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

PHIL 101Problems in Philosophy

3

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:

CIS 284Computer Programming II

3

SCIE 393Research Methods in the Sciences

1

ENGR 324Control Systems

4

ENGR 345Fluid Mechanics

4

ENGR 365Linear Systems

3

PHYS 322Independent Research

1-3

PHYS 422Senior Research

1-3

*The following courses require pre-requisite(s), which may increase the total credits required for the major: ENGR 324, ENGR 345 and ENGR 365.

General Education Requirements

Experiential Learning requirement   0
General Education requirements   Credits
First Year Seminar IDFY 101/102H  3
Written Communication ENGL 110/110H 3
Oral Communication COMM 105 3
Mathematical and Scientific Ways of Knowing Mathematics (MATH 111) met/major
Science with Lab (CHEM 105, PHYS 211) met/major
Social Scientific Ways of Knowing
Social Science 3
Cultural/Humanistic Ways of Knowing 24GE History 3
Literary & Aesthetic Ways of Knowing
Literature or Arts 3
Cultural/Humanistic Ways of Knowing

Philosophy (PHIL 101) or Religion

met/major
Cultural/Humanistic Ways of Knowing 1st and 2nd Level Language 6
Intercultural Perspectives Intercultural Global or International Cross-cultural or 3rd Level Language 3
Bible
24GE Bible 3
Christian Beliefs
24GE Christian Beliefs  3
Holistic Wellness
WELL 1xx 1
Ethics and the Common Good
24GE Ethics and the Common Good 3
Intercultural Perspectives
Intercultural U.S. or Domestic Cross-cultural 3
Common Learning
Experiential Learning  
General Education requirements   40
Major requirements (inclusive of concentration)   68-72.5
Free Electives    10.5-15
Total credits   123