Majors, minors & more
Standard Physics
College of Arts and Sciences
- Offered as:
- Specialization track in Physics and Astronomy
Overview
Physics is the most basic natural science and considers physical systems ranging in size from nuclei, to atoms, to the cosmos. It is an extremely broad field, with many sub-fields. The standard physics option will prepare you with a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied aspects of physics, equipping you to pursue a wide variety of future paths in physics and related fields.
All physics students have opportunities to work in research labs with faculty and advanced graduate students as their mentors. A research-based undergraduate thesis is the capstone of the degree.
- Requirements and core courses
-
Suggested classes for freshmen
Chem 105: Principles of Chemistry I
Chem 106 or 116: Principles of Chemistry
CptS 121: Program Design and DevelopmentMath 171: Calculus I
Math 172: Calculus II
Physics 188: First-year Seminar
Physics 201: Physics for Scientists and EngineersEngl 101: Introductory Writing
Hist 105: The Roots of Contemporary Issues
UCORE requirementsSuggested classes for transfer students
CptS 121: Program Design and Development
Engl 402: Technical and Professional WritingPhysics 188: First-Year Seminar
Physics 303: Modern Physics I
Physics 320: Mechanics
Physics 341: Electricity and MagnetismMath requirement
Math 171: Calculus I
Math 172: Calculus II
Math 220: Introductory Linear Algebra
Math 273: Calculus III
Math 315: Differential EquationsSix additional credits of Math 300 or higher
Physics core
Physics 201/205: Physics for Scientists and Engineers I
Physics 202/206: Physics for Scientists and Engineers IIPhysics 303: Modern Physics I
Physics 304: Modern Physics II
Physics 320: Mechanics
Physics 330: Thermal Physics
Physics 341: Electricity and Magnetism I
Physics 342: Electricity and Magnetism IIPhysics 410: Electronics
Physics 415: Quantum Physics Laboratory
Physics 450: Introduction to Quantum Physics
Physics 490: Undergraduate Thesis
Physics 499: Special ProblemsElectives
Through electives, you can explore a variety of subjects: biophysics, computational physics, continuum physics and acoustics, environmental physics, materials physics, nanotechnology, and optics and electronics.
Graduation requirements
See the WSU Catalog for degree requirements and talk with your academic advisor about planning and scheduling your courses. All students must meet requirements as outlined in the catalog in order to graduate.
- Scholarships and financial aid
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For physics students
Physics scholarships include the Paul and Dian Bender Freshman Physics Scholarship, the Claire May Band Freshman Physics Scholarship (for women), the Physics Transfer Student Scholarship, the Paul Anderson Award for Excellence in Physics, the Edward E. Donaldson Surface Science Scholarship, the George Duvall Scholarship in Shock Compression Science, and the Physics Textbook Scholarship.
For information contact the physics department at 509-335-1698.
For all students at WSU
Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.
To get all the financial help WSU can provide, start by doing these two things:
- Complete the University's general scholarship application so you can be eligible for scholarship consideration.
- Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) so WSU can consider you for aid (scholarships, grants, loans, etc.) based on financial need.