This program is being discontinued pending SACSCOC approval and is not accepting applications for admission. The University is still authorized to offer the program and issue the associated credential for students who are currently enrolled in the program.

The Physics Major is a firm basis for a career in medicine, law, business, sales, engineering, teaching, computing, biophysics, environmental science, or physics.

Students who elect physics as a major must complete specific courses no later than the end of their sophomore year. Any student who desires to major in physics should contact the head of the department as soon as possible so a proper schedule can be planned.

Overall Requirements

• 120 credit hours, to include at least 36 credits at or above the 300 course level
• Minimum of 27 credits in Physics courses above the 100 level. 
• Students must have at least a 2.0 GPA for the required Physics and Mathematics courses. 

Degree Program Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
University Requirements
General Education Requirements (MAC)
College of Arts and Sciences Additional Requirements (CIC)

Major Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Core Courses		27
PHY 291	General Physics I with Calculus
PHY 292	General Physics II with Calculus
PHY 311	Intro to Experimental Methods
PHY 321	Introduction to Modern Physics
PHY 323	Mechanics
PHY 325	Electricity and Magnetism I
PHY 327	Thermal Physics
PHY 351	Intro to Computational Physics
PHY 401	Physics Senior Seminar
Related Area Requirements		14
CHE 111 & CHE 112	General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory
CHE 114 & CHE 115	General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Laboratory
CSC 120	Introduction to Computer Programming for Non-Majors
MAT 390	Ordinary Differential Equations
Select one of the following Calculus Sequences:		12
Sequence 1
MAT 191	Calculus I
MAT 292	Calculus II
MAT 293	Calculus III
MAT 394	Calculus IV
Sequence 2
MAT 196	Calculus A
MAT 296	Calculus B
MAT 396	Calculus C

Optional Concentration

The optional concentration as detailed following the major requirements may be added, but is not required.

• Physics Major with Comprehensive Science High School Teaching Licensure

Electives

Electives sufficient to complete the 120 credit hours required for degree.

Physics Major with Comprehensive Science High School Teaching Licensure Concentration Requirements

The Comprehensive Science High School Licensure (PHYS) program provides a strong background in physics as well as licensure for high school physics teaching. In addition, successful completion of this program qualifies candidates to teach other high school science subjects as well.

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Additional Requirements for Teacher Licensure
BIO 111 & 111L	Principles of Biology I and Principles of Biology I Laboratory
BIO 112 & 112L	Principles of Biology II and Principles of Biology II Laboratory
GES 103	Introduction to Earth Science
Select one of the following:
GES 111	Physical Geology
GES 205	Environmental Change: Its Nature and Impact
GES 319	Weather and Climate
GES 314	Physical Geography: Landscape Processes
Required *		27
TED 435	Literacy in the Content Area
ERM 401	Assessment I: Accountability in Our Nation's Schools
ERM 402	Assessment II: Standardized Tests
ERM 403	Assessment III: Classroom Assessment
TED 401	Child and Adolescent Development and Learning
SES 401	Understanding and Teaching Students with Disabilities in Inclusive Settings
TED 403	Teaching Multilingual Learners with Diverse Abilities
TED 445	Human Diversity, Teaching, and Learning
TED 459	Teaching Practices and Curriculum in Science
TED 465	Student Teaching: Secondary School
TED 466	Student Teaching Seminar
Recommended
LIS 120	Introduction to Instructional Technology for Educational Settings (strongly recommended)

*

The courses listed must be taken in a specified sequence, terminating in student teaching in the spring semester of the senior year. See the online Secondary Education Handbook for more information.

†

Counts toward GEC GNS requirement. 

††

Counts toward GEC GMT requirement.