Mar 04, 2025  
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

Physics (B.S.) with Concentration In Computational Physics


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

Kettler Hall 126B ~ 260-481-6306


The concentration in Computational Physics is for students with an interest in computation and computational/mathematical modeling of physical systems. 


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

  • have the skills to enter a career involving computers, data analysis, modeling, and to 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 Requirement
  • PFW College of Science Information
  • PFW Academic Regulations

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

Program Requirements:


Physics Computational 4-Year Plan:  

  • Students choosing this concentration must select either the computation specialization (CS) or the mathematics specialization (MATH).
  • PHYS 15200 must be repeated if a grade of C- or below is received.
  • A GPA of 2.00 or higher for all courses taken for the major.
  • 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.
  • New PHYS courses approved and added to the curriculum in future Catalogs may satisfy major requirements.
  • Transfer students with 30+ credits are not required to take the Freshman Success seminar if they haven’t previously taken such a course.
  • Physics majors completing a major, minor, or associate degree outside the Physics department will have foreign language and ENGL 23301 requirements waived for their Physics program. Note: These courses may still be required for the non-Physics program.

General Education: Credits 30


Effective Fall 2025, the General Education program at PFW requires 30 credits to be completed, such that students pass each course listed below with a grade of C- or better:

  • Category A. Foundational Intellectual Skills (Foundational Intellectual Skills Course Lists)   
    • One course in A1. Written Communication Cr. 3. 
    • One course in A2. Speaking and Listening Cr. 3.
    • One course in A3. Quantitative Reasoning Cr. 3.
  • Category B. Ways of Knowing (Ways of Knowing Course Lists)   
    • One course in B4. Scientific Ways of Knowing Cr. 3.
    • One course in B5. Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing Cr. 3.
    • One course in B6. Humanistic Ways of Knowing Cr. 3.
    • One course in B7. Artistic Ways or Knowing Cr. 3.
    • One course in B8. Interdisciplinary Ways of Knowing Cr. 3.
  • Six additional credits from any Foundational Skills (A1-A3) or Ways of Knowing (B4-B8) categories
  • At least one Ways of Knowing course that is designated as having a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and/or global awareness

Some programs recommend courses and/or require a specific course as part of the major that may also be used to fulfill General Education requirements. Please see below or your Academic Advisor for courses that fulfill both purposes.  You can familiarize yourself with other program regulations at General Education Requirements .

English Writing and Speaking: Credits 6


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.

Concentration Specializations


Computation Specialization Core Courses: Credits 13


Mathematical Specialization Core Courses: Credits 15


General Electives


  • Sufficient additional credits to bring the total to 120

Total Credits: 120 minimum


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. 

Additional Course Use:


COM 11400 required; HIST 12500 accepted
ENGL 23301 required; ENGL 20201, HIST 21700, ILCS 30000, POL 20700, WOST 23000 accepted
PHYS 17000 taken as First Year Seminar required; BIOL 12000, CHM 19400, MA 10500 accepted