Apr 23, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
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2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Physics (B.S.)

Program: B.S.
Department of Physics  
College of Science

Kettler Hall 126B ~ 260-481-6306

The Physics program can prepare you for careers in science and industry or teaching. It can also prepare you for graduate study in physics, medical physics, engineering, law, and medicine.  Within the physics program, there are several possible concentrations of study in addition to the “standard” Physics major.  You may also earn a Physics Research Certificate  through participation in various areas of research.

For details on pursuing the bachelor’s degree in Physics with one of these areas of concentration, click on the following links for specific program descriptions. 


For details on pursuing a secondary education second degree (BSEd) to teach Physics in middle school/high school, click on the links to the Secondary Education - Second Degree  Program and the School of Education page in this catalog.  Note:  The BSEd as a second degree in these programs cannot be earned without completion of the bachelor’s degree in the content area from the College of Science.  See Program Requirements below for a link to the Secondary Education - Second Degree 4-Year Plan.


Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this degree, students will be able to:

  • reason about physically significant problems conceptually and mathematically.
  • solve complex physical problems using sophisticated mathematical techniques.
  • interpret mathematical solutions conceptually and physically.
  • investigate physical phenomena using multiple approaches.
  • use computation and computer modeling to investigate physical phenomena and solve physical problems.
  • communicate in appropriate scientific media and forms.

Program Delivery:

  • This program is available on-campus

Declaring this Major:

  • Declare this major within the Department of Physics

General Requirements:

To earn the B.S. with a major in Physics, you must fulfill the following requirements in addition to the General Requirements noted above:

Program Requirements:

Physics BS 4-Year Plan:  

  • PHYS 15200 must be repeated if a grade of C- or below is received
  • A grade of C- or above in all supporting courses is required
  • A maximum of one grade below C- is allowed except for in supporting courses
  • A GPA of 2.00 or higher for all courses taken for the major. 

Physics BS with Secondary Education 4-Year Plan:  

General Education Requirements: Credits 33

  • Click on the Purdue Fort Wayne General Education Requirements link above for details.
  • Some majors may require particular General Education courses as specified in their program description.  Up to six credits of approved General Education courses satisfying requirements in Areas A and B, and three credits satisfying requirements in Area C, may originate in the major.  A grade of C- or higher in each course, and an overall GPA of 2.0 is required to satisfy the Purdue Fort Wayne General Education Requirements.

Supporting Courses:

English Writing and Speaking: Credits 6

  • ENGL 23301 (or a college-approved equivalent: ENGL 20201, HIST 21700, ILCS 30000, POL 20700, or WOST 23000).  This course is in addition to the General Education writing course (ENGL 13100 or equivalent).
  • COM 11400 (or the college-approved equivalent: HIST 12500).

Both courses require a grade of C- or better

Language: Credits 6

Two courses at the first-year level in a single International Language or in American Sign Language (or demonstrate equivalent proficiency).  

Note:  if you begin these courses at PFW at the second-semester level or higher, you and your advisor are eligible to apply for special course credits after successful completion of the course into which you placed.  Non-native English speaking students and those with other language transfer credits should contact the College’s Student Success Center.

Core Physics Major Courses: Credits 21

Core Supporting Courses: Credits 16

Additional Requirements for Students Seeking No Concentration: Credits 30

Physics Electives: Credits 18

Additional Laboratory/ Research Requirements: Credits 2

A combination of the following totaling 2 credits:

Additional Supporting Courses: Credits 10

General Electives

  • Sufficient additional credits to bring the total to 120

Total Credits: 120

Student Responsibility

You are responsible for ensuring that you satisfy all graduation requirements specified for each selected program.  Thus, it is essential that you develop a thorough understanding of the required courses, academic policies, and procedures governing your academic career.  If you cannot complete all program requirements by your stated graduation date but fail to remove those from your plan of study, the Registrar’s Office in consultation with your academic advisor will remove unmet pursuits from your plan of study. Changing curricular records during the graduation term of application may affect state or federal financial aid awards. All requests for exceptions to specific requirements must be made in writing and may be granted only by written approval from the appropriate chair or dean.