

B. Computer Science, three semester hours.

C. MTH 1321, 1322, 2311, 2321, 3325, and 3326.

B.S. Degree

Requirements for a Major in Physics

Forty-three semester hours including:

A. PHY 1420, 1430, 2135, 2350, 2360, 3175, 3176, 3320, 3330, 3372, 3373, 4195, 4196, 4322, 4340, and 4001.

B. Six semester hours from PHY 4372, 4373, and 4374.

Required courses in other fields:

Courses selected must apply to a major in these fields.

A. Chemistry, three semester hours.

B. Computer Science, three semester hours.

C. MTH 1321, 1322, 2311, 2321, 3325, and 3326.

D. Nine hours from the following: biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics, or statistics.

Requirements for a Major in Physics (Computational Physics Concentration)

Thirty-six semester hours including:

PHY 1420, 1430, 2135, 2350, 2360, 3175, 3320, 3330, 3372, 3373, 4195, 4196, 4340, 4360, and 4001.

Required courses in other fields:

Courses selected must apply to a major in these fields.

A. CSI 1430, 1440, 2334, 2350, and 3324.

B. MTH 1321, 1322, 2311, 2321, 3325, and 3326.

C. Nine hours of physics or computer science courses at the "3000" or "4000" level.

Requirements for a Major in Physics (Pre-Health Care Concentration)

Thirty-three semester hours including:

PHY 1420, 1430, 2135, 2350, 2360, 3175, 3320, 3330, 3372, 3373, 4195, 4196, 4340, and 4001.

Required courses in other fields:

Courses selected must apply to a major in these fields.

A. BIO 1305-1105, 1306-1106, and six semester hours at the "3000" or "4000" level.

B. CHE 1301, 1302, 1316, 3331, 3332, and 3238.

C. Computer science, three semester hours.

D. MTH 1321, 1322, 2311, 2321, 3325, and 3326.

This concentration is designed for students with an interest in medicine, dentistry, or other health related professions, and it satisfies the medical/dental preprofessional program requirements.

Requirements for a Major in Astronomy

Forty-three semester hours including:

A. PHY 1420, 1430, 2350, 2360, 2455, 3320, 3350, 3455, 4150, 4195, 4196, 4350, 4351, and 4001.

B. Six semester hours of PHY "3000" or "4000" level courses

Required courses in other fields:

Courses selected must apply to a major in these fields.

A. Chemistry, three semester hours.

B. Computer Science, three semester hours.

C. MTH 1321, 1322, 2311, 2321, 3325, and 3326.

D. Nine hours from the following: biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics, or statistics.

Requirements for a Major in Astrophysics

Forty-four semester hours including:

A. PHY 1420, 1430, 2350, 2360, 2455, 3320, 3330, 3350, 3372, 3373, 4195, 4196, 4340, 4350, 4351, and 4001.

B. Three semester hours of PHY "4000" level courses

Required courses in other fields:

Courses selected must apply to a major in these fields.

A. Chemistry, three semester hours.

B. Computer Science, three semester hours.

C. MTH 1321, 1322, 2311, 2321, 3325, and 3326.

D. Nine semester hours from the following: biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics, or statistics.

Requirements for a Minor in Physics

Twenty semester hours including: