Mar 29, 2024  
2022 Undergraduate Catalog 1.2 (SUMMER-FALL) 
    
2022 Undergraduate Catalog 1.2 (SUMMER-FALL) [ARCHIVED CATALOG - Consult with Your Academic Advisor for Your Catalog Year]

Physics (B.S.) - Hegis Code 1902.00


(Bachelor of Science Degree)

Physics is the science concerned with the nature of matter, energy, and the interrelationships between them. Common cross-disciplines include engineering physics, chemical physics, geophysics, biophysics, and mathematical physics.

Engineering is the application of physics to real-world problems. Engineers are the people who design the automobiles, the bridges, the computer chips, the electronic devices, the artificial limbs, and all of the other technological wonders of our civilization.

Between these two fields, there is a mixed area that might be called applied physics or research engineering. It calls for people with a practical physics background who do engineering-development and research in industry.

Students considering public school teaching as a career should refer to the programs in education, listed alphabetically in this section of the catalog.

The B.S. in physics is designed for students who wish to practice applied physics or research in government or industry, pursue a graduate degree in physics, engineering, or education; or who simply want a more intensive background in physics for careers in technical management, high school physics teaching, and other technical fields.

The 3 - 2 transfer option in engineering provides the basic courses typically found in the first years of engineering programs. Students have the advantages of small classes and close contact with the faculty as they master their foundation courses in science, mathematics, and introductory engineering at Utica University, along with core courses, for a total of at least 96 hours. With this coursework completed, students transfer to an engineering school where they take junior-level engineering courses. Upon the completion of 32 hours at the transfer college (and receipt of an official transcript), students will earn a B.A. in physics from Utica University. When the students have satisfied the requirements from the engineering school, typically after another year of study there, they will earn a second degree, in engineering. In effect, one year of college work counts for the degree at two institutions, and students will have a liberal arts degree in addition to the engineering degree. This degree should be considered by those seeking a career in technical management

Total credit hours required for degree: 120

Learning Objectives

BS students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate a conceptual, theoretical and practical understanding (including hands-on work) in Classical Mechanics;  
  • Demonstrate a conceptual, theoretical and practical understanding (including hands-on work) in Electricity and Magnetism;  
  • Demonstrate a conceptual, theoretical and practical understanding (including hands-on work) in Quantum and Modern Physics.  

Academic Requirements


Core/General Education: 34 - 55 Credit Hours


Effective for the 2022-2023 academic year, Utica University has implemented a new general education program that replaces Core. Students who are admitted, or readmitted, for the 2022- 2023 academic year or later must follow the requirements of the General Education program. Students admitted prior to the 2022-2023 academic year must follow the requirements of the Core program. For full details of program requirements, see the catalog pages for the Core program and the General Education program. Students with specific questions should consult with their academic adviser or success coach.

25-27 Credit Hours


Additional Physics Course Requirements


3 - 2 Option in Engineering:


  • Physics (any level) - Physics Electives (6)
  • Physics (300,400 level) - Physics Electives (3)

9 Credit Hours


12 Credit Hours


26 Credit Hours


Free Electives


Students in the 3 - 2 engineering option must take a sufficient number of free electives to reach a total of 96 hours at Utica University. They must transfer 32 hours to Utica University from their engineering school. Students majoring in physics take sufficient free electives to reach a total of 120 hours at Utica University and should consult with their advisor on elective courses of particular interest for a specific career path.

Program Credits


Core/General Education 34-55 Credits
Major Course Requirements 37-39 Credits
Major Course Requirements (with 3-2 option in Engineering) 34-36 Credits
Major Related Course Requirements 26 Credits
College Electives 0-23 Credits
College Electives (with 3-2 option in Engineering) 3-26 Credits
Total Credit Hours Required For Degree 120 Credits