Physics Major, BA

Physics Program Learner Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge base of the major areas of physics and related disciplines;
• perform experimental, computational, and analytical techniques in solving physics and physics-related problems;
• apply content knowledge and skills from physics and related disciplines in a mentored undergraduate research project;
• communicate scientific ideas effectively; and
• promote scientific literacy to the broader community.

Teaching Endorsement Requirements:

This major satisfies the criteria for an endorsement in physics and qualifies students to teach physics at the high school, middle, or junior high levels. Students taking this major for endorsement are required to take the STEM Teaching Program. See the physics teaching advisor as early as possible to develop a graduation plan. Students completing this program are required to demonstrate proficiency of student learning outcomes through a program portfolio prior to student teaching. In addition to the above requirements, students must pass the NES exam for physics to receive a physics endorsement. Students should seriously consider working toward endorsement in a second area, such as biology, chemistry, earth science, middle-level science, middle-level mathematics, secondary mathematics or science.

Required Courses Credits: 30

• MATH 265 - Linear Algebra I Credits: (4)
• PHYS 289 - How to Succeed as a Physics Major Credits: (1)
• PHYS 317 - Modern Physics I Credits: (4)
• PHYS 318 - Modern Physics II Credits: (4)
• PHYS 331 - Laboratory Practices and Techniques Credits: (3)
• PHYS 333 - Experimental Physics I Credits: (3)
• PHYS 361 - Computational Physics Credits: (4)
• PHYS 363 - Optics Credits: (4)
• PHYS 489 - Senior Assessment Credits: (1)
• PHYS 495 - Undergraduate Research Credits: (1-2) (Must be taken for 2 credits)

Department-Approved Electives Credits: 8

• At least four credits must be from the physics department at the 200-level or above. The rest of the credits may be from any department, including physics, at the 300-level or above. Courses must be approved by the department chair and advisor.

Total Credits: 83

(If applicable) STEM Teaching Program Credits: 48

STEM Teaching Program, BA  

(If applicable) Total Credits: 131

College and Department Information

Physics Department  
College of the Sciences