B.S in Physics
Format: In person on the Statesboro Campus or the Armstrong Campus in Savannah
Credit Hours: 124
Bachelor’s Degrees in Physics
Do you have a cosmos-sized curiosity? Are you interested in matter, space and time? In Georgia Southern University’s physics programs, you can explore our vast universe and join world-class professors in exciting research.
In Georgia Southern’s Physics Department, you are prepared for a career or advanced degree from the start. We offer the following programs, so explore the one that fits your interests:
- Bachelor of Science in Physics
- Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Physics and Astronomy
- Physics degree for the Pre-Med Program
Links to degree requirements as listed in the university catalog:
Physics BS
The Physics BS curriculum is rigorous in its physics and mathematics course requirements and is designed primarily for students who wish to pursue an advanced degree in physics or employment as a professional physicist in an industrial setting. Because physics forms the basis of many other sciences such as chemistry, material science, oceanography, nano-engineering and geophysics, the BS program is an excellent preparation for advanced degrees in these fields. In addition, physicists are increasingly applying their talents to molecular biology, biochemistry, and medicine. An important part of the BS program is student participation in experimental or theoretical research with physics and astronomy faculty. The BS program also offers an emphasis in Astronomy on the Statesboro campus.
Ready to Apply?
Or, you can:
Physics Minor
The Physics Minor curriculum provides a solid foundation in physics suitable to support degrees in any of the physical sciences and engineering, such as chemistry and geology. Although not required for the minor, students can become directly involved in any of the active research programs in the department.
Learn more about the programs by exploring our program learning outcomes, which explain exactly what you’ll be prepared for by the time you graduate.
Undergraduate Research
At Georgia Southern, we pride ourselves on creating a hands-on learning environment, where students don’t need to wait for graduate school to begin serious research. Learn more about undergraduate research opportunities through the College Office of Undergraduate Research (COUR).
Master of Science in Applied Physical Science Degree
Prepare to become a leader in the business aspects of science. Georgia Southern’s Master of Science in Applied Physical Science (MS-APS) is a terminal professional degree that prepares you for the workplace. Gain real-world experience in applying physical science to the business, government, and nonprofit sectors. This master of applied science program deepens your understanding of the science used in your field, giving you a solid grounding in business fundamentals and communications. You can choose between a terminal non-thesis or a terminal thesis option, and select an interdisciplinary concentration area in:
- Environmental science
- Material science
- Pharmaceutical science
Program Learning Outcomes
The mission of the Department of Physics is to provide its majors with a strong undergraduate physics/astronomy education that will serve them whether they pursue an advanced degree in astronomy or physics, a professional career in medicine or dentistry, a career in industry, or a career in science education.
The department offers a variety of studies in the fields of Physics and Astronomy leading to either a Bachelor of Science in Physics (BSP) degree or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) with major in Physics and Astronomy. The BSP degree is designed to train those students who will pursue advanced studies or careers in industry. The BA degree is designed to train those students who desire a career in secondary science education. Both degree curriculums are designed to guide majors through a sequence of courses that build upon one another while strengthening students’ conceptual understanding of astronomy and physics, developing their scientific inquiry skills, and improving their problem solving skills. In addition, the BSP allows opportunities for students to complete undergraduate research projects while the BA degree provides students with early teaching experiences.
The Physics Department embraces the University’s mission to develop a fertile learning environment for majors exemplified by a free exchange of ideas, high academic expectations, and individual responsibility for academic achievement. This is accomplished by bridging theory with practice extending the learning environment beyond the classroom, and promoting student growth and life success.
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of either a BSP or BA degree, all majors are expected to:
PLO1. Develop a conceptual understanding of physics principles. They will be able to demonstrate concepts in Newtonian Mechanics, Electricity, and Magnetism.
PLO2. Develop state-of-the-art laboratory skills and professional communication skills. They will be able to apply the scientific method to design, execute, and analyze an experiment. In addition, they will be able to explain their scientific procedures as well as their experimental observations.
PLO3. Retain and/or develop attitudes that are favorable toward learning physics. They will see physics as a coherent framework of ideas and indicate a willingness to continue learning about physics. Develop advanced problem solving skills. They will be able to apply advanced mathematics to solve complex problems involving physical phenomena.
PLO4. In addition,upon completion of a BA degree from the Physics Department at Georgia Southern University, Bachelor of Arts majors are expected to develop the observation, reflection, and critical thinking skills that are vital to classroom teachers.
Related Programs
Last updated: 2/22/2024