Undergraduate Degree Programs

We offer degrees in Physics, Astronomy, and Physics Plus. Our students have gone on to many kinds of challenging and successful careers. See the career paths of alumni.

    * Physics B.S. course checklist    A typical course sequence

    * Physics B.A. course checklist 

    * Physics PLUS B.S. course checklist

    * Physics/Physics Education B.A. course checklist

    * Astronomy B.S. course checklist    A typical course sequence

B.A. in Physics

This degree program provides a pathway for more students to major in physics, as a second major to physical chemistry, mathematics, and engineering, for example. Students planning to attend graduate school in physics or astronomy or planning a primary career in physics or the physical sciences should choose the B.S. degree instead.

B.S. Physics PLUS

Students preparing for technical careers may select this curriculum, which enables students to concentrate in physics and a coherent selection of 27 hours in an elected technical area. Examples of an elected technical area are mathematics; engineering; biology; chemistry; computer science; geophysics; atmospheric science; economics; business; technical writing.

B.S. in Astronomy & Astrophysics

Students wishing to pursue careers related to astronomy/astrophysics should complete a B.S. in Astronomy.

B.A. in Physics & Physics Education (Concurrent major)

Students wishing to teach physics at the secondary level can opt for a concurrent degree in both physics and physics education.

Program Goals: The undergraduate program exists to produce well-trained scientists who are competitive for jobs in the technical sector and for admission to graduate study.

Outcome 1 : Conceptual and analytical understanding of the 4 major areas of physics: Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism, Quantum Mechanics, and Statistical Physics

Outcome 2. Understanding of scientific reasoning, i.e., the roles of theory, hypothesis, and experiment in the scientific method.

Outcome 3: Demonstration of a working knowledge of laboratory & programming skills as they relate to gathering data and comparing data to the predictions of theoretical models.

Outcome 4: Ability to clearly communicate the results of scientific analysis in written and oral form.