Physics, Bachelor of Science

In the physics and pre-engineering program at Sam Houston State University (SHSU), you will work closely with a caring and technically proficient faculty to become a strong candidate for real-world employment or for admission to graduate study at the master’s or doctoral level. We provide valuable hands-on research experience, mentored by a diverse team of specialists in the fields of Experimental (Lithium-Ion Batteries, Superconductors, Exotic Molecular Materials), Theoretical (Quantum Hall Effect, Particle Phenomenology beyond Standard Model, Neutrino Scattering), Computational (Numerical Analysis of Entangled Quantum Systems, Hadron Collider Simulation), and Astro (Observational Stellar Spectroscopy, Popular Science Writing, Methods of Astronomy Education) Physics.

Requirements

All physics majors or pre-engineering students must complete the “Physics Bootcamp” course during their first semester to gain a strong foundation in the mathematics that will be required for the degrees offered. The curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in physics includes the hours necessary for a minor in mathematics.

Engineering Options

In addition to the bachelor’s degree in physics, students interested in engineering have several attractive options to choose from.

• The two-year program provides essential prerequisites for transfer to a college of engineering.
• The “3/2” dual degree program stipulates an additional third year of intensive physics study at SHSU prior to transferring out; upon completion of an accredited engineering degree program (normally a two-year commitment), all credits are retroactively transferred back to SHSU for the immediate award of a second degree in physics.
• Alternately, graduates with a four-year physics degree from SHSU may be accepted into various master’s programs in engineering.

Careers in Physics

• Engineering
• Graduate School
• Industry
• Government

Program Breakdown

Brief breakdown of the type, or types, of degree(s) available, their length, available enrollment, and estimated cost.

Category	Degree Summary
Catalog Entry	Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Length	120 Credit Hours
Enrollment	Fall, Spring, Summer
Tuition/Costs	Rates Per Semester