Physics, BS

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Programs for physics majors vary with the student’s goals and interests. The recommended curriculum for the student preparing for graduate study in physics or employment as a professional physicist is detailed below. Students interested in both physics and engineering may wish to consider the Physics/Engineering Dual Degree Concentration or engineering physics programs described on the department’s page.

Recommended Curriculum for Majors in Physics

During the summer prior to beginning the program outlined below, students unprepared for MATH 2313 are encouraged to enroll for preparatory mathematics courses equivalent to MATH 1316 , MATH 1314 and MATH 1318 . Students who cannot obtain the preparatory mathematics before beginning this program may, in consultation with physics faculty members, work out an alternate plan that leads to the BS with a major in physics.

Students majoring in physics regularly minor in mathematics. Many elect to pursue an additional major in mathematics. The following recommended curriculum includes courses meeting the requirements for a major in physics and a minor in mathematics. To obtain an additional major in mathematics, students should take additional mathematics courses in place of electives to meet the requirements listed in the Mathematics, Major .

University Core Curriculum Requirements

A. Communication

Three hours from:

B. Mathematics

Three hours from:

MATH 2313 - Calculus I

C. Life and Physical Science

Six hours from:

D. Language, Philosophy and Culture

Three hours from:

E. Creative Arts

Three hours from:

F. American History

Six hours from:

G. Government/Political Science

Six hours from:

H. Social and Behavioral Science

Three hours from:

I. Component Area Option

Three hours from:

ENGL 1302 - Research and Argument

Three hours from:

Foundation of Knowledge

Required Courses

Core Labs

Preparatory Coursework

The following course is required prior to enrollment in a major course:

PHYS 1308 - Introduction to Engineering/Physics

Additional Preparatory Coursework

The following preparatory courses are required for the Physics/Engineering Dual Degree Concentration:

Physics Major

The Physics, Major will consist of a 20-21 hour core and may be taken with or with out one of the following concentrations:

Applied Physics
Physics/Engineering Dual Degree

Minor

A minor of 18 to 24 semester hours in a single discipline is required. At least six hours in the minor must be in advanced-level courses at SFA. Physics majors may choose the mathematics minor.

General Electives

The student may be required to complete additional elective hours to complete the degree.

Total hours: 120

Grade Requirements

A grade of at least C in each first-year English course (ENGL 1301 , ENGL 1302 )
A C average in work completed in the major field
A C average in work completed in the minor field

The required averages are based on those SFA courses taken in each category that are included in the student’s official degree plan (CAPP). Transfer and advanced placement coursework are not included in GPA calculations.

In-Residence Requirement

Undergraduate Degree Programs

Undergraduate degrees require at least 25% semester credit hours completed in-residence.

Undergraduate degrees with 120 hours total degree program hours require a minimum of 30 advanced (upper level) in-residence semester credit hours. The in-residence hour requirement will be fulfilled as part of the individual discipline major, which includes as least 12 advanced in-residence semester credit hours. Minor requirements also may contribute to the total in-residence hours as at least six advanced in-residence semester credit hours are required. The balance of in-resident hours will be fulfilled through additional advanced semester credit hours and may include further major and minor coursework.

Undergraduate degrees with more than 120 total degree program hour requirements will ensure semester credit hours for the specific discipline include at least 25% of total semester credit hours in-residence.

View the In-Residence Requirement, Policy 6.15.