BS in Physics & Astronomy

The Bachelor of Science in Physics & Astronomy provides the technical skills needed in the 21st century, and the communication skills sought by employers. About half of our graduates go to graduate or professional school, and the other half go directly to industry. Our degree options reflect this diversity.

Degree options

Applied physics

Suitable for direct entry to the workforce, this program allows the student to earn a minor degree in engineering or computer science.

Astrophysics

This highly analytical program features specialist courses in stars, galaxies, and cosmology, with an emphasis upon computational methods. Practical training in our planetarium and observatory is available as an enrichment opportunity.

Planetary sciences

This degree is offered in collaboration with WSU’s School of the Environment. Coursework is half physics and half environmental science, in topics including geophysics, atmospheres, hydrology, and astrobiology.

Standard physics

The standard program is the most flexible and general of the degree options. It features our complete suite of theory and lab courses. A choice of electives from areas like optics, quantum computation, solid state physics, atomic & molecular physics, and nuclear physics, allows the student to tailor their formal training to their aspirations.

Features of the program

First year seminar

Our year-long first year seminar course introduces students to the culture and practice of physics. Students meet the faculty and other undergrads. Hands-on activities include data collection, analysis, display, and the publishing process.

Senior thesis requirement

An undergraduate dissertation caps off the degree. We guarantee placement into a lab. Students perform original research and display their efforts every December at our undergraduate poster show. Some students publish their work in professional journals.

The senior thesis is the primary assessment instrument used by our department to judge student progress towards learning objectives, and adjust our curriculum in real time.

Integration with other disciplines

Physics is so widely applicable to other disciplines that we designed our program with integration in mind.

• Our students qualify for a minor degree in Mathematics.
• Our program is fully compatible with WSU’s Honors College thesis requirement.
• Our pre-approved ROTC program allows for a minor in aerospace, naval science, or military science, over ten semesters (5 years).
• Our writing-intensive courses cover WSU’s writing-in-the-major graduation requirement.
• A specialized track for students who need pre-calculus at the college level is a nine semester program.

Student learning outcomes

Upon earning the BS Physics & Astronomy degree, the successful student will**:

1. use scientific reasoning to form and test hypotheses (Critical and Creative Thinking)
2. think independently and question dogma by acquiring, reproducing, and assessing information from a variety of sources (Information Literacy)
3. recall and apply the important concepts in each of the four core areas of physics: mechanics, electricity and magnetism, modern and quantum physics, and thermal and statistical physics (Scientific Literacy)
4. design and conduct scientific experiments which test new ideas and theories (Quantitative Reasoning)
5. present concepts and results clearly, both orally and in writing (Communication)
6. be prepared for graduate study and/or careers in physics (Depth, Breadth, and Integration of Learning)

** Items in parentheses () refer to WSU’s learning goals of the baccalaureate.