Physics (BA)

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Physics provides candidates with a background in various disciplines within Physics while allowing flexibility in credits to take a minor or a second major. This program offers both lecture and laboratory experiences designed to prepare students for a wide variety of career options in the STEM field. Students will also have the opportunity to conduct hands-on research with one of our Physics faculty.

Course Requirement Definitions:
Elective Requirement: Additional courses necessary to earn enough credits for a degree outside of Major and STAGE requirements.
First Year Seminar (FYS): Introductory course to the academic experience, emphasizing the skills necessary for academic success.
Major Requirement: Courses are core to this major and are subject matter-specific.
Stage Requirement: Courses are part of our STAGE General Education program, and must be taken to earn a degree. Learn more here>

---

Fall One – first year

Course Code	Course Name	Credits
PHY 201 & 211	General Physics I & Lab Major Requirement	4 CR
MATH 201	Calculus I Major Requirement	4 CR
WRT 101	Academic Writing I Stage Requirement	3 CR
FYS 101	First Year Seminar Stage Requirement	3 CR
STAC 101	Elective Requirement	1 CR
		15 FALL CREDITS

Spring One – first year

Course Code	Course Name	Credits
PHY 202 & 212	General Physics II & Lab Major Requirement	4 CR
MATH 202	Calculus II Major Requirement	4 CR
WRT 102	Academic Writing II Stage Requirement	3 CR
Breadth & Proficiency 1	Stage Requirement	3 CR
STAC 102	Elective Requirement	1 CR
		15 SPRING CREDITS

Fall Two – sophomore

Course Code	Course Name	Credits
PHY 303	Statics Major Requirement	3 CR
MATH 301	Calculus III Major Requirement	4 CR
CHEM 171 & 173	General Chemistry I & Lab Stage Requirement	4 CR
Breadth & Proficiency 2	Stage Requirement	3 CR
STAC 201	Elective Requirement	1 CR
		15 FALL CREDITS

Spring Two – sophomore

Course Code	Course Name	Credits
PHY 304	Dynamics Major Requirement	3 CR
MATH 303	Differential Equations Major Requirement	3 CR
CHEM 172 & 174	General Chemistry II & Lab Major Requirement	4 CR
Free Elective 1	Elective Requirement	3 CR
Breadth & Proficiency 3	Stage Requirement	3 CR
		16 SPRING CREDITS

Fall Three – junior

Course Code	Course Name	Credits
PHY 301	Atomic & Nuclear Physics Major Requirement	3 CR
ASTR 101	Modern Mysteries of Astronomy Major Requirement	3 CR
BIO 171 & 173	General Biology I & Lab Major Requirement	4 CR
Breadth & Proficiency 4	Stage Requirement	3 CR
Breadth & Proficiency 5	Stage Requirement	3 CR
		16 FALL CREDITS

Spring Three – junior

Course Code	Course Name	Credits
PHY 306	Electricity & Magnetism Major Requirement	4 CR
BIO 172 & 174	General Biology II & Lab Major Requirement	4 CR
Free Elective 2	Stage Requirement	3 CR
Free Elective 3	Elective Requirement	3 CR
Gateway 1	Stage Requirement	3 CR
		17 SPRING CREDITS

Fall Four – senior

Course Code	Course Name	Credits
PHY Elective 1	Physics Elective Major Requirement	3-4 CR
PHY Elective 2	Physics Elective Major Requirement	3-4 CR
Gateway 2	Stage Requirement	3 CR
Free Elective 4	Elective Requirement	3 CR
Free Elective 5	Elective Requirement	3 CR
		15-17 FALL CREDITS

Spring Four – senior

Course Code	Course Name	Credits
PHY Elective 3	Physics Elective Major Requirement	3-4 CR
Free Elective 6	Elective Requirement	3 CR
Free Elective 7	Elective Requirement	3 CR
Free Elective 8	Elective Requirement	3 CR
Gateway 3	Stage Requirement	3 CR
		15-16 SPRING CREDITS