General Program Information
The major program in physics provides the foundation for a broad spectrum of challenging careers in scientific and non-scientific fields. Baccalaureate physics majors find employment opportunities such as research associates in commercial and government laboratories, sales and engineering representatives for manufacturers of technical products, industrial management trainees, and teachers at the secondary school level.
ETSU Academic Proficiency Requirements
Writing: Students must complete a minimum of four writing-intensive courses. At least two of these courses must be in the major field of study. At least two of the four courses must be at the 3000-4000 level.
Oral Communication: Students must complete a minimum of two oral communication-intensive courses. At least one of these courses must be in the major field of study.
Using Information Technology: Students must pass the information technology proficiency exam or successfully complete CSCI 1100 - Using Information Technology during their first calendar year or prior to accumulating 33 semester credits at ETSU. In addition, students must complete at least one using information technology-intensive course in the major field of study.
Transfer students may be subject to reduced number of intensives.
See ETSU Academic Proficiency Requirements for details.
Additional Information
Click here to view the Suggested Course Sequence for Physics B.S.
Students are also strongly encouraged to take mathematics at least through ordinary differential equations and such additional elective courses in physics, mathematics, and chemistry as their curriculum will permit.
All major programs in physics must be approved by the chair of the department.
To complete university graduation requirements, students must complete a minor in another subject area.
Transfer Students–Transfer students majoring in physics should contact the chair of the department for advising as soon as possible. This will ensure that the student’s previous work will be coordinated efficiently with ETSU requirements.
Teacher Education–Students interested in pursuing a teacher education program for certification as a physics teacher in grades 7-12 are asked to see the department chair in the Department of Physics and Astronomy AND the professional advisor in the Office of Student Services, 321 Warf-Pickel, College of Education.
Pre-Teacher Education–Declaration of Intent–All ETSU students desiring to complete a teacher education or other public school licensure program (for initial licensure, add-on endorsement, or advanced study in education) must file a Declaration of Intent in the Office of Student Services, 321 Warf-Pickel Hall. The Declaration of Intent should be filed before 30 credit hours of coursework have been completed or, in the case of transfer and post-baccalaureate students, in the first semester at ETSU. Delay or failure to file the Declaration of Intent may result in incomplete advisement. Students who have not filed the Declaration of Intent will not be considered for admission to teacher education and may be ineligible to enroll in many professional education courses.
Professional Education Requirements–There is a total of 36 credit hours required for professional education. Please refer to the Education Minor section in this catalog for a list of the required courses that must be taken with the professional semester.
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