Earning a Minor in Physics

Students in any field can benefit from earning a minor in physics.  A solid background in science is a requirement for full literacy in our increasingly technological world.  Especially for students in a scientific or technical major, a more in-depth knowledge of the physics principles underlying your major can improve your ability and widen your options in future employment as well as in graduate school.

A minor in physics consists of 18 credits of physics courses, including 9 upper division credits.  Many of these courses are already required of engineering and chemistry majors.  A grade of C or better is required in these courses.  (Labs are recommended but not required for the minor.)

• PHYS 213 or PHYS 215  (Mechanics)
• PHYS 214 or PHYS 216  (Electricity and Magnetism)
• PHYS 217  (Heat, Light and Sound)
• PHYS 315  (Modern Physics) or PHYS 325 (Electronic Materials and Devices)
• 6 additional credits of upper-division physics courses, not including PHYS 350, 400, 450 or any General Education courses.

 Selection of upper division credits

You are free to select 6 credits of upper-division physics credit based purely on your interests.  A designated minor in physics is possible if the 6 credits of upper-division courses are chosen in a specific area of concentration.  For example, if you are a mechanical engineering major you might be interested in a designated minor in classical mechanics; if you are a chemistry major you might be more interested in a quantum mechanics minor.

Designated Minors in Physics
 

If you have any questions about pursuing a minor in physics, please call Steve Pate at 646-2135 or Tom Hearn at 646-5076.