Certification

A student may certify as a Physics major after completing 30 credits (preferably including Phys 201 and Math 171) with a cumulative gpa of 2.0 or better. A research experience is required of all students as a 499 project, however to gain valuable work experience outside of the University, students are strongly urged to participate in an internship or research experience in industry or a government lab outside of WSU. The summer after the junior year is the most appropriate time for this experience. All students are required to submit an undergraduate thesis to a committee of two Physics faculty members in the senior year. Physics 490 will give credit for this effort. The student must earn a C (2.0) or better grade in each of the “Required Physics Courses”.

Schedule of Studies

Physics – Standard Option (120-124 hours)

FRESHMAN YEAR

SOPHOMORE YEAR

JUNIOR YEAR

SENIOR YEAR

NOTES:

1. Computing requirement must be selected from CPTS 121 (4), EE 221 (3), and MATH 300 [M] (2).
2. 15 hours of Standard option electives must be taken from PHYSICS 3XX or 4XX, or ASTRONOM 3XX or 4XX.
3. Additional [ARTS], [HUM], or [SSCI]: the College of Arts & Sciences requires 3 additional hours of UCORE.
4. UCORE = University Common Requirements. Refer to University Graduation Requirements in the WSU catalog.
5. Physics majors are recommended to enroll in the Honors sections of General Physics.
6. 6 hours of technical electives must include at least 3 hours at the upper division, and be chosen from ASTRONOM, CHEM, MATH, or PHYS.
7. For the Standard option, only 3 hours of UCORE [BSCI] biology lecture are required. A 4 hour lecture plus lab may be required for a minor or second major.
8. The University Writing Portfolio must be completed shortly after earning 60 credits; transfer students are held to the same requirement.
9. Six credit hours of Math 3XX or 4XX are required.
10. Phys 499 is a recommended prerequisite for Phys 490.

Physics – Astrophysics Option (120-124 hours)

FRESHMAN YEAR

SOPHOMORE YEAR

JUNIOR YEAR

SENIOR YEAR

 NOTES:

1. Read the notes to the Standard Option.
2. The recommended prerequisite to Astronomy 345 is Phys 303.
3. Astronomy 435 is offered in even-numbered years, Astronomy 436 in odd-numbered years. They can be taken in any order.

Physics – Applied Option (120 hours)

First YEAR

Second Year

Third YEAR

Fourth YEAR

 NOTES:

1. Read the notes to the Standard Option.The program of courses below is appropriate for students who wish to enter industry upon graduation.
2. Option Electives (18 credits): Choose from CE, CPT S, EE, ME, and MSE courses not used to fulfill other
3. Physics Electives (3 credits): Choose any 300-400-level ASTRONOM or PHYSICS courses not used to fulfill other requirements.

Minor in Physics

A physics minor requires Phys 201/202 and Phys 303/304 plus any two courses (6 credits) from the following list: Phys 320 Mechanics, Phys 330 Thermal Physics, Phys 341/342 Electricity and Magnetism, Phys 410 Electronics, Phys 412 Modern Optics Laboratory, Phys 415 [M] Modern Laboratory Techniques, Phys 443 Optics, Phys 450 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, Phys 461 Atomic and Molecular Physics, Phys 463 Solid State Physics, and Phys 465 Nuclear Physics. This makes a total of 20 credits in physics

Looking for resources as a current or prospective undergraduate student attending Washington State University’s spectacular Physics and Astronomy Program? Here you can find links to the application process, courses, scholarships, student directory, extracurricular activities, and the undergraduate student handbook. Not enough info? Please e-mail the department at physics@wsu.edu or call at 509-335-9532.

Graduate Studies in Physics & Astronomy

The Department of Physics and Astronomy graduate program at Washington State University is designed to produce leaders in industry, in academia, and at national laboratories. The department’s progressive environment seeks to provide an atmosphere that fosters intellectual growth and quantitative reasoning. The program engages students in teaching and research activities that provide the skills, knowledge, and ability for critical thinking that will enable them to be productive members of society. In the process, our goal is to lay the foundations for technological advances that improve our quality of life.

Looking for resources as a current or prospective graduate student attending Washington State University’s spectacular Physics and Astronomy Program? Here you can find links to the application process, courses, scholarships, student directory, extracurricular activities, and the graduate student handbook. Not enough info? Please e-mail the department at physics@wsu.edu or call at 509-335-9532.