Click for normal version Click for print version

Undergraduate Physics at The Ohio State University

Undergrad Home | Handbook | Courses | Advising | Scholarships & Awards | Graduation Info | Student Organizations | Research | Transfer Credit

Degrees in Physics at the Ohio State University

There are two types of undergraduate major and one undergraduate minor in Physics at The Ohio State University.
The B.S. in Physics:
This is the degree conferred by the College of Arts and Sciences. There are 6 options when pursuing a major under this degree. The options are designed to allow maximum flexibility for students interested in physics. These options allow a student to use their physics training for a wide variety of career plans after graduation including direct employment, pursuit of an advanced degree, or pursuit of careers in other areas, such as medicine or law.
Double Major in College of Arts and Sciences
The double major program offered through the College of Arts and Sciences requires that each major must contain 30 hours not contained in the other (i.e. exclusive of that other major) AND the second major must meet all requirements set by the second major department. A sample 4-year academic schedule for double major in Physics and Astronomy is provided below. Other double major combinations are possible. See a college academic counselor for more details.
The B.S. in Engineering Physics
This degree is conferred by the College of Engineering. There is only one curriculum for students pursuing a major under this degree. The physics and math requirements for this degree are very similar to those of the B.S. in Physics Option A. In addition, the College of Engineering requires certain core courses as well as a coherent set of technical electives in a field of engineering. In effect, this provides a major in physics with a minor in engineering.
Double Major in Engineering Physics
The College of Engineering does NOT have a double major program. However, it will offer two B.S. degrees if they are earned independently. This is interpreted as having 45 hours of approved courses in the second major over and above any course work done to satisfy the first major. This raises the graduation total from 193 to 238 hours. It is the student's responsibility to negotiate with the second department as to what constitutes the extra 45 hours, but it cannot include courses used to satisfy the technical electives for Engineering Physics. It is crucial that anyone interested in pursuing a double major with Engineering Physics contact their academic counselor.
Minor in Physics
Students whose career goals lie in directions other than physics or engineering but have interest in exposure to physics beyond that provided in the introductory physics courses may be interested in a Physics Minor. More details on the Physics Minor program can be found here .