Physics (B.S.)

Program Overview

Messiah’s Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in physics degree program provides you with a rigorous, multi-faceted educational experience combined with a solid introduction into computer science and statistics—all in a Christian context. You’ll take courses such as such as Classical and Analytical Mechanics; Electricity and Magnetism; and Quantum Mechanics and study with professors who have a variety of scholarly interests from cosmic ray detection to thin film physics.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates from Messiah’s Physics program can:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the foundational theories, principles and concepts of physics.
  2. Retrieve, read and discuss primary scientific literature.
  3. Communicate physics concepts, processes and results effectively, both orally and in writing.
  4. Apply content knowledge to independent problem solving in the physical sciences.
  5. Engage with the art of experiment through experimental design, experimental performance, quantitative data analysis, and scientific reporting.
  6. Utilize technology for computational problem solving.
  7. Identify and evaluate their vocation as it relates to their faith and career options in the physical sciences or related fields.

Major Requirements

Complete the following for your major:

CHEM 105General Chemistry I

4

ENGR 212Programming for Engineers

2

ENGR 367Electromagnetics

3

MATH 111Calculus I

4

MATH 112Calculus II

4

MATH 211Calculus III

4

PHYS 211General Physics I

4

PHYS 212General Physics II

4

PHYS 251Modern Physics

4

PHYS 317Optics

3

PHYS 328Classical Mechanics

3

PHYS 402Quantum Mechanics

3

PHYS 421Particle Physics

3

PHYS 425Solid State Physics

3

PHYS 494Senior Physics Seminar

2

SCIE 495Natural Sciences Capstone

3

PHYS 494: Writing in the major requirement.

One of the following options:

MATH 270Linear and Differential Methods

3

OR

MATH 261Linear Algebra

3

AND

MATH 308Differential Equations

3

Three credits from the following:

ENGR 371Thermodynamics

3

CHEM 437Physical Chemistry I

3.5

Three credits from the following:

ENGR 213Engineering Statistics

3

STAT 291Probability and Statistics

3

Three credits from the following:

PHIL 101Problems in Philosophy

3

PHIL 102History of Philosophy

3

Three credits from the following:

CIS 284Computer Programming II

3

ENGR 324Control Systems

4

ENGR 365Linear Systems

3

ENGR 373Instrumentation & Measurement

3

PHYS 322Independent Research

1-3

PHYS 422Senior Research

1-3

SCIE 393Research Methods in the Sciences

1

QuEST Requirements

Experiential Learning requirement 0
QuEST requirements Credits
First Year Seminar 3
Oral Communication 3
Created and Called for Community (W) 3
Mathematical Sciences (MATH 111) met/major
Laboratory Science (PHYS 211 or PHYS 212) met/major
Science, Technology & the World waived
Two of the following (6 credits total):
   Social Science
   European History
   United States History
6
Literature 3
Philosophy and Religion (PHIL 101 or PHIL 102) met/major
Arts 3
First Semester of Language 3
Second Semester of Language 3
Third Semester of Language or Cross Cultural 3
Non-Western Studies 2 or 3
Bible 3
Christian Beliefs 3
Wellness course 1
Ethics, World Views or Pluralism 3
QuEST requirements 42-43
Major requirements 68-72.5
Free electives 13-7.5
Total credits 123