Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Physics degree prepares students for direct entry into the job market or entry into graduate school in Physics or Engineering. It emphasizes a broad, yet rigorous, education in physics, preparing the student for a variety of technical careers.
The BS program is run by the Physics Department of Shippensburg University, which means that your academic advisor is a Physics Department faculty member and many of the required courses are offered by the physics department.
We offer different tracks and concentrations of study which emphasize different routes for acquiring an undergraduate physics degree – depending on student goals.
General Physics Track
This is the most flexible of the tracks. It provides a substantial number of general electives for students interested in obtaining concentrations or minors in other fields.
See the undergraduate catalog for specific course details.
Advanced Physics Track
This track is designed for students planning to go on to graduate school in Physics or Engineering. The track provides a solid and rigorous grounding in physics and will prepare the students well for the advanced physics GRE and graduate-school studies.
See the undergraduate catalog for specific course details.
Computational Science Track
This track offers a solid grounding in Physics through the Physics 'core' of studies, and develops computational skills applicable to all scientific fields. These skills are developed through a computational-physics course and courses in Computer Science. Students following this track can also complete a minor in Computer Science by taking one additional CS course (CSC 211). This track prepares the student for entering the job market immediately after graduation, or to go on to graduate degrees in computational physics or related fields.
See the undergraduate catalog for specific course details.
Nanotechnology Certificate
The nanotechnology certificate offers students the technical expertise and theoretical understanding to manipulate matter at the nanometer length scale. Nanofabrication has applications in many fields including Physics, Biology, Material Science and Engineering.
The concentration requires the completion of one semester at the Penn State Center for Nanotechnology Education and Utilization; since this requirement is satisfied during the summer, enrolling in the concentration should not delay graduation.
How should you prepare for a Physics major?
Physics is a highly mathematical discipline. Typically, students who plan on a career in physics take four years of mathematics in high school: One year each of algebra, geometry, trigonometry and pre-calculus. If possible, courses in physics and calculus are beneficial. Communications skills, both oral and written, are essential for any successful career.
Why enroll in the Physics Program at Shippensburg University?
Our programs provide students with a solid core of knowledge in physics as well as a broader background in the liberal arts, thus preparing them for a successful career.
Science classes are small at Shippensburg University, usually having twelve to sixteen students per laboratory section. Lectures and labs are taught by seasoned professors; not by graduate students.
An internship program expands your possibilities, as does the opportunity for upper division students to work with department faculty on research projects.
The degree requirements in physics depend on the track one wishes to pursue. All tracks require the physics core of study.