Physics
Major
Physics is a fundamental science, with a goal of determining the laws of nature that underlie the phenomena we observe in the universe, and explaining all of nature in terms of few, very general laws. A degree in physics is a good background for a wide range of fields such as medicine, business, engineering, and computer science. In the Bachelor of Science in Physics program, interdisciplinary study options are available in biophysics, geophysics, and computer physics. Students interested in teaching physics at the secondary school level should pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in physics education.
- All students are involved in a research project during their senior year and may work in research labs as sophomores and juniors. Recent research projects have included: solid state physics, atomic and molecular spectroscopy, medical physics, and geophysics.
| Bachelor of Science in Physics - Suggested Curriculum |
Freshman
·Comp I&II
·Submicroscopic Chemistry
·Macroscopic Chemistry
·Calculus I, II, III
·History Course
·FORTRAN Programming
·Quantitative Chemistry |
Sophomore·General Physics I, II, III
·Calculus IV
·Differential Equations
·Matrix Algebra
·Two Human Behavior Courses
·Non-Western World Course
·Human Expression Course |
Junior
·Intro to Modern Physics
·Physics Instrumentation Laboratory I&II
·Partial Differential Equations
·Analytical Mechanics I&II
·Applied Optics
·Complex Variables
·Thermodynamics
·General Electives |
Senior
·Electricity & Magnetism I, II, III
·Quantum Mechanics
·Solid State Physics
·Nuclear Physics
·Senior Project
·General Electives |
Fast Facts:
Average starting salaries for professionals with bachelor's degree in a science- or mathematics-related field: biological sciences $28,066; chemistry $36,823; environmental studies $28,236; geology $35,687; mathematics $41,295; and physics $39,872. (Source: Salary Survey Summer 2000 The National Association of Colleges and Employers)
Discover what some of WSU's alumni are doing with a degree in:
Physics - research physicist, professor
Physics Education
Physics Education is designed for students who wish to teach Physical Sciences in Ohio public high schools. Students may complete a Bachelor of Arts in Earth Sciences/Physics, Life Sciences/Physics, or Physical Sciences. Upon completion of the bachelor's degree, students need to obtain master's degree through the College of Education and Human Services to be eligible for licensure in the State of Ohio. |
