Academic Catalog 2025-2026

Slippery Rock University

Physics, Bachelor of Science (BS) / Pre-Engineering (Pitt) (3+2)

Program Learning Outcomes

LO1: Graduates will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of core physics concepts including mechanics, electromagnetism, thermal and statistical physics, and quantum mechanics  (UGO 02, 03, 04)

LO2: Graduates will be skilled in using physical laws, relevant mathematical and statistical techniques, and computational tools to model physical systems and solve complex problems across various domains in physics.  (UGO 02, 03, 04, 06)

LO3: Graduates will possess hands-on experience in designing, conducting, and analyzing experiments using appropriate laboratory equipment and techniques. (UGO 02, 04, 06)

LO4: Graduate will demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate complex physical concepts and results through oral presentations, written reports, and visual aids tailored to diverse audiences. (UGO 01, 05)

LO5: Graduates will be capable of collaborating effectively within diverse, interdisciplinary teams and recognize the significance of professional integrity in scientific practices. (UGO 07, 08, 09, 10)

Related Links

Physics - Pre-Engineering PITT, BS Program Page

Physics Fact Sheet URL

Professional Licensure/Certification Page

Curriculum Guide

GPA Requirement

Major GPA: 2.00 or higher
Overall GPA: 3.00 or higher

Summary*

Rock Studies 2 Requirements41
Other Basic Requirements0-3
Major Requirements56
Natural Science and Math College-Wide Requirements (Included in Rock Studies Requirements)12
Electives23

* 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. However, because this is a pre-professional program, credits taken during the 1st year of the graduate program are applied toward the undergraduate credit hours to meet the 120 credits required for your undergraduate degree.

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 216University Physics 1 with Lab4
Subtotal17
Additional Rock Studies 2 Requirements
Required Thematic Thread Coursework:
MATH 230Calculus II4
CHEM 108General Chemistry II3
CHEM 112General Chemistry II Lab1
Subtotal8
Total Hours41
1

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

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 

Physics Core
PHYS 217University Physics 2 with Lab 14
PHYS 310Classical Mechanics 13
PHYS 312Modern Physics 13
PHYS 381Advanced Physics Laboratory 12
PHYS 385Computational Physics 13
Subtotal15
Required Physics Courses
PHYS 314Statics 13
PHYS 315Dynamics 13
PHYS 331Mathematical Methods of Physics and Engineering 13
or MATH 331 Mathematical Methods of Physics and Engineering
Subtotal9
Required Engineering Courses
ENGR 230Mechanics of Materials 13
ENGR 250Circuit Analysis I 13
Subtotal6
Major and Related Electives
Select nine credits of the following: 29
Thermal and Statistical Physics 1
Electricity and Magnetism 1
Quantum Mechanics 1
Engineering Design Tools 1
Engineering Computing Tools 1
Mechanics of Materials Lab 1
Engineering Materials 1
Fluid Mechanics 1
Thermodynamics 1
Applied Statistics 1
Engineering Economics 1
Organic Chemistry I 1
Organic Chemistry II 1
Organic Chemistry Laboratory I 1
Organic Chemistry Laboratory II 1
Physical Chemistry 1 1
Object-Oriented Programming 1
Subtotal9
Required Related Courses
MATH 230Calculus II 14
MATH 231Calculus III 14
MATH 232Linear Algebra 13
MATH 301Differential Equations I 13
CPSC 146Programming Principles 13
Subtotal17
Total Hours56
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
MATH 225Calculus I 14
PHYS 216University Physics 1 with Lab 14
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 - BS (6164)/CIM 333
with Concentration in Engineering Physics (ENPH)
with University of Pittsburgh (6PIT)
This program is effective as of Summer 2025
Revised 07.14.2025
UCC 10.29.2024