The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Physics
This program is for students who recognize that a degree in physics is a valuable starting place for entry into many careers. Students in the BA program are often preparing for careers in business, teaching, architecture, meteorology, law, technical writing or any number of other fields where analytical and problem solving skills are in demand. Technical industries, especially those with a strong scientific component, provides many career opportunities in areas such as technical sales, marketing and management. It has been said that an undergraduate degree in physics, coupled with an advanced degree in business (i.e. a MBA) provides an unbeatable combination in the job market, and graduate programs designed with this in mind are now being established. In short, the recently touted skills of critical thinking and quantitative analysis that are becoming part of other programs have long been the foundation upon which physics curriculum is built. Students who enroll in the BA program also have the opportunity to test the waters of the department's 3-2 engineering program, whose course structure is closely aligned with the BA requirements.
Often students decide to take their degree in physics at the beginning of their sophomore year. A BA degree in physics in three years may be an option in some cases. Talk to members of the physics department if this pathway is of interest to you.
Positions which our BA students have taken include those of field engineers, secondary and middle school teachers, environmental scientists, laboratory technicians, health care professionals, technical writers and others.
The First Year
In all, the first year is the same for all physics majors (BS or BA): Introduction to Physics I and II, Chemistry I and II (usually) and Calculus I and II, along with courses from the Core Curriculum. Depending on individual student background this schedule may be modified to allow additional preparation prior to taking these courses (e.g., taking pre-calculus rather than calculus I, or postponing Chemistry until the second year). On the other hand, those entering with a strong background in these areas (e.g., through Advanced Placement courses) may have some of these requirements waived in favor of more advanced course work.
The Second Year
The second year is much the same for BS and BA candidates: Introduction to Physics III and IV and upper level math courses (Calculus III and Differential Equations are the usual fare). Requirements of the Core Curriculum are still part of the course structure. Electives may include courses in fields you may find of interest as supplements to your physics major, either as a minor or a dual major program. Departmental electives such as robotics or engineering are also available.
The Third Year
In the third year the BA program becomes distinct from the BS: While the rich content of our major program remains, time is made available for you to seek courses outside the department that attract your interest. Students have matched their physics courses with those from Fine and Performing Arts (theatre, set design, special effects), Computer Science, Business Administration, Pre-Law, Pre-Med, Biology (for entrance into pharmacy school), Environmental Science, Teaching licensure, etc:
Mechanics - Newton's laws, continuous media, statics, dynamics and the physics of continuous media are among the topics covered.
Modern Physics - A study of Bohr's atomic theory, classical and modern analogs and an introduction to quantum mechanics.
Methods of Experimental Physics - Laboratory techniques, including data taking and analysis. Introduction to vacuum systems, lasers and electronics. After a general introduction to laboratory techniques, students then work with faculty or cooperating scientists on a range of research topics.
Electives - Electives from within or outside the department are selected, either as part of a minor program or to advance your goals upon graduation. Many graduate school opportunities await those who can focus on specific career choices.
The Fourth Year
The final year continues round out your preparation for graduation through course work that will serve you in any field requiring analytical and problem solving skills. Electives to achieve your targeted goals may be selected from throughout the college curriculum.
Electricity and Magnetism - Electric and magnetic fields and potentials, Maxwell's equations
Physics Seminar (second semester) - A seminar devoted to special topics of interest to faculty and students. Previous seminar topics have included the history of physics, Green's functions, elementary particle physics and general relativity.
Advanced Physics Lab - This laboratory course continues the Methods of Experimental Physics sequence. Students begin new research topics, or continue with the work begun in the junior year.
Electives - Electives to round out the background for entry into the job market, graduate school or professional schools such as pharmacy, meteorology, environmental science, etc.