Mar 28, 2024  
2017-18 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2017-18 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Physics, Astronomy Concentration, B.S.


Department of Physics and Astronomy 
615-898-2130
Ron Henderson, program coordinator
Ron.Henderson@mtsu.edu
 

All physics majors must choose to concentrate in Professional Physics, Physics Teaching, Applied Physics, or Astronomy. Each concentration specifies additional upper-division electives in physics and astronomy and other disciplines which vary by concentration. A minimum of 12 upper-division semester hours in the physics major must be taken at MTSU.

The physics core consists of 25 semester hours of physics and astronomy. Other requirements include 8 semester hours of chemistry and 8 semester hours of mathematics.

The Astronomy concentration is designed for students interested in a degree specializing in astronomy, but who do not plan to attend graduate school in astronomy or astrophysics. In addition to the physics common requirements, the following courses are required:

Academic Map


Following is a printable, suggested four-year schedule of courses:

Physics, Astronomy, B.S., Academic Map  

Degree Requirements


General Education (41 hours)


General Education  requirements (shown in curricular listings below) include courses in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences.

The following General Education courses are required for this major:

  • MATH 1910 (Math)
  • CHEM 1110/1111 (Nat Sci)
  • PHYS 2010/2011 or PHYS 2110/2111 (Nat Sci) recommended

Major Requirements (36 hours)


A 2.00 GPA is required in the Physics major.

Supporting Courses (12 hours)


Electives (32-35 hours)


  • At least 22 credit hours at 3000/4000 level

Total hours in program: 120


Curriculum: Physics, Astronomy


Curricular listings include General Education  requirements in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences categories.

Freshman


Subtotal: 31 Hours


Subtotal: 28 Hours


Junior


Subtotal: 32 Hours


Senior


Subtotal: 29 Hours