Major Requirements

A physics degree opens up a rich diversity of options to the graduating student. Approximately one-half of physics graduates go on to graduate school. Those not going on to graduate school enter employment in physics or such related fields as optics, electronics, computers, engineering, or as teachers.

Students must achieve a grade-point average of at least 2.0 in physics and mathematics courses. When a course has an associated laboratory, the student must take both the lecture course and the laboratory concurrently, unless prior permission has been obtained from the department chairperson. Students should be aware that certain 300- and 400-level courses may be offered only in alternate years. Evening students should consult with the department as to the scheduling of courses.

Students seeking teacher certification in physics must complete the requirements for the major in physics as well as satisfying other requirements for certification. For details regarding admission to the teacher education program and its requirements, students should consult the education department.

The requirements for the first two years of the Physics major are almost identical to those of the pre-engineering program (005), giving the student three options during the first two years. The required courses are:

First Year

Sophomore Year

Students may also enroll in 50:640:250 Linear Algebra; 50:198:151 can be substituted for 50:198:111,112.

Junior Year

Senior Year

50:750:406 Introduction to Solid-State Physics may be substituted for 50:750:309.