Physics, B.A.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics is appropriate for students seeking an in-depth understanding of physics within the context of a broader education. With multiple options, this curriculum allows freedom to choose a specific area of interest while offering freedom to choose electives offered by other departments. It is ideal for students wishing to pursue double majors, matching physics with another discipline.

Oral Communication Requirement:

To satisfy the oral communication requirement for the B.A. or B.S. degree in Physics a student must successfully complete PHY 495 or any other approved oral intensive course (see list here).

Applied Learning Requirement:

To satisfy the applied learning requirement for the B.A. or B.S. degree in Physics a student must successfully complete one of the following: directed individual study in any scientific discipline; departmental honors in any science department; PHY 493 , PHY 495 .

Requirements for a Major in Physics for the B.A. Degree:

PHY 201 - General Physics I Credit Hours: 4
PHY 202 - General Physics II Credit Hours: 4
PHY 335 - Modern Physics I Credit Hours: 3
CHM 101 - General Chemistry I Credit Hours: 3
CHML 101 - General Chemistry Laboratory I Credit Hours: 1
CHM 102 - General Chemistry II Credit Hours: 3
CHML 102 - General Chemistry Laboratory II Credit Hours: 1
MAT 161 - Calculus with Analytical Geometry I Credit Hours: 4
MAT 162 - Calculus with Analytical Geometry II Credit Hours: 4
MAT 261 - Multivariate Calculus Credit Hours: 4
PHY 495 - Physics Seminar Credit Hours: 3

Option 1 - General Physics

Core requirements plus:

PHY 225 - Electronics Credit Hours: 3
PHY 260 - Introduction to Astronomy Credit Hours: 3
PHY 321 - Classical Dynamics I Credit Hours: 4
Plus six hours of physics course electives at the 300-400 level.

Total: 50 hours

Option 2 - Environmental Physics

Core requirements plus:

PHY 107 - Introduction to Climate Physics Credit Hours: 0 To 4
GGY 321 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Credit Hours: 3
EVS 195 - Introduction to Environmental Sciences Credit Hours: 3
EVSL 195 - Environmental Sciences Lab Credit Hours: 1
Plus six hours of electives at the 300-400 level in either physics, environmental sciences, engineering, or mathematics.

Total: 48-51 hours

Option 3 - Physical Oceanography

Core requirements plus:

MAT 335 - Linear Algebra and Matrices Credit Hours: 3
MAT 361 - Differential Equations Credit Hours: 3
PHY 321 - Classical Dynamics I Credit Hours: 4
PHY 350 - Fluid Mechanics Credit Hours: 3
PHY 470 - Data Analysis Credit Hours: 3
PHY 475 - Physical Oceanography Credit Hours: 3
Plus nine hours of electives in physics, math, engineering, oceanography, geology, biology, or chemistry at the 300-400 level.

Total: 62 hours

Option 4 - Engineering Physics

Core requirements plus:

PHY 225 - Electronics Credit Hours: 3
PHY 414 - Engineering Physics I Credit Hours: 3
PHY 417 - Engineering Physics II Credit Hours: 3
Plus six hours of electives at the 300-400 level in either Physics, Engineering or Mathematics.

Total: 49 hours

Option 5 - Computational Physics

Core requirements plus:

PHY 215 - Introduction to Computing in the Physical Sciences Credit Hours: 1
PHY 315 - Computational Physics and Complexity Credit Hours: 3
PHY 470 - Data Analysis Credit Hours: 3
Plus nine hours of electives at the 300-400 level in either physics, computer science, engineering, chemistry, statistics, or mathematics.

Total: 50 hours

Additional Information:

Students must attain a grade point average of “C” (2.00) or better computed over all the courses used to fulfill the requirements of the major and a grade of “C-” or better for each PHY course used to fulfill the requirements of the major.