The BS Physics degree trains students in the fundamental natural science of Physics. It prepares students either for a professional career directly following their undergraduate studies, or for additional graduate studies. Besides graduate studies in physics those studies can be in a variety of technical fields such as engineering, medicine, and finance. As the “primary natural science” physics underlies each of the STEM branches, meaning a successful physics major inherits key components from every STEM discipline. Graduates of the BS physics curriculum will have a mastered a combination of a challenging skill set valued by our modern economy: technical problem solving, mathematical reasoning, computer programming and modeling, hands-on laboratory and design skills, and understanding of specialized equipment.
Bachelor's Degree Requirements
The following overall requirements are needed in order to earn a bachelor's degree. For a full explanation of the requirements, please see policy A.04.01.
- Completion of the core curriculum. Specific core plan is dependent upon accepted transfer credit, major, and Honor's Program participation.
- Successful completion of at least 120 credit hours, with the final 36 hours taken in Residence at UST. Total credits listed on the page only reflect the major.
- Completion of a major.
- Completion of 36 upper-division credit hours.
- A cumulative grade point average (GPA) above 2.0
- A cumulative GPA above 2.0 in your major
- Freshman Symposium is a one-credit hour, mandatory course exclusively for first-year students at the University of St. Thomas, introducing them to the UST mission and the Basilian Fathers’ core values of goodness, discipline, and knowledge. Freshmen register for it during the Freshmen Registration/Orientation events and can choose a class that aligns with their interests, with course descriptions provided in advance.
Physics Required Coursework
Advanced Laboratory Option
Complete one of the following courses.
Physics Electives
Complete 12 ENGR/PHYS elective hours for your Physics concentration. Consult with academic advisor regarding options. Include needed Pre/Co-requisites for your choice of Advanced Laboratory.
Chemistry
Complete all of the following courses. Must take in order.
Mathematics
Complete all of the following courses. Must take in order.
STEM Electives
Complete 9 elective hours in STEM disciplines which complement a student’s concentration. Must be done with consultation and approval of academic advisor in the Department of Physics and Engineering.