a machine that has a lot of pipes inside of it

General Concentration (Algebra Start)

Physicists conduct research into the basic laws of nature or use existing knowledge about the physical world to develop applications and to design new products.  A degree in physics prepares the student for a career in physics or related job industry, a governmental lab, teaching, as well as for further graduate study.

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Plan Your Degree

Disclaimer: This program map is intended ONLY as a guide for students to plan their course of study. It does NOT replace any information in the Undergraduate Catalog, which is the official guide for completing degree requirements.

Term 1: Fall

Course Name Credit Hours
C1: ENGL 1101

English Composition I

3
MATH 1111

College Algebra

3
XIDS 2002

First-Year Seminar

2
I2: XIDS 2001

The Physical Universe

1
I1: Oral Communications 3

Milestones:

  • Complete ENGL 1101 with a C or better.

Term 2: Spring

Course Name Credit Hours
C2: ENGL 1102

English Composition II

3
M: MATH 1113

Precalculus

4
T1: CHEM 1211 + Lab

Principles of Chemistry I

4
A: Humanities 3

Milestone:

  • Complete ENGL 1102 with a C or better.

Term 3: Summer

Course Name Credit Hours
T3: MATH 1634

Calculus I

4

Milestone:

  • Complete Calculus I over the summer in order to start Physics sequence in the fall.

 

 

12 Fall Credit Hours + 14 Spring Credit Hours + 4 Summer Credit Hours = 30 Credit Hours

Term 1: Fall

Course Name Credit Hours
F: PHYS 2211 + Lab

Principles of Physics I

4
F: MATH 2644

Calculus 2

4
T2: CHEM 1212 + Lab

Principles of Chemistry I

4
A: Humanities 3

Term 2: Spring

Course Name Credit Hours
F: PHYS 2212 + Lab

Principles of Physics II

4
MATH 3303

Ordinary Differential Equations

3
P: Citizenship 3
S: Social Science 3

Milestones:

  • Complete the Principles of Physics sequence.
  • Complete Math up to ODE.

 

15 Fall Credit Hours + 13 Spring Credit Hours = 28 Credit Hours

Term 1: Fall

Course Name Credit Hours
PHYS 3503

Modern Physics

3
PHYS 3113

Mechanics

3
PHYS 4513 OR 4523

Mathematical Physics or Computational Physics

3
F: MATH 2654

Calculus III

4
P: Citizenship 3

Term 2: Spring

Course Name Credit Hours
PHYS 3213

Thermodynamics

3
PHYS 3313

Electricity and Magnetism

3
MATH OR Foreign Language Elective 3
PHYS Elective 3
PHYS Elective 3

 

16 Fall Credit Hours + 15 Spring Credit Hours = 31 Credit Hours

Term 1: Fall

Course Name Credit Hours
PHYS 4513 OR 4523

Mathematical Physics or Computational Physics

3
PHYS 3511

Experimental Physics I

1
MATH OR Foreign Language Elective 3
PHYS Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3

Term 2: Spring

Course Name Credit Hours
PHYS 3521

Experimental Physics II

1
PHYS 4984

Physics Seminar

1
PHYS Elective 3
PHYS Elective 3
Elective 3
S: Social Science 3

 

16 Fall Credit Hours + 15 Spring Credit Hours = 31 Credit Hours

Crush Your Course

First Year:

  • Enroll in XIDS 2001: Physical Universe and Core IMPACTS courses.
  • Complete math courses through Calculus 1.
  • Take Principles of Physics 1 (or ASTR 2313) in your second semester.
  • Attend physics workshops.
  • Meet with your Physics mentor.

Middle Years:

  • Complete Principles of Physics.
    Take Modern, Mathematical, Mechanics, E&M and Thermal.
  • Establish your pathway/concentration.
  • Take core and electives to balance upper-level coursework.

Last Year:

  • Finish your degree requirements.
    Complete your research/internships.
  • Present at a conference.
  • Write a scientific paper.
  • Finish strong.

Find Your Place

First Year:

  • Meet Physics faculty and learn about their research and scholarship opportunities.
  • Join the Physics Engineering club.
  • Connect with junior/senior/physics students and ambassadors.

Middle Years:

  • Become a Student Assistant for a physics lab, workshops, or the Observatory.
  • Get involved in research or an internship.
  • Apply for summer internships or REUs.
  • Attend a scientific conference.

Last Year:

  • Become a Physics Ambassador.
  • Expand your professional network.
  • Apply for internships in local industries or graduate programs.
  • Attend career fairs. Send your resume to one of our alumni.

Broaden Your Perspectives

First Year:

Middle Years:

Last Year:

  • Assess your cultural competency.
  • Consider working abroad and research visa regulations.
  • Explore practices of creating more inclusive careers.

Connect Off-Campus

First Year:

  • Visit Wolves Vote to learn about the voting process and registration.
  • Consider volunteering for a campaign or organization in your community.

Middle Years:

  • Complete an internship in your field.
  • Consider a summer or part-time job.
  • Ask your department about networking opportunities with alumni.

Last Year:

  • Ask for advice from professionals in your field of interest.
  • Explore career shadowing opportunities.

Take Care of Yourself

First Year:

Middle Years:

Last Year:

Pave Your Path

First Year:

Middle Years:

  • Draft your resume and attend a resume blitz.
  • Learn about how to network on social media and update your Handshake profile.
  • Draft your personal statement.
  • Visit the graduate school to find out about graduate programs and admission requirements.

Last Year:

  • Request references from professors and supervisors.
  • Draft your resume cover letter and personal statement and revise it with career services.
  • Attend business fairs and career fairs at UWG and across the state.
  • Attend an interview workshop.
  • Apply for graduate programs.

 

Careers

Man Standing Near Gray Metal Equipment

Career Opportunities

This degree can help you get work as the following:

  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Astronomer
  • Data Scientist
  • Geophysicist
  • Lab Manager
  • Medical Physicist
  • Optical Engineer
  • Physics Teacher
  • Professor
  • Research Scientist

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