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Physics & Astronomy Individualized Major Program
To receive a B.A. or B.S. in Physics from Millikin University, you must complete at least 36 hours in approved courses, where 27 hours will be a core set of physics courses, and the remaining 9+ hours must be at the 300 level or higher. The courses may or may not be in physics, but they must be agreed upon jointly between you and your academic advisor before the end of your junior year. Regardless of the departments where the courses come from, whichever courses you choose should reflect the academic rigor and emphasis on analytical thinking present in advanced physics courses. Required Courses All Physics majors will take the following core courses:
Traditionally, you will take PY 151 and 152 as a freshman and PY 253 and 262 as a sophomore. PY 352, 403, 406, and other advanced Physics courses will be offered every other year, in general, so when you take those courses will depend on when they enter the program. All Physics majors are required to perform at least one semester of independent research as a senior, during the spring. You also have the option of doing a more extensive project (which would cover both semesters) for more credit. The following Mathematics and Chemistry courses (or their equivalent) are also required:
It is also highly recommended that you take at least one course in Biology. Individualized Component From this point on, you will have a choice of how to complete your major. In consultation with your academic advisor, you will choose at least 9 additional hours (which is traditionally three courses), at the 300 level or higher, which best fit your career goals. Some examples are given below: 1. Graduate School in PhysicsIf you want to attend graduate school in Physics, you would choose at least three (probably more) of the following courses:
In addition, you would most likely take:
Many Physics majors who attend graduate school in Physics also major in Mathematics, which would require additional Math courses. 2. Pre-medicine If you wish to attend medical school, to pursue a career in medicine or in medical Physics, you could take the following courses, in addition to any prerequisites:
The specific set of courses needed for graduate school in the health professions will differ, depending on which field you're interested in. You will coordinate your schedule with both your academic advisor and the pre-professional advisor. 3. Business/Consulting If you wish to go into business, or pursue a career in consulting or finance (this is a somewhat popular option for students with graduate degrees in Physics), you could choose from the following courses:
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