Physical Science
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The Department of Physics and Physical Science offers an undergraduate curriculum leading to a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in physics, a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with a major in physics, and a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in physical science. The B.S. in physics is designed for those students who expect to enter one of the various fields of research or development in government or in private industry. The curriculum, in addition, serves those students who are interested in continuing into graduate study and those preparing to teach at all levels. The Physics Department cooperates with other disciplines to offer options in biology-physics, geology-physics, oceanography-physics and engineeringphysics.
The B.S. in physical science is a liberal arts degree program with emphasis in the sciences. Five departments offer introductory material. For upper division (junior and senior) requirements there is considerable flexibility, allowing pursuit of topics of interest within the sciences.
The adjacent list of career possibilities shows the enormous flexibility of a physics degree. It is good preparation for a very broad range of occupations. Keep in mind, however, that a major factor influencing employability is preparation. How well a student researches job alternatives, gains additional educational and experiential background to qualify for areas of increasing employability, and goes about applying for these position openings, have pronounced influences on employability. In general, the physics student with additional skills or a highly specialized emphasis has special advantages in the job market. Students also have a strong chance of increasing employability by strengthening their skills with additional course work from related disciplines, such as geology, oceanography, statistics, computer technology and mathematics.
The physics student should develop: a basic interest in natural phenomena; a good memory, imagination, inquisitive nature; higher mathematical skills; the ability to concentrate for sustained periods and the patience to repeat an experiment; the ability to observe facts and draw logical conclusions; a mild distrust of conventional assumptions.
Degrees Offered
BS, Minor