Bachelor of Arts in Physics

The B.A. degree can be obtained as a stand-alone program, or as part of a four-year B.A. /B.S. or B.A. /B.A. with chemistry or mathematics, or as part of a 3/2 double-major B.A. /B.S. program with engineering from an associate university. The B.A. program, with a minimum of 32 credit hours of physics coursework, is suitable for students with a broader range of interests, particularly those planning to attend law, medical, or dental school. The B.A., with a minimum of 32 credit hours of physics coursework, is suitable for students with a broader range of interests, particularly those planning to seek professional degrees in law, medical or dental school. The B.A. program in Physics is very accessible as a second major for students pursuing bachelor programs in Chemistry or Mathematics concurrently. Conversely, a B.A. degree in Mathematics is directly accessible to students majoring in physics at no additional credit load, by appropriate choice of unrestricted electives. A grade of C or better in all physics courses is required for graduation in the major. Physics seeks the answers to the most fundamental questions in nature, thereby opening new and often unforeseeable paths to the future of knowledge and technology. A Physics degree is either an end in itself for individuals interested in contributing skill and expertise to science and technology businesses, or a solid foundation for those seeking advanced degrees, not only in academic disciplines such as physics, astronomy, chemistry, atmospheric sciences and mathematics, but also in professional fields as diverse as engineering, medicine, business, dentistry and law. Physics graduates across the nation opt for one or the other career path in roughly equal numbers. Students in the Physics programs at Duquesne enjoy the many benefits of a small student-to-faculty ratio: student-centered instruction, close mentoring by faculty, hands-on learning, participation in ongoing research of the Department, and attention to individual needs and interests. Besides a strong traditional component, the curriculum offers a selection of unconventional physics electives specifically designed to bring the leading edge of the field into the classroom. Learning Outcomes: At the conclusion of our program, our graduates will be able to: Describe physical concepts and apply them to solve problems in their professional environment and in ordinary life situations, Communicate about physics effectively with an audience of physicists through oral and written means, Engage effectively in collaborative professional enterprises.