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Physics - B.A.

The Bachelor of Arts in Physics program provides a strong foundation in the principles of physics and their applications to the world around us. With a focus on critical thinking, problem-solving and hands-on experimentation, this program prepares you for a variety of careers in science and beyond.

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Bachelor’s Degree in Physics

The aim of Kent State University’s Bachelor of Arts Degree in Physics is to provide students with a thorough understanding of fundamental physical principles, analytical techniques, and experimental methodologies. The program is designed to offer a strong foundation in both theoretical concepts and practical applications of physics, preparing graduates for diverse careers in research, education, and technology. We focus on equipping students with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary to address complex scientific challenges, engage in innovative research, and pursue further specialization or advanced studies in the field.

Program Information for Physics - B.A.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate the technical and cognitive skills important in a good physicist, including the following:
    1. Think critically and analytically.
    2. Define a problem and how to solve problems.
    3. Understand advanced mathematics (e.g., calculus and differential equations) and computer skills.
    4. Use, design and even build lab equipment.
  2. Demonstrate the traits important in a good scientist, namely, hard working, creative, meticulous, persistence, tenacious and self confidence.
  3. Communicate results of their work to peers, to their instructors or supervisors, to various target groups within the physics community and to people outside the discipline.

Admissions for Physics - B.A.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning a minimum 525 TOEFL score (71 on the Internet-based version), minimum 75 MELAB score, minimum 6.0 IELTS score or minimum 48 PTE Academic score, or by completing the ELS level 112 Intensive Program. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Transfer Students: Students who have attended any other educational institution after graduating from high school must apply as undergraduate transfer students. For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students.

Former Students: Former Kent State students or graduates who have not attended another college or university since Kent State may complete the reenrollment or reinstatement form on the University Registrar’s website.

Admission policies for undergraduate students may be found in the University Catalog's Academic Policies.

Some programs may require that students meet certain requirements before progressing through the program. For programs with progression requirements, the information is shown on the program's Coursework tab.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
MATH 12002ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS I (KMCR) 5
MATH 12003ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS II 5
MATH 32051MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN THE PHYSICAL SCIENCES I 4
MATH 32052MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN THE PHYSICAL SCIENCES II 4
PHY 12000INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS SEMINAR (ELR) 1
PHY 23101GENERAL UNIVERSITY PHYSICS I (KBS) (KLAB) 15
PHY 23102GENERAL UNIVERSITY PHYSICS II (KBS) (KLAB) 15
PHY 30020INTERMEDIATE PHYSICS LABORATORY (WIC) 22
PHY 35101CLASSICAL MECHANICS 4
PHY 36001INTRODUCTORY MODERN PHYSICS 3
PHY 36002APPLICATIONS OF MODERN PHYSICS 3
PHY 40020ADVANCED PHYSICS LABORATORY (WIC) 22
PHY 45201ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY 4
Physics (PHY) Upper-Division Electives (30000 or 40000 level) 3, 48
Additional Requirements (courses do not count in major GPA)
UC 10001FLASHES 101 1
Foreign Language (see Foreign Language College Requirement below)14-16
Kent Core Composition6
Kent Core Humanities and Fine Arts (minimum one course from each)9
Kent Core Social Sciences (must be from two disciplines)6
Kent Core Additional6
General Electives (total credit hours depends on earning 120 credit hours, including 39 upper-division credit hours)23
Minimum Total Credit Hours:120
1

Credit is not granted for both the PHY 13001/PHY 13002 and the PHY 23101/PHY 23102 series.

2

A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

3

With advisor’s permission, students may replace 3 credit hours of physics electives with ENG 20002 or PHIL 41035.

4

Maximum 6 credit hours of PHY 40096 may be applied toward the major.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000
  • The following courses may not count towards the Physics major requirements:
    PHY 11030SEVEN IDEAS THAT SHOOK THE UNIVERSE (KBS) 3
    PHY 21040PHYSICS IN ENTERTAINMENT AND THE ARTS (KBS) 3
    PHY 21041PHYSICS IN ENTERTAINMENT AND THE ARTS LABORATORY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
    PHY 21430FRONTIERS IN ASTRONOMY (KBS) 3
    PHY 21431FRONTIERS IN ASTRONOMY LABORATORY (KBS) (KLAB) 1

Foreign Language College Requirement, B.A.

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree in the College of Arts and Sciences must complete 14-16 credit hours of foreign language.1
To complete the requirement, students need the equivalent of Elementary I and II in any language, plus one of the following options2:

  1. Intermediate I and II of the same language
  2. Elementary I and II of a second language
  3. Any combination of two courses from the following list:
  • Intermediate I of the same language
  • ARAB 21401
  • ASL 19401
  • CHIN 25421
  • MCLS 10001
  • MCLS 20001
  • MCLS 20091
  • MCLS 21417
  • MCLS 21420
  • MCLS 22217
  • MCLS 28403
  • MCLS 28404
1

All students with prior foreign language experience should take the foreign language placement test to determine the appropriate level at which to start. Some students may start beyond the Elementary I level and will complete the requirement with fewer credit hours and fewer courses. This may be accomplished by (1) passing a course beyond Elementary I through Intermediate II level; (2) receiving credit through one of the alternative credit programs offered by Kent State University; or (3) demonstrating language proficiency comparable to Elementary II of a foreign language. When students complete the requirement with fewer than 14 credit hours and four courses, they will complete remaining credit hours with general electives.

2

Certain majors, concentrations and minors may require specific languages, limit the languages from which a student may choose or require coursework through Intermediate II. Students who plan to pursue graduate study may need particular language coursework.

Roadmap

Roadmap

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this major. However, courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester OneCredits
!MATH 12002 ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS I (KMCR) 5
!PHY 12000 INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS SEMINAR (ELR) 1
UC 10001 FLASHES 101 1
Foreign Language 4
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours14
Semester Two
!MATH 12003 ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS II 5
!PHY 23101 GENERAL UNIVERSITY PHYSICS I (KBS) (KLAB) 5
Foreign Language 4
 Credit Hours14
Semester Three
!MATH 32051 MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN THE PHYSICAL SCIENCES I 4
!PHY 23102 GENERAL UNIVERSITY PHYSICS II (KBS) (KLAB) 5
Foreign Language 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Four
!MATH 32052 MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN THE PHYSICAL SCIENCES II 4
!PHY 36001 INTRODUCTORY MODERN PHYSICS 3
Foreign Language 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Five
!PHY 30020 INTERMEDIATE PHYSICS LABORATORY (WIC) 2
!PHY 35101 CLASSICAL MECHANICS 4
!PHY 36002 APPLICATIONS OF MODERN PHYSICS 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Six
Physics (PHY) Upper-Division Elective (30000 or 40000 level) 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
General Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Seven
!PHY 40020 ADVANCED PHYSICS LABORATORY (WIC) 2
!PHY 45201 ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY 4
General Electives 9
 Credit Hours15
Semester Eight
Physics (PHY) Upper-Division Electives (30000 or 40000 level) 5
General Electives 11
 Credit Hours16
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:120

Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

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