B.A. in Physics
The BA degree provides broad exposure to physics without the rigorous detail offered in the BS degree. BA students are well prepared for careers in science education, technical writing or journalism, or for working in science-related businesses. The physics BA degree is also a popular major for students who plan to enter professional schools such as Business, or Law or whose primary major is in another area such as mathematics or chemistry.
B.A. CURRICULUM
The Physics Academic Program
The BA degree in physics requires 25 hours in physics and must include the following courses:
- 113 or 123
- 114 or 124
- 215
- 230
- 262
- 265
- 266
- The remaining six hours may be satisfied with any other 300-level courses in the department except 301 or 381.
In addition, MTH 205 and MTH 113 are required (both with a grade of C or better). Students may substitute MTH 121 and 251 (both with a grade of C or better) in place of MTH 205 for all purposes. MTH 251 can substitute for MTH 205 for the MTH requirement for the BA degree, but not for specific course pre- or co-requirements, unless already specified in the course description. A grade of C or better must be earned in whichever course(s) are taken for the MTH requirement.
Students may also substitute CHM 341 in place of PHY 341 and those hours will count towards the 25 hours in physics.
At least one course in computer science is strongly recommended for all majors. We recommend CSC 102 for all majors unless they are interested in pursuing computer science more formally, in which case we recommend CSC 111.
| Year | Fall | Spring | ||
| Course | Hours | Course | Hours | |
| Freshman | General Phy 123* or 113 Calculus MTH 111 | 4 4 | General Phy 124* or 114 Calculus MTH 112 | 4 4 |
| Sophomore | Elem Mod Phy 215 Intermediate Lab 265 Lin alg & Diff Eqn MTH 205 | 3 1 4 | Mechanics 262 Intermediate Lab 266 Electronics 230 Multivariable MTH 113 | 3 1 3 4 |
| Junior | Physics Seminar 301** | 0.5 | Physics Seminar 301** | 0.5 |
| Senior | 300 Level Elective Physics Seminar 301** | 3 0.5 | 300 Level Elective Physics Seminar 301** | 3 0.5 |
| Fall | Spring | |||
| Year | Course | Hours | Course | Hours |
| Sophomore | General Phy 123* or 113 Calculus MTH 111 | 4 4 | General Phy 124* or 114 Calculus MTH 112 | 4 4 |
| Junior | Elem Mod Phy 215 Intermediate Lab 265 Lin alg & Diff Eqn MTH 205 Physics Seminar 301** | 3 1 4 0.5 | Mechanics 262 Intermediate Lab 266 Electronics 230 Multivariable MTH 113 Physics Seminar 301** | 3 1 3 4 0.5 |
| Senior | 300 Level Elective Physics Seminar 301** | 3 0.5 | 300 Level Elective Physics Seminar 301** | 3 0.5 |
*Phy 123 and 124 are recommended for physics majors.
**Physics Seminar is encouraged, but not required.
OPPORTUNITIES
Our Student Experience
Join a Research Group
Society of Physics Students
