Mar 28, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Physics (B.S.) with Concentration In Materials Science


Program: B.S.
Department of Physics

College of Science

Kettler Hall 126B ~ 260-481-6306


The concentration in Materials Science is for students who want to learn about materials and how to perform analysis of materials.


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

  • have the skills to enter a career in materials science, materials analysis, or pursue graduate education in physics, engineering, or materials science.

Program Delivery:

  • This program is available on-campus

Declaring this Major:

  • Declare this major within the Department of Physics

General Requirements:

  • PFW General Education Requirements
  • PFW Civics Literacy Proficiency Requirement
  • PFW College of Science Information
  • PFW Academic Regulations

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

Program Requirements:


Physics Materials Science 4-Year Plan:  

  • A grade of C or higher is required in PHYS 15200
  • A grade of C or higher is required in PHYS 25100
  • 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

General Education Requirements: Credits 33


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.

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 22


A grade of C or higher is required in both PHYS 15200 and PHYS 25100.

Additional Laboratory/ Research Requirements: Credits 2


A combination of the following totaling 2 credits:

Material Science Concentration


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.