Physics, B.S.

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Contact Information

Website: http://csm.kennesaw.edu/physics/programs/bs-physics.php

Phone: (470) 578-7215

Program Description

The program of study in physics leading to a Bachelor of Science degree provides students with the opportunity to pursue a major field of concentration in physics with the necessary specialization to succeed in a wide array of post-baccalaureate opportunities. The following degree tracks include the course work and experience necessary for student success. See an academic advisor for specific course information and important aspects of each of these tracks.

General Physics Track: Physics is the study of matter, motion, force and energy across space and time. This area of study is wide-ranging and math-intensive; students who earn Bachelor’s degrees in physics develop broad analytical skills and are well prepared to pursue graduate education in physics or related areas of study. Other graduates pursue careers in the engineering, computer science or other STEM-related areas.
Electrical Engineering Track: This BS degree with a concentration in electrical engineering combines the study of physics with 25 credit hours of courses in electrical engineering, thus further broadening the students’ analytical skills. In addition, adding electrical engineering courses will increase the marketability of the physics student.
Mechanical Engineering Track: This BS degree with a concentration in mechanical engineering combines the study of physics with 29 credit hours of courses in mechanical engineering. This curriculum design helps to further broaden the students’ analytical skills. In addition, adding skills developed in mechanical engineering courses will increase the marketability of the physics student.
Physics Education Track: The Physics Education track is an option that allows undergraduate students to obtain the skills they need to be successful teachers. The physics degree provides the necessary content knowledge, the education courses provide the foundations of how to teach while the physics education courses brings the two together so that individuals not only know physics and how to teach but more importantly how to teach physics in the classroom.

Admissions Requirements

This program does not have specific admission requirements and only admission to Kennesaw State University is required. For more information, please visit the Admissions section of the Catalog.

Graduation Requirements

Each student is expected to meet the Academic Policies Graduation Policies and Procedures outlined in the Academic Policies section of the Catalog.

Program of Study

General Education Core Curriculum (Areas A-E) (42 Credit Hours)

See listing of requirements.

General Education Core Curriculum Requirements Specific to This Major

Science Majors must take MATH 1113 ir higher in Area A2 and MATH 1190 or higher in Area D1.

Science and Engineering Majors must take two four-hour laboratory sciences in Area D2. Students must choose from CHEM 1211/L, CHEM 1212/L, PHYS 1111/L*, PHYS 1112/L, PHYS 2211/L*, PHYS 2212/L, BIOL 1107/L, or BIOL 1108/L.

*Students cannot take both PHYS 1111/L and PHYS 2211/L nor PHYS 1112/L and PHYS 2212/L.

Lower Division Major Requirements (Area F) (18 Credit Hours)

Major Requirements (60 Credit Hours)

I. Physics Core Courses: (23 credits)

II. Math Requirement (3 Credit Hours)

MATH 2306:Ordinary Differential Equations (must pass with a “C” or better)

IIIa. General Physics Track (34 Credit Hours)

See Note 2 below.

Required Courses (8 Credit Hours)

Electives (23 Credit Hours)

Any 3000 or 4000-level course in Physics, Math, Engineering, or Computing. A minimum of 9 of these credits must be in Physics.

See note 3 below.

Free Electives (3 Credit Hours)

Any course in the university curriculum.

IIIb. Electrical Engineering Track (34 Credit Hours)

Required Courses (31 Credit Hours)

Free Electives (3 Credit Hours)

Any course in the university curriculum.

IIIc. Mechanical Engineering Track (34 Credit Hours)

Required Courses (32-33 Credit Hours)

Free Electives (1-2 Credit Hours)

Any courses in the university curriculum.

Program Total (120 Credit Hours)

Notes:

Students are strongly encouraged to take MATH 1190 in Area A , CHEM 1211 and CHEM 1211L in Area D.
Students planning graduate work in physics should take either PHYS 4400 or PHYS 4430.
Students planning graduate work in physics should include the following courses in their electives: MATH 3204, MATH 3260, and PHYS 4260.