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Description of the Physics Programs at WVU
There are two degree options for students in physics. The bachelor of science is designed for students committed to a career in research and is typically followed by graduate work in physics, chemistry, materials science, optical sciences, or engineering. Some students accept a position in industry or in a government laboratory immediately after completing the bachelor of science. This degree program provides a comprehensive grounding in the fundamentals of physics and is usually accompanied by participation in one of the active research programs within the department.
The bachelor of arts degree is more flexible. By allowing more free elective choices, it prepares a student for a career that combines a science background with subsequent professional training. Typical career paths for this degree program include secondary education, medical school, patent law, forensics, health physics, environmental engineering, journalism, government policy, and business management. One important area of emphasis for physics majors pursuing a bachelor of arts is computational physics (i.e., a combination of physics and computer science).
The courses in physics provide a mix of theoretical concepts and practical examples. Each course within a degree plan builds upon the knowledge base acquired in previous courses and , together, these courses allow a student to acquire the combination of physical insight and mathematical skill needed for success in today's demanding job markets
The department also offers introductory survey courses in physics and astronomy which are of interest to a broad range of students in the social sciences, fine arts, humanities, health sciences, and education. These courses use a minimum of mathematics to introduce the principles of physics and they provide many examples from the "real world" of the environment, energy, space, communications, transportation, and medicine.
Admission Requirements: Admission to the bachelor of arts and to the bachelor of science in physics program requires, in addition to college requirements, at least a 2.5 grade-point average (GPA) in all required introductory physics and mathematical courses (which must include Physics 111, 112, Mathematics 155, 156, or their equivalents).
Degree Requirements: The B.A. degree requires a minimum of 128 hours. This includes: 30 hours of University requirements (General Education Courses (GEC) and a Senior Capstone); 12 hours of Eberly College of Arts and Sciences requirements (language); and 54 hours in Physics Department requirements (30 in physics, eight in science, 16 in mathematics). Continuance in the program requires that the student maintain at least a cumulative 2.2 GPA in all physics and mathematics courses. Specific course requirements are, in physics: Physics 199, Physics 111, 112, 314, 331, 333, 341 (2 hrs.), and nine hours of electives; in mathematics: Mathematics 155, 156, 251, 261; in science: eight hours from biology, chemistry, computer science, and/or geology. In addition students have at least 32 hours of unrestricted free electives which can be used to prepare for entry into a professional program (teaching, law, medicine, for example) or into the job market.
The B.S. degree requires a minimum of 128 hours. This includes 30 hours of University requirements (General Education Courses (GEC) and a Senior Capstone); and 71 hours in physics department requirements (44 in physics, eight in science, 19 in mathematics). The student must maintain at least a 2.2 cumulative GPA in all physics and mathematics courses in order to continue in the program. Specific course requirements are, in physics: Physics 199, Physics 111, 112, 314, 331, 333, 332 or 334, 341 (2 semesters), 451, 461, plus 12 hours of physics electives; in mathematics: Mathematics 155, 156, 251, 261, plus a three hour elective, and eight hours in one other science (biology, chemistry, computer science, or geology). In addition, students have at least 27 hours of unrestricted electives which can be used to prepare for entry into a graduate or professional school (physics, engineering, medicine, etc.) or towards a second degree.
Because physics is a strong basis on which to build a wide variety of careers, there are many reasons to pursue a physics degree. To accommodate some of these varied interests in the physical sciences, we offer a number of flexible tracks towards a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics with a number of different Areas of Emphasis, including Applied Physics, Astro/Space Physics, Biophysics, Computational Physics, Materials Science, and Medical Physics. These are described in the link to "Areas of Emphasis for a B. S. Degree".
Early departmental advising is recommended in setting up a well-planned program.
Minor in Physics: The minor is designed to introduce students to the basics of contemporary physics and to acquaint them with the rich diversity of current physics. Students who wish to pursue physics as a second field can receive a minor in physics by successful completion (2.0 average or higher in the physics courses) of Physics 111, 112, and 314 as well as six credit hours of additional physics courses at or above the 300 level.