OVERVIEW OF DEGREE REQUIREMENTS - Bachelor of Arts in Physics
Minimum number of credits required to graduate: 120
Minimum Cumulative GPA required to graduate: 2.0
Minimum Grade requirements for courses to count toward major: None.
Other GPA requirements to graduate: A minimum accumulative GPA of 2.0 (“C”) in the major.
Required Course(s) for fulfilling Capstone Experience: PHY 400 and PHY 481 or PHY 400 and PHY 482
Contact Information: John Thompson, Chair, Department of Physics and Astronomy, 120 Bennett Hall, (207) 581-1039, umphysicschair@maine.edu
OVERVIEW OF DEGREE REQUIREMENTS - Bachelor of Science in Physics
Minimum number of credits required to graduate: 120
Minimum Cumulative GPA required to graduate: 2.0
Minimum Grade requirements for courses to count toward major: A minimum accumulative GPA of 2.0 (“C”) in the major.
Other GPA requirements to graduate: None.
Required Course(s) for fulfilling Capstone Experience: PHY 400 and PHY 481 or PHY 400 and PHY 482
Contact Information: John Thompson, Chair, Department of Physics and Astronomy, 120 Bennett Hall, (207) 581-1039, umphysicschair@maine.edu
The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers programs of study in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences that lead to the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Physics and Bachelor of Arts in Physics. The BS degree is customarily the prerequisite for graduate education in physics, astronomy, or related areas, preparatory for careers in basic or applied research and development. The B.S. degree places a strong emphasis on physics and mathematics. The BS degree is the recommended program for students planning further study of physics in graduate school or who desire a more in-depth physics experience. The B.A. degree in physics is a traditional liberal arts program emphasizing physics, together with a substantial distribution of course work outside the areas of science and mathematics. The BA degree, in addition to preparing the student for an entry level position in industry, can accommodate pre-medical preparation, secondary science education certification, pre-law, and technical writing careers, to name only a few.
The Department also offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics in the College of Engineering. This BS degree is designed for students who are interested in both a particular engineering field and the physics and mathematics that provide a foundation for that field. This program is described under Engineering Physics in the College of Engineering section of this catalog.
Physics and Cooperative Education
Physics majors in good standing who have completed 18 credits in physics may participate in the Cooperative Education Program. Cooperative Education is the integration of practical work experience, obtained through specific periods of employment in industry, business, or government, into the on-campus classroom and laboratory course curriculum. A student in the Cooperative Education Program works as a paid employee in a professional environment at a job selected by mutual agreement with the student, employer, and the Cooperative Education Coordinator in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Academic credit is received through enrollment in PHY 496, Field Experience in Physics.
Scholarships
The Department of Physics and Astronomy has several large scholarship endowments. The department awards between 25 and 35 scholarships each year to its undergradute majors.
The requirements listed on this page are specific to this particular major. Students are also responsible for meeting any graduation requirements set out by their college. Students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) should make sure to review those requirements as stated on the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences page of the catalog.
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