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Degree programs in physics and astronomy

There are two undergraduate degrees you can obtain with a major in physics:

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Which Degree?

The difference between the B.S. and the B.A. degree is not substantial and you can read more about it by looking at the description in the University Catalog. Most of our students who major in physics elect to complete a B.S. degree.

The medium of exchange (currency) is the "credit hour" or "semester hour" (s.h.). Roughly speaking, apart from laboratory and studio classes, the number of semester hours earned in successfully completing a course is equal to the number of 50 min class periods that the course meets per week. Most common are 3 s.h. hour courses, and most often they meet on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for one "class hour" per day. To complete one of these degrees (B.A. or B.S.) you need to have successfully completed a minimum of 124 s.h. Now, if you are in school at the University for the usual 8 semesters, 124 s.h./8 semesters = 15.5 s.h./semester. Therefore, if you were to average of 16 s.h. per semsester, you will easily complete the minimum number of semester hours for the degree. Some course requirements may be satisfied (and the associated semester hours may be earned) through A.P. credits .

Degree Requirements

Within the degree, one is required to satisfy certain specific General Education requirements by completing courses in English, Theology, Science and Mathematics, Social Science, etc., and certain requirements in your major field of study. In the case of physics and astronomy, the major is a minimum of 32 s.h. with certain specified courses and some elective courses. You are encouraged to examine the physics major equirements.

Download an Excel Spreadsheet

In planning your course of study, it is helpful to keep an Excel spreadsheet on which you can update the courses you plan to take, the semesters in which you will take them, and which requirements you will, thereby satisfy. In the Academic Guide Student Handbook (which every student should have) there is a table which is intended to help you orgainze this information. You can download this table as an Excel spreadsheet and use it to track your academic progress.

Transferring to Valparaiso University

If you are considering transferring to Valparaiso University, you are encouraged to contact the Office of the Registrar and/or the Physics and Astronomy Department to learn more about what courses you will be required to complete to satisfy the requirements for a major in physics.

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