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Two degree options are offered for students majoring in physics: the Bachelor of Science (B.S.), requiring a minimum of 126 credits, and the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), requiring a minimum of 120 credits.

Common requirements for all degrees

Besides specific physics coursework indicated below by program, the following are required for all physics degrees:

All with grade of C or better. Track completion required.

Tracks (choose one):

• PHYS 404 Solid State Physics (3 credits)
• PHYS 405 Gravitational Astrophysics (3 credits)
• PHYS 475 Advanced Quantum Mechanics (3 credits)
• PHYS 482W Particle Physics (3 credits)
• PHYS 485 Relativity (3 credits)
• PHYS 491 Introductory Materials Science (3 credits)
• PHYS 502 Advanced Optical Theory and Devices (3 credits)
• PHYS 508 Computational Physics (3 credits)
• PHYS 532 Data Acquisition and Control (3 credits)
• At least two semesters of research and PHYS 407 GRE Prepare strongly recommended, though not required.

• BLAW 251 Business Law (3 credits)
  MGMT 261 Management and Organizational Behavior (3 credits)
  ENTR 375 Entrepreneurship (3 credits)
• A professional internship is recommended. A certificate in entrepreneurship is accessible from the School of Business by completing two additional courses.

All the following physics courses with grade of C or better:

The BA is recommended for students with a broader range of interests, particularly those planning to seek professional degrees in medical school, law or education. The BA degree is offered in combination with a second degree in our double-degree programs.

Binary Engineering program

Leading to a BA in physics and a BS in engineering from our partner institutions, this program follows a 3+2 model for students starting at Â鶹ֱ²¥ and transferring to the partner institution after completing all required coursework for the BA degree.  All engineering majors offered at the partner institution are available to this program. Partner institutions include the University of Pittsburgh and Case Western Reserve University.  The average completion time is five years. Full details available in the articulation agreements. 

Physics Teacher programs

There are three options for candidates planning to pursue a career as a high-school physics teacher:

• BSEd Secondary Science - Physics. Students in the School of Education can complete a major in physics through this program. Recommended for candidates who prefer a fast track to physics teaching certification.
• BSEd Secondary Science/BA physics. Students complete the requirements of both degrees in 9 semesters with an accelerated option for qualified candidates to graduate in 8 semesters. Recommended for candidates who favor the strongest physics credentials.
• BA Physics/MAT Secondary Education. An accelerated program in the 4+1 model leading to a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in education. Recommended for candidates who prioritize building physics content in advance of learning pedagogy.

The minor in physics provides a wide spectrum of calculus-based physics content and can be completed with or without laboratory experiences.  Calculus I-II-III are necessary mathematics prerequisites not counted towards the physics minor.

Requirements

• Introductory physics sequence.
• Choose one of the following two options
  • PHYS 211+212 General Analytical Physics 1 and 2 (6 credits) OR
  • PHYS 221 Physics I - Classical Mechanics and PHYS 222 Physics II - Electromagnetism (8 credits)
• PHYS 374 Modern Physics (3 credits)
• Six (6) credits in standard-grade PHYS coursework at level 200 or above. All physics labs are eligible.  Pass/No Pass credits are not eligible.
• Average grade of 2.0 in all the courses counted towards the minor is required. A PHYS course must receive a grade of C or better when serving as the prerequisite for another PHYS course.

Substitutions

• The combination PHYS 201 Physics for the Life Sciences 1 + MATH 115 Calculus I (7 credits) can be used to substitute for PHYS 211 General Analytical Physics 1 (3 credits).
• The combination BMED 201+202 Biomed Electronics and Instrumentation I+II (6 credits) can be used as a substitute for PHYS 332 Electronics (3 credits).