The Bachelor of Science physics degree is designed for individuals planning careers in physics and related technical fields or in areas where knowledge of basic scientific principles is necessary. This program will prepare students who plan to pursue an advanced degree (MS or PhD) in a physics-related field. Depending on the level of math preparation, a student should be able to complete the Bachelor of Science degree in four years at CWU.

Required Courses:

Introductory Physics:
PHYS 181 - General Physics I with Laboratory
PHYS 182 - General Physics II with Laboratory
PHYS 183 - General Physics III with Laboratory

Introductory Chemistry:
CHEM 181 - General Chemistry I
CHEM 181LAB - General Chemistry Laboratory I
CHEM 182 - General Chemistry II
CHEM 182LAB - General Chemistry Laboratory II

Math:
MATH 172 - Calculus I
MATH 173 - Calculus II
MATH 265 - Linear Algebra I
MATH 272 - Multivariable Calculus I
MATH 273 - Multivariable Calculus II
MATH 376 - Differential Equations I

Major Classes:
PHYS 317 - Modern Physics I
PHYS 318 - Modern Physics II
PHYS 331 - Laboratory Practices and Techniques
PHYS 333 - Experimental Physics I
PHYS 342 - Thermodynamics
PHYS 351 - Analytical Mechanics I
PHYS 352 - Analytical Mechanics II
PHYS 361 - Computational Physics
PHYS 363 - Optics
PHYS 381 - Electromagnetic Theory I
PHYS 382 - Electromagnetic Theory II
PHYS 383 - Electromagnetic Theory III
PHYS 474 - Quantum Mechanics I
PHYS 489 - Senior Assessment

Electives:
Students must take an additional 5 credits of department approved electives.

See physics course descriptions here.

Research Requirement:

Students must meet the Physics B.S. research requirement. See Undergraduate Research Tracks and Undergraduate Research.

Sample Course Schedule (click to download pdf):

Advice to Prospective and Current Students:

Students planning on completing the Physics BS in 4 years should be prepared to take MATH 172 and PHYS 181 the first quarter of their freshman year.

Students should plan to complete their undergraduate research credits (PHYS 495) as early as possible. Motivated students can start taking PHYS 495 as early as their sophomore year.  Most students will be prepared to do research during their junior year.