Physics and Astronomy Degree Plan
Degree Options
Bachelor of Science in Physics and Astronomy
Specialization Tracks Available:
- Astrophysics
- Planetary Sciences
- Standard Physics
- Applied Physics
Minors
- Astronomy
- Physics
Program Strengths
- The highly rigorous undergraduate program prepares graduates to be competitive in top graduate programs or for employment.
- 63% of faculty are Society Fellows; the national average is 10%
- Faculty bring in over $9 million/year in grant funds.
- The department hosts a weekly colloquium, where WSU faculty and visiting scholars discuss their research/work.
- The James Richard Jewett Observatory houses the largest refracting telescope in the state of Washington. Several times a year, star parties are held for the public to attend.
- Each year, usually during Parent’s Weekend, the Physics and Astronomy Club hosts the annual Pumpkin Drop, a gravity experiment using pumpkins and the 12-story Webster Hall.
Student Club
Physics and Astronomy Club
Admission to the Major Requirements
Students may be admitted as Physics & Astronomy majors upon declaring their intent to the department.
Suggested Classes for First year
- Chem 105: Principles of Chemistry I
- Chem 106 or 116: Principles of Chemistry II
- CptS 111: Introduction to Algorithmic Problem Solving
OR CptS 121: Program Design and Development - Engl 101: Introductory Writing
- Hist 105: The Roots of Contemporary Issues
- Math 171: Calculus I
- Math 172: Calculus II
- Physics 188: First-year Seminar
- Physics 201/205: Physics for Scientists and Engineers
- UCORE requirements
Suggested Classes for Transfer Students
- CptS 111: Introduction to Algorithmic Problem Solving
OR CptS 121: Program Design and Development - Engl 402: Technical and Professional Writing
- Physics 188: First-Year Seminar
- Physics 303: Modern Physics I
- Physics 320: Mechanics
- Physics 341: Electricity and Magnetism
Math Requirement
- Math 171: Calculus I
- Math 172: Calculus II
- Math 220: Introductory Linear Algebra
- Math 273: Calculus III
- Math 315: Differential Equations
- Plus six credits of Math 300 or higher
Core Courses
- Physics 201/205: Physics for Scientists and Engineers I
- Physics 202/206: Physics for Scientists and Engineers II
- Physics 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 II
- Physics 410: Electronics
- Physics 415: Quantum Physics Laboratory
- Physics 450: Introduction to Quantum Physics
- Physics 489: Thesis Proposal
- Physics 490: Undergraduate Thesis
Career Options
- Alternative energy sciences, energy exploration
- Medical profession, imaging, diagnosis
- Sports technologies, biophysics/engineering
- Architecture, civil engineering, materials science
- Education, forensics/law enforcement
- Computer technologies and applications
- Special effects, sound engineering, design
- Science journalism, technical writing
- Astronomy, aero-space technology
- Capital investment, insurance, computational economics
For more information
physics.wsu.edu
physics@wsu.edu
509-335-1698
Advisors
Michael Allen
mlfa@wsu.edu
Webster 1246
509-335-1279
Nick Cerruti
ncerruti@wsu.edu
Webster 1250
509-335-7380
Frederick Gittes
gittes@wsu.edu
Webster 1252
509-335-7380