Degrees
The Physics and Engineering Department offers three emphases for the B.S. Engineering
degree
Students routinely transfer to and succeed in other non-affiliated baccalaureate engineering programs, such as Georgia Tech and the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga. Such students connect with an academic adviser at the other school in their first year in order to plan a course sequence with their local adviser.
The Department offers a variety of degrees in Physics:
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Students routinely transfer to and succeed in other non-affiliated baccalaureate engineering programs, such as Georgia Tech and the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga. Such students connect with an academic adviser at the other school in their first year in order to plan a course sequence with their local adviser.
The Department offers a variety of degrees in Physics:
- BS Physics (normal preparation for graduate-school),
- BA Physics (a nice "second major" to accompany a major in Math, Chemistry, Computer Science, etc.),
- BA Physics – Teaching Licensure (for those planning to teach at the high school level), and
- BS Biophysics (an excellent foundation for careers in scientific research or preparation for medical school, optometry school, and other pre-professional programs).
- Physics Minor
Learn more about our programs
"The engineering studies program is designed to parallel the first two years of
the baccalaureate engineering degree at affiliate engineering schools. It is regularly
assessed by means of one or two campus visits each year by engineering faculty from
these affiliate schools."
Taken from the Undergraduate Catalog
Including General Education requirements, a total of 68 hours are required for the AS degree in Engineering Studies.
Sample Course Schedule:
AS Engineering Studies
2020-2021 | 2021-2022
Taken from the Undergraduate Catalog
Including General Education requirements, a total of 68 hours are required for the AS degree in Engineering Studies.
Sample Course Schedule:
AS Engineering Studies
2020-2021 | 2021-2022
The BA degree in physics with teaching certification is recommended for a career
in secondary teaching.
To help physics graduates evaluate their academic progress and to aid the department in evaluating teaching effectiveness, each senior is required to:
Take the ETS Major Field Test in Physics.
Take the physics portion of the GRE if planning to apply to a graduate program in physics. A score above the 35th percentile is necessary for recommendation for graduate study.
Take PHYS 480 and do original research
as a prerequisite.
Taken from Undergraduate Catalog
The BA degree in physics requires 30 hours of physics courses, plus General Education requirements and electives.
Sample Course Schedule:
BA Physics
2020-2021 | 2021-2022
To help physics graduates evaluate their academic progress and to aid the department in evaluating teaching effectiveness, each senior is required to:
Take the ETS Major Field Test in Physics.
Take the physics portion of the GRE if planning to apply to a graduate program in physics. A score above the 35th percentile is necessary for recommendation for graduate study.
Take PHYS 480 and do original research
as a prerequisite.
Taken from Undergraduate Catalog
The BA degree in physics requires 30 hours of physics courses, plus General Education requirements and electives.
Sample Course Schedule:
BA Physics
2020-2021 | 2021-2022
Teaching licensure in physics requires a baccalaureate degree and completion of
professional education courses (Requirements for Certification) for licensure.
The student must apply for Initial Admission to the Teacher Education Program (usually by the end of the sophomore year) after completing all requirements as outlined under ADMISSION PROCEDURES in the School of Education and Psychology section of the Catalog. Initial admission is required before the student can enroll in upper division education courses.
The student must also complete an application and all other requirements for Admission to Student Teaching. Prior to the professional semester, the student must take and pass the PRAXIS II licensure exam—both the appropriate section of the Principles of Learning and Teaching and the particular specialty test(s) for the licensure area(s).
Taken from Undergraduate Catalog
Excluding general education requirements, 96-102 hours are required for the BA degree in physics with the 6-12 teaching licensure.
Sample Course Schedule:
BA Physics, Teaching Licensure 6-12 --
2020-2021 | 2021-2022
The student must apply for Initial Admission to the Teacher Education Program (usually by the end of the sophomore year) after completing all requirements as outlined under ADMISSION PROCEDURES in the School of Education and Psychology section of the Catalog. Initial admission is required before the student can enroll in upper division education courses.
The student must also complete an application and all other requirements for Admission to Student Teaching. Prior to the professional semester, the student must take and pass the PRAXIS II licensure exam—both the appropriate section of the Principles of Learning and Teaching and the particular specialty test(s) for the licensure area(s).
Taken from Undergraduate Catalog
Excluding general education requirements, 96-102 hours are required for the BA degree in physics with the 6-12 teaching licensure.
Sample Course Schedule:
BA Physics, Teaching Licensure 6-12 --
2020-2021 | 2021-2022
The BS degree in biophysics should be considered by students planning on advanced
study in the fields of medicine, biophysics, physiology, radiation biology, and bioengineering,
particularly in view of a career in medical research.
To help physics graduates evaluate their academic progress and to aid the department in evaluating teaching effectiveness, each senior is required to:
Take the ETS Major Field Test in Physics.
Take the physics portion of the GRE if planning to apply to a graduate program in physics. A score above the 35th percentile is necessary for recommendation for graduate study.
Take PHYS 480 and do original research as a prerequisite.
Taken from Undergraduate Catalog
Sample Course Schedule:
BS Biophysics
2020-2021 | 2021-2022
To help physics graduates evaluate their academic progress and to aid the department in evaluating teaching effectiveness, each senior is required to:
Take the ETS Major Field Test in Physics.
Take the physics portion of the GRE if planning to apply to a graduate program in physics. A score above the 35th percentile is necessary for recommendation for graduate study.
Take PHYS 480 and do original research as a prerequisite.
Taken from Undergraduate Catalog
Sample Course Schedule:
BS Biophysics
2020-2021 | 2021-2022
The BS Physics degree is designed to prepare a student for graduate work in physics
leading to a career in education at the tertiary level and/or applied or basic research
in a variety of settings. Students completing this program of study will have well-developed
quantitative problem solving skills and a strong foundation for any physics-related
career. Many of our graduates have pursued traditional careers in academia and in
industrial research (e.g. aerospace, high energy, and nuclear power), while others
have transferred their problem solving skills to a diverse range of careers. Examples
include geology, law, history, medical-related professions, software engineering and
other computer-related careers, including statisticians and pilots.
To help the physics graduates evaluate their academic progress and to aid the department in evaluating teaching effectiveness, each senior is required to:
Take the ETS Major Field Test in Physics.
Take the physics portion of the GRE if planning to apply to a graduate program in physics. A score above the 35th percentile is necessary for recommendation for graduate study.
Take PHYS 480 and do original research as a prerequisite.
Taken from Undergraduate Catalog
Sample Course Schedule:
BS Physics
2020-2021 | 2021-2022
To help the physics graduates evaluate their academic progress and to aid the department in evaluating teaching effectiveness, each senior is required to:
Take the ETS Major Field Test in Physics.
Take the physics portion of the GRE if planning to apply to a graduate program in physics. A score above the 35th percentile is necessary for recommendation for graduate study.
Take PHYS 480 and do original research as a prerequisite.
Taken from Undergraduate Catalog
Sample Course Schedule:
BS Physics
2020-2021 | 2021-2022