COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts in Physics at Wright State University is an interdisciplinary degree designed for students who want a strong background in physics while also pursuing interests outside traditional science and engineering fields. Admission is open to any student who meets the university’s general admission requirements. The 120-credit-hour program combines rigorous training in physics, mathematics, chemistry, and laboratory work with significant flexibility for studies in liberal arts, business, writing, philosophy, political science, or other disciplines. Students complete a 37-credit-hour general education curriculum that includes English composition, calculus, social sciences, humanities, history, and introductory physics courses with laboratory and recitation components. The major core focuses on advanced scientific knowledge through courses such as Modern Physics, Physics Instrumentation, Applied Optics, Advanced Physics Laboratory, Analytical Mechanics, and Electricity and Magnetism. Students also complete additional physics electives to deepen their expertise. Related coursework includes General Chemistry I and II with laboratories, Calculus III, Differential Equations, and Linear Algebra, providing the strong mathematical and scientific foundation expected of physics graduates. A distinctive feature of the program is the requirement to complete 18 credit hours outside the Colleges of Science and Mathematics and Engineering and Computer Science, encouraging interdisciplinary learning and career flexibility. Students also have 24–25 elective credits that can be used toward minors, certificates, or specialized interests. Throughout the program, students develop analytical thinking, quantitative reasoning, problem-solving abilities, experimental skills, and technical communication expertise. The curriculum prepares graduates for a wide range of opportunities, including graduate study in physics, engineering, business, medicine, education, and other professional fields. It also supports direct entry into careers involving research, technology, engineering, software development, data analysis, and scientific applications. The program is especially valuable for students seeking a balance between scientific rigor and broader academic interests, providing versatile skills that can be applied across many industries and emerging fields in today’s rapidly evolving technological world.