The Bachelor of Science in Physics builds a strong foundation in theory and hands-on practice, preparing you for careers in teaching, research, industry, or public service. Core courses cover topics like mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, modern physics, electronics, lab techniques, and scientific communication.
You can choose one of two options based on your interests and career goals.
The option in applied physics is ideal if you're planning to double major, add a minor, or pursue a high school teaching credential. You select electives across disciplines like astronomy, engineering, math, or education. Many graduates enter credential programs after completing this option.
The option in professional physics is designed for those heading to graduate school or technical careers. You’ll take advanced courses in areas like quantum mechanics and theoretical physics, and choose electives in fields such as optics, lasers, or computational physics. This option prepares you for roles in data science, materials science, optics, electronics, and other high-demand technical fields.
Advising Requirement
Advising is mandatory for this program. Consult your department advisor or program coordinator for information.
E-advising Tools
Use the interactive e-advising tools designed to help students graduate within four years. These tools can be accessed through the Student Center in the Portal.
Grading Requirement
All courses taken to fulfill program course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as credit/no credit grading only.
Some courses require a minimum grade to progress in the program. Minimum grade requirements, including those listed on course requisites, are considered graduation requirements.
Course Requirements for the Major: 70 units
Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree. Courses in this program may complete more than one graduation requirement.
Select at least one of the following options to complete the major course requirements.
The Option in Applied Physics: 24 units
Course List
Course
Title
Units
Select 24 units from the following courses with at least 9 units from Astronomy (ASTR) or Physics (PHYS) and no more than 4 units from 100 or 200 level courses.
To complete the total units required for the bachelor's degree, select additional elective courses from the total University offerings. Consult with an advisor to help select courses that provide breadth to your University experience and possibly help satisfy credential, professional, or graduate school prerequisites or support completion of a minor.
See Bachelor's Degree Requirements for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 39 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.
General Education Requirements: 43 units
See General Education and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education requirements and course offerings.
This major has approved GE modification(s). See below for information on how to apply these modification(s).
PHYS 492W is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Physical and Biological Sciences (UD-5).
American Institutions Course Requirements: 6 units
The American Institutions graduation requirement, as mandated in Title 5, Section 40404, requires that students satisfactorily complete courses in United States history, the US Constitution, and government and American ideals (including California state and local government). At Chico State, HIST 130 meets the US history requirement (US-1), and POLS 155 meets the US Constitution and government requirement (US-2) and the California state and local government requirement (US-3). POLS 155 also fulfills three units of GE Area 4, Social and Behavioral Sciences. See Bachelor’s Degree Requirements for more information.
Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units
You must complete a minimum of two courses that focus primarily on cultural diversity. At least one course must be in US Diversity (USD) and at least one in Global Cultures (GC). See Diversity Requirements for a full list of courses. Many courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education.
Upper-Division Writing Requirement
Writing Across the Curriculum (EM 17-009) requires you to take four Writing (W) courses, two of which are upper-division courses designated for your major. Specifically, you must:
Take one Writing (W) course.
Take one Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GW) course.
Complete a GE English Composition (1A) course before taking the GW course.
Earn a grade of C- or higher to receive GW credit.
See Writing and Math Requirements for details on additional writing requirements you need to complete for graduation.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are clear, measurable statements that describe how students demonstrate mastery of the knowledge, skills, and values of the discipline as appropriate to the degree. Graduates of this program are expected to achieve the following PLOs:
Demonstrate an understanding of basic and advanced concepts of classical and modern physics. These areas include mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, waves and optics, and thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Explain physics concepts and laws to others. Apply physics knowledge to solve real-world problems. Represent physical concepts and processes in multiple ways, including diagrams, graphs, mathematical equations, and verbal explanations.
Employ scientific reasoning to investigate the physical world. Build a model of physical situations, including making appropriate assumptions, simplifications, estimations, and mathematical formulations. Students should also understand the limitations of these models. Design and implement experiments to empirically investigate physical phenomena, including defining the problem, testing models, using instruments to make measurements, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions. Use computational methods to simulate, analyze, and present data from physical systems. Evaluate the validity of experimental and/or calculated results.
Communicate physics in a professional setting. Effectively communicate findings and thoughts in conventional scientific style, including in writing, orally, and graphically.
Demonstrate effective professional workplace skills. Work productively in teams. In the context of problem solving or conducting an investigation, recognize gaps in knowledge and be able to marshal diverse resources to fill those gaps. Generate a professional network including peers, alumni, and mentors. Plan and manage complex projects.
