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

Option 1 - General Physics (51 Credit Hours)

Core requirements plus:

PHY 300 - Analog Circuits
PHY 321 - Classical Dynamics I
PHY 336 - Modern Physics II
Plus six hours of physics course electives at the 300-400 level.

Option 2 - Environmental Physics (50 Credit Hours)

Core requirements plus:

GGY 321 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
EVS 195 - Introduction to Environmental Sciences
EVSL 195 - Environmental Sciences Lab
PHY 475 - Physical Oceanography
Plus six hours of electives at the 300-400 level in either physics, environmental sciences, engineering, or mathematics.

Option 3 - Physical Oceanography (62 Credit Hours)

Core requirements plus:

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

Option 4 - Engineering Physics (50 Credit Hours)

Core requirements plus:

PHY 300 - Analog Circuits
PHY 414 - Engineering Physics I
PHY 470 - Data Analysis
Plus six hours of electives at the 300-400 level in either Physics, Engineering or Mathematics.

Option 5 - Computational Physics (47 Credit Hours)

Core requirements plus:

PHY 314 - Introduction to Computational Physics
PHY 470 - Data Analysis
Plus nine hours of electives at the 300-400 level in either physics, computer science, engineering, chemistry, statistics, or mathematics.

Total Credit Hours: 47 - 62

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.