Bachelor of Science in Physics

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The Bachelor of Science Program in Physics prepares students for graduate school in physics or engineering, professional schools, and for careers in industry, government, business, or teaching - students interested in teaching should consider the Master of Arts in STEM Education in an Accelerated Dual Degree Program. Students may also think about the Accelerated Dual Degree Program with the Masters of Science in Data Science.

Undergraduate research opportunities exist in diverse areas of experimental physics including optics/laser spectroscopy, condensed matter/materials science, biophysics, theoretical physics including optical physics and high-energy physics, and planetary science/astronomy. Access to these kinds of meaningful experiences is a hallmark of the Physics Program.

General Education

All students starting before Fall 2018 and transfer students must complete the University General Education Requirements as described in the Undergraduate Program Requirements .

Rowan Core

All first-time Freshmen starting in Fall 2018 or after must complete the University Rowan Core Requirements as described in Undergraduate Program Requirements .

Rowan Experience

All students must complete the Rowan Experience requirements as described in Undergraduate Program Requirements .

Program Requirements

Required Courses

PHIL 09261 - Philosophical Perspectives on Science-WI Credits: 3
MATH 01130 - Calculus I Credits: 4
MATH 01131 - Calculus II Credits: 4
MATH 01230 - Calculus III Credits: 4
CS 04103 - Computer Science and Programming Credits: 4
or
CS 01104 - Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving Credits: 3
PHYS 00130 - Building Momentum as a Physics Student at Rowan and Beyond-RS Credits: 1
PHYS 00220 - Introductory Mechanics Credits: 4
PHYS 00221 - Introductory Thermodynamics, Fluids, Waves, & Optics Credits: 4
PHYS 00222 - Introductory Electricity & Magnetism Credits: 4
PHYS 00300 - Modern Physics Credits: 4
PHYS 00330 - Mathematical Methods for Physics Credits: 3 and one additional (3 sh) Restricted Elective (see below)
or
MATH 01210 - Linear Algebra Credits: 3
and
MATH 01231 - Ordinary Differential Equations Credits: 3
PHYS 00351 - Physics Research Methods I Credits: 2
PHYS 00352 - Physics Research Methods II Credits: 2
PHYS 00310 - Analytical Mechanics Credits: 4
PHYS 00320 - Electricity & Magnetism I Credits: 4
PHYS 00410 - Quantum Mechanics I Credits: 4
PHYS 00430 - Statistical Physics Credits: 3
An approved 2-course science sequence (e.g. MCB 01101 and MCB 01102 , CHEM 06100 and CHEM 06101 , CS courses to fulfill a CS minor or CUGS, etc)

Restricted Electives

Choose at least 11 s.h. from any 300+ Physics course (maximum of 3 s.h. of Physics Research or 4 s.h. of Physics Learning Assistant), any 200+ Astronomy, (maximum of 3 s.h. of Astronomy Research), Geology, Materials Science, any 300+ Engineering, any 200+ Math, any 200+ Chemistry, any 200+ Computer Science, or Biology. Note: the 3 s.h. Research Course restriction is a total across both categories.

Free Electives: 31 s.h.

Available Concentration

A Undergraduate Concentration in Photonics is available to Physics majors desiring a more advanced study of optics and photonics. This concentration is especially useful for students who are thinking about graduate work and a career in the field of optics and photonics.