Mar 28, 2024  
2024 Undergraduate Catalog 1.1 (WINTER-SPRING) 
    
2024 Undergraduate Catalog 1.1 (WINTER-SPRING)

Physics (B.S.) - Hegis Code 1902.00


(Bachelor of Science Degree)

Physics is the science concerned with the nature of matter, energy, and the interrelationships between them. Common cross-disciplines include engineering physics, chemical physics, geophysics, biophysics, and mathematical physics.

Engineering is the application of physics to real-world problems. Engineers are the people who design the automobiles, the bridges, the computer chips, the electronic devices, the artificial limbs, and all of the other technological wonders of our civilization.

Between these two fields, there is a mixed area that might be called applied physics or research engineering. It calls for people with a practical physics background who do engineering-development and research in industry.

Students considering public school teaching as a career should refer to the programs in education, listed alphabetically in this section of the catalog.

The B.S. in physics is designed for students who wish to practice applied physics or research in government or industry, pursue a graduate degree in physics, engineering, or education; or who simply want a more intensive background in physics for careers in technical management, high school physics teaching, and other technical fields.

Total credit hours required for degree: 120

Learning Objectives

BS students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate a conceptual, theoretical and practical understanding (including hands-on work) in Classical Mechanics;  
  • Demonstrate a conceptual, theoretical and practical understanding (including hands-on work) in Electricity and Magnetism;  
  • Demonstrate a conceptual, theoretical and practical understanding (including hands-on work) in Quantum and Modern Physics.  

Academic Requirements


Core/General Education: 34 - 55 Credit Hours


Effective for the 2022-2023 academic year, Utica University has implemented a new general education program that replaces Core. Students who are admitted, or readmitted, for the 2022- 2023 academic year or later must follow the requirements of the General Education program. Students admitted prior to the 2022-2023 academic year must follow the requirements of the Core program. For full details of program requirements, see the catalog pages for the Core program and the General Education program. Students with specific questions should consult with their academic adviser or success coach.

22-24 Credit Hours


Additional Physics Course Requirements


B. S. in Physics:


15 Credit Hours


26 Credit Hours


Free Electives


Students majoring in Physics must take sufficient free electives to reach a total of 120 hours at Utica University and should consult with their advisor on elective courses of particular interest for a specific career path.

Program Credits


Core/General Education 34-55 Credits
Major Course Requirements 37-39 Credits
Major Related Course Requirements 26 Credits
University Electives 0-23 Credits
Total Credit Hours Required For Degree 120 Credits