Physics Major, B.A.

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Department of Physics

College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Available Program Format(s): In-Person

About the Program

The Department of Physics at the Metropolitan State University of Denver offers programs leading to a Bachelor of Science in Physics, a Bachelor of Arts in Physics, and a minor in physics. We also offer a Bachelor of Arts in Physics with Science Licensure. We offer introductory courses designed for both STEM majors as well as for the enrichment of non-science majors, including introductory physics, astronomy, and cosmology. We prepare our physics majors for graduate study in a wide range of disciplines including physics, astronomy, engineering, and science education, and for successful employment in technologically oriented industries. Our faculty are outstanding classroom teachers, bringing rigorous coursework, laboratory experience, advising and mentoring to our students. They maintain professional currency and engage in scholarly activities through involvement in undergraduate research, personalized professional development programs, and projects associated with teaching and learning. We seek to increase the science literacy of the Denver community through science outreach and an increasingly strong role in the education of future teachers.

Student Outcomes

develop mathematical skills that facilitate their understanding of the fundamental principles of physics and enable problem solving.
apply advanced mathematical techniques (understanding vectors in multiple coordinate systems, solving differential equations, and basic computational skills).
use standard laboratory equipment to collect data and perform quantitative evaluations of the experimental outcome.
communicate the process and outcomes of scientific experiments using scientifically sound reports including posters, papers, and oral presentations.

General Degree Requirements

To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the four areas below, in addition to their individual major requirements.

Program Requirements

A total of 120 semester hours are required for graduation.
A grade of “C-” or better is required for each course in this program to count toward the bachelor’s degree. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required.

General Studies Requirements: 33 credits

Students should consult the General Studies Requirements for a list of courses that fulfill the General Studies Requirements for degree completion.

Written Communication (6 credits)
Oral Communication (3 credits)
Quantitative Literacy (3 credits)
Arts and Humanities (6 credits)
Historical (3 credits)
Natural and Physical Sciences (6 credits)
Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits)
Global Diversity (0 or 3 credits**)

** Students will fulfill the global diversity requirement by taking an approved course within one of the following categories: arts and humanities; historical; natural and physical sciences; or social and behavioral sciences.

Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Requirement: 0 or 3 credits

Students should consult the Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Graduation Requirement for a list of courses that fulfill the ESSJ Requirement for degree completion.
Many programs include courses that meet this requirement. Students should consult with their advisor to determine what program courses may fulfill this requirement.

Required Ancillary Courses: 12 credits

MTH 1410 - Calculus I Credits: 4
MTH 2410 - Calculus II Credits: 4
MTH 2420 - Calculus III Credits: 4

Required Courses: 25 credits

PHY 2311 - General Physics I Credits: 4
PHY 2321 - General Physics I Laboratory Credits: 1
PHY 2331 - General Physics II Credits: 4
PHY 2341 - General Physics II Laboratory Credits: 1
PHY 2821 - Sophomore Physics Laboratory Credits: 1
PHY 3111 - Modern Physics I Credits: 4
PHY 3121 - Modern Physics II Credits: 3
PHY 3231 - Vibrations, Waves, and Mathematical Methods Credits: 4
PHY 3711 - Junior Physics Laboratory Credits: 2
PHY 4921 - Physics Senior Seminar Credits: 1

Electives: 8 credits

A minimum of 8 additional semester hours of upper-division physics courses, two (2) hours of which must be from either PHY 4611 or PHY 4711 .

PHY 3082 - Energy and Environment Credits: 3
PHY 3311 - Analytical Mechanics Credits: 4
PHY 3341 - Electricity and Magnetism I Credits: 4
PHY 3411 - Thermal Physics Credits: 3
PHY 3811 - Quantum Physics I Credits: 4
PHY 4040 - Planetary Physics Credits: 3
PHY 4050 - Astrophysics Credits: 3
PHY 4330 - Electricity and Magnetism II Credits: 3
PHY 4510 - Optics Credits: 3
PHY 4650 - Solid State Physics Credits: 3
PHY 4810 - Quantum Physics II Credits: 3
PHY 4820 - Subatomic Physics Credits: 3
PHY 4950 - General Relativity Credits: 3

Senior Experience: 3 credits

Students select a total of 3 credits for Senior Experience from the following:

PHY 4611 - Computational Physics Credits: 3
PHY 4711 - Senior Physics Laboratory Credits: 2
PHY 4921 - Physics Senior Seminar Credits: 1

Summary of Requirements

General Studies Requirements	33 credits
ESSJ Requirement	0-3 credits
Required Ancillary Courses	12 credits
Required Courses	25 credits
Major Electives	8 credits
Senior Experience	counted elsewhere in major
Unrestricted Electives	39-51 credits
Total for the Physics Major, B.A.	120 credits

Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and ESSJ requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.