Apply
College of Arts and Sciences

BA in Physics

At a Glance

Our program gives you a strong scientific background and analytical and problem-solving skills to pursue a variety of related careers. You customize your degree by choosing electives that help you explore your career options.

Full Time
Rolling Admission

Degrees Offered

Total Credits

Bachelor of Arts

50-51

Minor

21-24

Overview

Our Bachelor of Arts in Physics is the perfect choice if you want to study physics but are not necessarily intending to become a physicist. The program gives you a strong scientific background and analytical and problem-solving skills to pursue a variety of related careers. You customize your degree by choosing electives that help you explore your career options.

About the Major

arts-sciences

 

The Bachelor of Arts in Physics includes a concentration in physics with requirements in mathematics and chemistry, along with a broad range of required and elective courses in the arts and sciences. The required courses may be combined with courses in education to complete certification for teaching in the public schools.

Degree Requirements

You must complete 50-51 credits that include a combination of physics, mathematics, chemistry, and computer science courses. 

For more information, and to see a complete list of degree requirements, visit the Course Catalog.

Among the required courses are:

  • Calculus-Based Physics I and  II
  • Modern Physics I and II
  • College Chemistry
  • Calculus
  • Fundamentals of Computing

For more information, and to see a complete list of degree requirements, visit the Course Catalog.

10 additional credits of upper-level (200 and above) physics courses

One upper-level (200 level or above) mathematics course.

For more information, and to see a complete list of degree requirements, visit the Course Catalog.

The minor in physics requires a total of 21 to 24 credits:

  • Calculus-Based Physics I
  • Calculus-Based Physics II  
  • Calculus-Based Physics III  
  • Three upper-level (200 and above) physics courses  

For more information, and to see a complete list of minor requirements, visit the Course Catalog.

Bachelor of Arts in Physics students will demonstrate:

  • Knowledge of the body of natural laws through which much of the behavior of the physical universe can be understood and predicted;
  • An understanding of the powerful concepts of mathematical analysis necessary for the construction and application of physical theories;
  • Competency in the use of sophisticated and accurate apparatus specifically designed to discover the physical attributes of matter and radiation and their interactions; and
  • The ability to properly interpret data obtained from experimental investigations and mathematical simulations.
Department of Physics
Dana Hall Room 220
860.768.4684
Fax: 860.768.5244

James McDonald

PhD,

Associate Professor of Physics James McDonald teaches a University Interdisciplinary Studies  course, The Martian Way, that examines the mechanics of human space travel to Mars, as well as the physical, psychological, social, environmental, legal issues, that come along with it.  

Part of the idea of studying Mars, says McDonald, is that it is roughly the same age as earth, but smaller.

“Because Mars is smaller, it goes through its life cycle quicker,” he says. “So all that’s happened so far to Mars, without human interaction, will eventually happen to Earth.”

Similar Programs

Physics Students

Physics - BS

Our program provides a foundation for graduate study, or for employment in physics or a related field. In addition, our curriculum emphasizes analytical and critical thinking which benefit careers in engineering, computer science, business, or law.

Students and Teacher

Mathematics - BA

Our program gives you a strong math foundation, and the ability to choose from a number of mathematics electives to customize your curriculum. It’s a good fit if you are planning to pursue a career in business, education or technology and enjoy math!

Chemistry Student

Chemistry - BA

Our chemistry program is certified to meet the standards set by the American Chemical Society, the largest scientific society in the world

Start your UHart journey today. Take the next step.