Academic Catalog 2024-2025

Slippery Rock University

Physics, Bachelor of Arts (BA) / Pre-Engineering (YSU) (3+2)

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, students in the Physics Program at SRU will be:

  • Proficient in the basic and advanced concepts of classical and modern physics.
  • Accomplished problem solvers capable of applying inductive and deductive logic, mathematical modeling, computational tools, and principles of physics to novel situations.
  • Skilled at constructing and assembling experimental apparatuses, conducting and analyzing measurements of physical phenomena, and drawing valid conclusions from experimental data.
  • Effective communicators, capable of presenting scientific results effectively to diverse audiences.
  • Prepared for a career in science, industry, and education or to pursue a graduate program in physics or related areas.

Related Links

Physics - Pre-Engineering YSU, BA Program Page

Physics Fact Sheet URL

Professional Licensure/Certification Page

Curriculum Guide

GPA Requirement

Major GPA: 2.00 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.75 or higher

Summary*

Rock Studies 2 Requirements41
Modern Language RequirementsWaived
Other Basic Requirements0-3
Major Requirements58
Natural Science and Math College-Wide Requirements12
Electives21

* All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits.  Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.

Rock Studies 2 Requirements

The Rock
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 13
ENGL 102Critical Writing3
ENGL 104Critical Reading3
MATH 225Calculus I4
Select one of the following:3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
Subtotal16
Integrated Inquiry
Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Humanities Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Social Science Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Natural Sciences Inquiry
CHEM 107General Chemistry I3
CHEM 111General Chemistry I Lab1
Physical Sciences Inquiry
PHYS 211General Physics I with Lab4
Subtotal17
Additional Rock Studies 2 Requirements
Required Thematic Thread Coursework:
MATH 230Calculus II4
PHYS 213General Physics III/ Lab4
Subtotal8
Total Hours41
1

Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.

BA Modern Language Requirement

BA degree requires language proficiency at the 103 class level. Exemption by placement or examination is possible.

This Requirement is Waived.
Total Hours0

Basic Math Requirement

Check with your adviser or a current degree audit report to see if you have been exempted from this course. The credit earned in this course will not be counted toward the 120 credit hour minimum needed to earn a degree.

Complete one of the following:0-3
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR
Beginning Algebra
Total Hours0-3

DIVERSITY,  EQUITY,  AND INCLUSION REQUIREMENT

Students must take and pass a course with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) designation prior to graduation.  Students can meet this requirement by taking any DEI - designated course in any program at any time during their undergraduate career. 

Major Requirements 

Required Physics Courses
PHYS 140Engineering Graphics I 12
PHYS 141Engineering Graphics II 11
PHYS 211General Physics I with Lab 14
PHYS 212General Physics II with Lab 13
PHYS 213General Physics III/ Lab 14
PHYS 314Statics 13
PHYS 331Mathematical Methods of Physics 13
or MATH 331 Mathematical Methods of Physics
Subtotal20
Major and Related Electives
Select nine credits of the following: 29
Dynamics 1
Physical Optics 1
Thermal Physics 1
Advanced Physics Laboratory 1
Optics Laboratory 1
Computational Physics 1
Electricity and Magnetism 1
Quantum 1
Organic Chemistry I 1
Organic Chemistry II 1
Organic Chemistry Laboratory I 1
Organic Chemistry Laboratory II 1
Physical Chemistry 1 1
Physical Chemistry I
Physical Geology 1
Earth History/Lab 1
Physical Geology Lab 1
Earth Materials and Processes/Lab 1
Structural Geology 1
Introduction to Hydrology/Lab 1
Selected Computer Languages 1
Advanced Programming Principles 1
Computer Organization and Architecture 1
Numerical Mathematics 1
Mathematical Statistics I 1
Subtotal9
Required Related Courses
CHEM 107General Chemistry I 1,33
CHEM 108General Chemistry II 1,33
CHEM 111General Chemistry I Lab 1,31
CHEM 112General Chemistry II Lab 1,31
CPSC 140Introduction to Programming Principles 1,33
MATH 225Calculus I 14
MATH 230Calculus II 14
MATH 231Calculus III 14
MATH 240Linear Algebra and Differential Equations 13
MATH 301Differential Equations I 13
Subtotal29
Total Hours58
1

Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA

2

Elective courses need to be selected based upon area of Engineering chosen. Please contact your Adviser for specific courses

3

Course can be counted as a Rock Studies 2 Requirement, but earns credit only once toward your 120-credits total.

*

Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.

Natural Science and Math College-Wide Requirements

Students must take the following four courses:
CHEM 107General Chemistry I 13
CHEM 111General Chemistry I Lab 11
Select one of the following:4
Precalculus 1
Calculus I 1
PHYS 201Elements of Physics I with Lab4
or PHYS 211 General Physics I with Lab
Total Hours12
1

Course can be counted as a Rock Studies 2 Requirement, but earns credit only once toward your 120-credits total.

Important Curriculum Guide Notes

This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.

PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions

PHYSICS PRE ENGINEERING - BA (6 64)
with Youngstown State University (6 67)
This program is effective as of Fall 2019.
Revised 07.29.2021
UCC 2.5.2019