Physics Major, B.A., B.S.
B.A. and B.S. degrees
Admission Requirements, Retention & Termination Standards
Several MTH courses are required as prerequisites for the physics courses listed below. Prospective majors are urged to begin their study of mathematics in the fall of the freshman year with MTH 132 (or MTH 130, if necessary), and to consult with a departmental advisor as soon as possible for help in scheduling additional MTH courses.
No more than 5 semester hours of credit taken on a credit/no credit basis may be counted toward the physics major or minor. Since the department permits credit/no credit registration only for beginning physics courses, the restriction refers specifically to PHY 145QR and 175.
Although not recommended, the following course substitutions can be allowed for a student who successfully completes PHY 247:
- PHY 130QR in place of 145QR,
- 131 for 146,
- 170 for 175,
- 171 for 176.
Transfer students from two-year colleges can complete a major in physics in two additional years if they have satisfactorily completed a one-year course in calculus and a one year course in general physics (preferably utilizing calculus). Transfer students should consult the chairperson of this department at their earliest opportunity, and in any case, prior to initial registration.
Program Requirements
Core Courses (35 hours)
| PHY 145QR | University Physics I | 4(4-0) |
| PHY 146 | University Physics II | 4(4-0) |
| PHY 175 | University Physics Laboratory I | 1(0-2) |
| PHY 176 | University Physics Laboratory II | 1(0-2) |
| PHY 247QR | Introduction to Modern Physics | 3(3-0) |
| PHY 277 | University Physics Laboratory III | 1(0-3) |
| PHY 312 | Introduction to Mathematical Physics | 3(3-0) |
| PHY 322 | Intermediate Mechanics | 3(3-0) |
| PHY 332 | Electricity and Magnetism | 3(3-0) |
| PHY 442 | Introductory Quantum Theory | 4(4-0) |
| PHY 450 | Thermal Physics | 3(3-0) |
| PHY 491WI | Senior Physics Project | 3(Spec) |
| PHY 578 | Experimental Physics | 2(0-6) |
Electives (3 hours)
With the approval of an advisor, select courses having as prerequisite a course in the required major sequence.
Cognate Courses (0-15 hours)
Mathematics Prerequisites
Total: 38-53 semester hours