Department website: http://www.atu.edu/cmp

The physics curriculum is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the fundamental principles governing the natural world, including mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and relativity. Through rigorous coursework, laboratory experiments, and often research opportunities, students develop strong analytical, problem-solving, and mathematical skills. The degree prepares graduates for a wide range of career paths, including roles in research, engineering, data analysis, education, and technology development. Additionally, it serves as a strong foundation for further studies in graduate programs in physics, astronomy, engineering, or interdisciplinary fields like medical physics or computational science. With its emphasis on critical thinking and quantitative reasoning, a physics degree equips students to tackle complex challenges across diverse industries. Those graduates who are interested in secondary education are also able to take advantage of our AB2M (Accelerated Bachelor to Master) program to obtain their masters of art in teaching.

The matrix below is a sample plan for all coursework required for this program.

¹

See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements". A specific general education core course does not have to be taken in the semester listed, any other part of the general education core at any time is acceptable as well.

²

Seven hours of electives must be from physical sciences, biology, engineering, computer science.

³

This program partners the BS undergraduate degree with the MA in Teaching degree. A maximum of twelve (12) graduate level credit courses can be counted towards both the BS degree in Physics and the MA in Teaching degree. MTLL 6123 Instructional Leadership for the Master Teacher, EDFD 6003 Educational Research, MTLL 6133 Elements of Curriculum, MAMS 5333 Teaching Literacy in the Content Areas can be used to replace any elective.

Must complete both the PHYS 4113 Advanced Physics Laboratory and 3 hours PHYS electives (PHYS course offered in alternating years).

Students who complete the program will demonstrate:

1. Problem-solving skills: An ability to identify, formulate, and solve broadly-defined technical or scientific problems by applying knowledge of mathematics and science and/or technical topics to areas relevant to the discipline.
2. Design: An ability to formulate or design a system, process, procedure or program to meet desired needs.
3. Communication: An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
4. Ethics: An ability to understand ethical and professional responsibilities and the impact of technical and/or scientific solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
5. Teamwork: An ability to function effectively on teams that establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, and analyze risk and uncertainty. 
6. Experiment: An ability to develop and conduct experiments or test hypotheses, analyze and interpret data and use scientific judgment to draw conclusions.

For program assessment visit: https://www.atu.edu/assessment/program_assessment.php