Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree with a Major in Physics and a Major Concentration in General Physics

BS Degree with a Major in Physics and a Major Concentration in General Physics 

Upon completing the BS degree with a major in Physics, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental concepts in Mechanics.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental concepts in Electromagnetism.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental concepts in Quantum Mechanics.

Additionally, upon completing the BS degree with a major in Physics and a major concentration in General Physics, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of a variety of fundamental physics topics taken from: statistical and thermal physics, biological physics, nuclear and particle physics, solid state physics, computational physics, and/or plasma physics.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in research techniques and methodology under guidance of a faculty member.
3. Communicate scientific results both in writing and oral presentations.

BS Degree with a Major in Physics and a Major Concentration in General Physics

For general university requirements, see Graduation Requirements. Students pursuing BS degree with a major in Physics and a major concentration in General Physics must complete:

• A minimum of 64 credit hours to satisfy major requirements. 
• A minimum of 520 credit hours to satisfy degree requirements. 
• A minimum of 37 credit hours taken at 300-level or above. 
• Core courses common to all major concentrations. 
• major concentration in General Physics. When students declare major in Physics, students must additionally identify and declare one of four major concentrations, either in:
  • Applied Physics, or
  • Biological Physics, or
  • Computational Physics, or
  • General Physics. 

Because of common core requirements, it is possible for students to change their major concentration at any time, even after initially declaring major. To do so, please contact the Office of Registrar.

Students may obtain credit for some courses by advanced placement, and department's undergraduate committee can modify requirements to meet needs of students with special backgrounds. 

courses listed below satisfy this major. In certain instances, courses not on this official list may be substituted upon approval of department's undergraduate committee. (Course substitutions must be formally applied and entered into Degree Works by major's Official Certifier.) Students and their academic advisors should identify and clearly document courses to be taken.

Applicants whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate English proficiency in one of two ways:

1. Completing at least two years of full-time study in an English language curriculum prior to submitting an application.

2. Submitting one of the following official test scores.

• The Coalition Application or the Common Application and Rice writing supplement
• $75 nonrefundable application fee (must be paid online)
• Official high school transcript in English (or a certified English translation)
• Recommendation Letters
  • School Counselor
  • Teacher 5
  • Teacher 2
• Demonstration of English proficiency
• International Student Financial Statement
• Architecture portfolio (Architecture applicants only)