Physics, BS (3 yr) (GPS)

This Graduation Planning Strategy (GPS) outlines a sample three-year path to graduation and is valid for this catalog year only. This plan is a recommendation, and your actual program may vary. This suggested three-year graduation plan is not a substitute for regular academic advising appointments.

All undergraduate degree programs require at least 120 credit hours. To graduate in three years, students must earn an average of 15-18 credit hours per regular semester (fall and spring) and 6-12 credit hours in the summer semesters. Summer course offerings are limited, and students should plan carefully for summer classes with their academic advisor. The time it takes to complete a degree and the sequence in which courses are taken will depend on any credits transferred to WSU and placement in math and writing.

See the Academic Catalog for a complete listing of curriculum requirements, course prerequisites, and course descriptions. Course offerings and prerequisites are subject to change.

Courses Taken Prior to Matriculation

ENG 1100 - Academic Writing and Reading Credit Hour(s): 3
MST 2300 - Calculus I Credit Hour(s): 4
Core - Wright State Core Course Credit Hour(s): 3
PHY 2400 - General Physics I Credit Hour(s): 4
PHY 2400L - General Physics I Laboratory Credit Hour(s): 1
PHY 2410 - General Physics II Credit Hour(s): 4
PHY 2410L - General Physics II Laboratory Credit Hour(s): 1
MTH 2310 - Calculus II Credit Hour(s): 4

Fall One

PHY 2420 - Introduction to Modern Physics Credit Hour(s): 3
PHY 1000 - Undergraduate Physics Seminar I Credit Hour(s): 1
PHY 3150 - Physics Instrumentation Credit Hour(s): 3
CHM 1210 - General Chemistry I Credit Hour(s): 3
MTH 2530 - Elementary Linear Algebra Credit Hour(s): 3

Total: 15 Credit Hours

Spring One

PHY 3220 - Applied Optics Credit Hour(s): 3
PHY 1010 - Undergraduate Physics Seminar II Credit Hour(s): 1
MTH 2320 - Calculus III Credit Hour(s): 4
CHM 1220 - General Chemistry II Credit Hour(s): 3
CORE - Wright State Core Course Credit Hour(s): 3

Total: 15 Credit Hours

Summer One

CORE - Wright State Core Course Credit Hour(s): 3
CORE - Wright State Core Course Credit Hour(s): 3
MTH 2350 - Differential Equations with Matrix Algebra Credit Hour(s): 4

Total: 10 Credit Hours

Fall Two

PHY 3500 - Advanced Physics Laboratory I Credit Hour(s): 2
PHY 4500 - Electricity and Magnetism I Credit Hour(s): 3
GE - General Elective Credit Hour(s): 3
GE - General Elective Credit Hour(s): 3

Total: 14 Credit Hours

Spring Two

PHY 3510 - Advanced Physics Laboratory II Credit Hour(s): 2
PHY 3710 - Analytical Mechanics Credit Hour(s): 3
PHY 4510 - Electricity and Magnetism II Credit Hour(s): 3
MTH 3330 - Partial Differential Equations Credit Hour(s): 3
CORE - Wright State Core Course Credit Hour(s): 3

Total: 14 Credit Hours

Summer Two

CORE - Wright State Core Course Credit Hour(s): 3
CORE - Wright State Core Course Credit Hour(s): 3

Total: 6 Credit Hours

Fall Three

PHY 4600 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics I Credit Hour(s): 3
PHY 4940 - Senior Project Credit Hour(s): 3
GE - General Elective Credit Hour(s): 3
GE - General Elective Credit Hour(s): 3

Total: 12 Credit Hours

Spring Three

PHY 4610 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics II Credit Hour(s): 3
PHY 4940 - Senior Project Credit Hour(s): 3
PHY 4830 - Statistical Mechanics Credit Hour(s): 3
GE2 - General Elective Credit Hour(s): 3

Total: 12 Credit Hours

Note(s):

(1) All PHY 2420 and higher courses only offered once a year.