Mar 29, 2024  
2017-2018 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2017-2018 Undergraduate Bulletin

Physics (B.S.)


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Program Descriptions

Program: B.S.
Department of Physics  
College of Arts and Sciences

Kettler Hall 126B ~ 260-481-6306 ~ ipfw.edu/physics/


The Physics program can prepare you for careers in science and industry or teaching. It can also prepare you for graduate study in physics, medical physics, engineering, law and medicine. Within the physics program, there are four possible concentrations in addition to the “standard” Physics major: Optoelectronics and Biomedical Physics, Engineering Physics and Computational Physics. If you are interested in high school teaching, you may be interested in physical science teaching certification (listed separately in this Bulletin). 

You may also earn a Research Certificate by participating in research.  See description listed separately in (Programs ) of this Bulletin.

If interested in pursuing a teaching license in Physics, contact the Department of Educational Studies .


The student learning outcomes for the degree are as follows:

  • reason about physically significant problems conceptually and mathematically
  • solve complex physical problems using sophisticated mathematical techniques
  • interpret mathematical solutions conceptually and physically
  • investigate physical phenomena using multiple approaches
  • use computation and computer modeling to investigate physical phenomena and solve physical problems
  • communicate in appropriate scientific media and forms

Program Delivery:

  • This program is available on-campus

Declaring this major:

  • You must declare this major within the Department of Physics .

General Requirements:

Program Requirements:

  • Physics 15200, 21800, and 22000 must be repeated with a grade of C- or below

To earn the B.S. with a major in physics, you must fulfill the requirements of IPFW (Regulations ) and the College of Arts and Sciences (Colleges ), in addition to the following requirements:

PFW General Education Requirements Credits: 33


Click on General Education Requirements link above.

College of Arts and Sciences Requirements


English Writing and Speaking


  • Clck on PFW College Requirements link above.  (See Arts and Sciences Part A for Speaking requirement)

Foreign Language


  • Requirements in Arts and Sciences Part B Credits: 8

General Elective Courses


  • Sufficient additional credits to bring the total to 120.

Student Responsibility


You are responsible for satisfying the graduation requirements specified for your selected program.  Thus, it is essential that you develop a thorough understanding of the required courses, academic policies, and procedures governing your academic career.  All requests for exceptions to specific requirements must be made in writing and may be granted only by written approval from the appropriate chair or dean.

Total Credits: 120


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Program Descriptions