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    Nov 28, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Physics, BA


A Bachelor of Arts with a major in physics gives you the strong math, problem solving and analytical skills needed to study the structure and interaction of matter and energy — the way things work.


The BA with a major in physics is designed for students planning to teach physics in public school, taking a double major or desiring a liberal arts education with a science concentration.

Degree requirements

Hours required and general/college requirements


A minimum of 120 semester hours, of which 36 must be advanced, and fulfillment of degree requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree as specified in the University Core Curriculum  in the Academics  section of this catalog and the College of Science degree requirements .

Minor


Optional.

Electives


Hours required for electives may vary based on course selection and the University Core Curriculum requirements . Electives may be required to satisfy the advanced hour requirement (36) and/or the minimum total hours required for the degree. For specific information, see an academic advisor in the College of Science.

Other requirements


Substitutions in the BA or BS degree programs may be made only with the written consent of the department chair. A minimum grade point average of 2.5 in all advanced-level science and mathematics courses is required for graduation with a degree in physics.

Four-year degree plan (example)


The following four-year plan is one example of a variety of ways in which you can complete your chosen degree in four years, and will serve as a guide for you to design your pathway to degree completion. Variations will depend on whether you need to take prerequisites or have college credit from exams or dual enrollment.

Year 1

Semester 1 Semester 2
CHEM 1410 - General Chemistry for Science Majors   3 hours    CHEM 1420 - General Chemistry for Science Majors   3 hours   
CHEM 1430 - Laboratory Sequence for General Chemistry   1 hour     CHEM 1440 - Laboratory Sequence for General Chemistry   1 hour   
MATH 1710 - Calculus I   4 hours    MATH 1720 - Calculus II   3 hours   
Communication core   3 hours Communication core   3 hours
Social and Behavioral Sciences core   3 hours Physics Foundation Course & Lab 4 hours
    Elective 1 hour
Total 14 hours Total 15 hours

 

Year 2

Semester 1 Semester 2
MATH 2730 - Multivariable Calculus   3 hours    PHYS 3010 - Modern Physics   3 hours   
Government/Political Science core   3 hours  PHYS 3030 - Laboratory in Modern Physics   1 hour   
College of Science Breadth Requirement 3 hours Creative Arts core   3 hours
Physics Foundations Seq 2 Course & Lab 4 hours  Government/Political Science core   3 hours 
Elective 2 hours College of Science Breadth Requirement 3 hours 
    Elective 3 hours
Total 15 hours Total 16 hours

 

Year 3

Semester 1 Semester 2
American History core   3 hours American History core   3 hours
Language, Philosophy and Culture core   3 hours Advanced PHYS Elective (BA) 3 hours
Advanced PHYS Elective (BA) 3 hours Advanced PHYS Elective (BA) 3 hours
Elective 3 hours  Elective 3 hours 
Elective 3 hours  Elective 3 hours 
Total 15 hours Total 15 hours

 

Year 4

Semester 1 Semester 2
College of Science Breadth Requirement 3 hours College of Science Breadth Requirement 3 hours
Advanced PHYS Elective (BA) 3 hours Advanced PHYS Elective (BA) 3 hours
Elective - advanced 3 hours  Elective- advanced 3 hours 
Elective - advanced 3 hours  Elective- advanced 3 hours 
Elective - advanced 3 hours  Elective- advanced 3 hours 
Total 15 hours  Total 15 hours