Physics, Bachelor of Arts

Physics, Bachelor of Arts Requirements

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS - 34 Hours Required
Minimum of “C-“required
Fundamental Skills15
Writing – 6 hrs.
ENGLISH COMPOSITION I
COLLEGE RESEARCH AND INFORMATION LITERACY
Oral Communication – 3 hrs.
PUBLIC SPEAKING FUNDS
ARGUMENTATION AND DEBATE
Quantitative Literacy – 3 hrs.
INTRODUCTION TO MATHEMATICAL AND COMPUTATIONAL THINKING
QUANTITATIVE LITERACY
QUANTITATIVE REASONING FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
COLLEGE ALGEBRA WITH SUPPORT
Data Literacy – 3 hrs.
Select one from the following:
DATA LITERACY AND VISUALIZATION
ELEMENTARY STATISTICS
Until Fall 2028, students can satisfy this requirement with an approved data literacy course, or any approved natural or social science general education course.
Breadth of Knowledge13
Social Science – 3 hrs.
Humanities – 3 hrs.
Natural & Physical Science (must complete a lab) – 4 hrs.
Arts – 3 hrs.
Individual and Social Responsibility 6
Cultural Knowledge – 3 hrs.
Civic Knowledge and Engagement – 3 hrs.
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
**Course will satisfy UNO's General Education requirement
^Course requires pre-requisite(s)
Physics Bachelor Arts - 49 Hours Required
Required coursework48
PHYSICS GATEWAY COURSE
GENERAL PHYSICS I - CALCULUS LEVEL
and GENERAL PHYSICS LABORATORY I (**)
GENERAL PHYSICS II-CALCULUS LEVEL
and GENERAL PHYSICS LABORATORY II
MODERN PHYSICS
MATHEMATICAL METHODS OF PHYSICS
CALCULUS I (^)
CALCULUS II
CALCULUS III
CLASSICAL MECHANICS
THERMODYNAMICS AND STATISTICAL PHYSICS
ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM I
OPTICS
INTRODUCTION TO QUANTUM MECHANICS
EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS I
PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS
PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS
Select one of the following 1
EXPERIMENTAL MATERIALS SCIENCE
EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS III
EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS IV
*Students taking a number of 2000-level mathematics courses may be permitted to waive PHYS 3250 or PHYS 3260.
College Breadth (choose one option)15-30+
Option 1: Complete any UNO minor or undergraduate certificate - 15+ hours
Option 2: Additional General Education Requirements - 18+ hours
Additional quantitative literacy - 3 hours
Additional Social Science Gen. Ed. from another Discipline - 3 hours
Additional Humanities Gen. Ed. from another Discipline - 3 hours
HIST 1000 and HIST 1010 - 6 hours
Additional Nat. and Physical Science w/ or without Lab - 3-5 hours
Option 3: CAS comprehensive major (50+ hours) OR any second UNO major (30+ hours)
Bachelor Arts Language Requirements 16
FREN, GERM, Or SPAN, 1110, 1120, 2110, 2120
ELECTIVES
Elective hours as required to reach a total of 120 hours

Physics, Bachelor of Arts Four Year Plan

Plan of Study Grid
Freshman
FallCredits
ENGL 1150 ENGLISH COMPOSITION I 3
MATH 1950 CALCULUS I 5
PHYS 1950 PHYSICS GATEWAY COURSE 1
World Language Course 1110 5
Elective 1
Attend Durango Days; other campus events. Set up a Handshake account and take the Pathway U career assessment. Attend the Student Involvement & Volunteer Fair to explore student organizations. Make advising appointment for spring: Sept-Oct. Work with your advisor to develop your Pathway in Stellic.
 
 Credits15
Spring
MATH 1960 CALCULUS II 4
PHYS 2110
PHYS 1154
GENERAL PHYSICS I - CALCULUS LEVEL
and GENERAL PHYSICS LABORATORY I
5
World Language Course 1120 5
Attend campus events such as major exploration week to get an idea of interests and career paths. Schedule a resume review with UNO Career Services. Visit faculty office hours and ask about undergraduate research opportunities. Make advising appointment for summer and fall: February – March.
 
 Credits14
Sophomore
Fall
MATH 1970 CALCULUS III 4
CMST 1110
PUBLIC SPEAKING FUNDS
or ARGUMENTATION AND DEBATE
3
PHYS 2120
PHYS 1164
GENERAL PHYSICS II-CALCULUS LEVEL
and GENERAL PHYSICS LABORATORY II
5
World Language Course 2110 3
Attend the Career & Internship Fair to start networking with employers. Look for volunteer, research, or part-time work to gain experience. Join a student organization or club related to your field or interests. Make advising appointment for spring: Sept. - Oct.
 
 Credits15
Spring
ENGL 1160 COLLEGE RESEARCH AND INFORMATION LITERACY 3
PHYS 2130 MODERN PHYSICS 4
PHYS 3250 MATHEMATICAL METHODS OF PHYSICS 3
World Language Course 2120 3
Elective 3
Attend a career fair for informational and networking purposes. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile with new experiences. Investigate and apply for summer internships, research, or study abroad programs. Make advising appointment for summer and fall: February – March.
 
 Credits16
Junior
Fall
PHYS 3600 THERMODYNAMICS AND STATISTICAL PHYSICS 3
PHYS 3750 ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM I 3
PHYS 3504 EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS I 1
General Education Course or Elective 3
General Education Course or Elective 3
Elective 3
Apply for a paid internship or research assistantship. Attend a mock interview workshop or use online interview tools with Career Services. Start researching and visiting graduate programs or professional schools. Visit Career Center, continue updating resume. Make advising appointment for spring: Sept-Oct.
 
 Credits16
Spring
PHYS 3450 CLASSICAL MECHANICS 3
PHYS 3524 EXPERIMENTAL MATERIALS SCIENCE 1
PHYS 3800 OPTICS 3
General Education Course or Elective 3
General Education Course or Elective 3
General Education Course or Elective 3
Request letters of recommendation from faculty for jobs or grad school. Attend the All-Majors Career Fair with a plan to network. Meet with your advisor or submit for a graduation check-in to review remaining degree requirements. Make advising appointment for summer and fall: February – March.
 
 Credits16
Senior
Fall
PHYS 4200 INTRODUCTION TO QUANTUM MECHANICS 3
General Education Course or Elective 3
General Education Course or Elective 3
General Education Course or Elective 3
Elective 3
Check in with Career Center for networking tips. Finalize graduate school applications or job search strategy. Attend a career fair and start applying for full-time jobs. Prepare for interviews and salary negotiations with Career Services. Make advising appointment for spring: Sept. - Oct.
 
 Credits15
Spring
PHYS 4950
PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS (*)
or PROBLEMS IN PHYSICS
1-3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Complete your final advising check before graduation. Polish your resume, cover letters, and LinkedIn profile. Stay connected by joining alumni networks and professional organizations. Apply for graduation via MavLink.
 
 Credits13-15
 Total Credits120-122

Graduation Requirements: Physics majors must also take the two assessment tests (Major Field Test and Local test) and complete the exit interview.

The senior project must be approved and the department chair notified at least eight months prior to graduation as a Physics major and the student must register for either PHYS 4950 or PHYS 4960.

College Breadth: Students should plan on using at least 15 hours of "Electives" to fulfill Option 1, 2, or 3, of the College of Arts and Sciences' breadth requirement.

Upper Level Credits: Students need 27 upper level credits throughout the degree with at least 18 upper level credits within the major. Electives may need to be selected at the 3000-4000 level to reach these minimums.

Additional Information About this Plan:
University Degree Requirements: The minimum number of hours for a UNO undergraduate degree is 120 credit hours. Please review the requirements for your specific program to determine all requirements for the program. In order to graduate on-time (four years for an undergraduate degree), you need to take 30 hours each year.

Placement Exams: For Math, English, World Language, a placement exam may be required. More information on these exams can be found at https://www.unomaha.edu/enrollment-management/testing-center/placement-exams/information.php
Transfer credit or placement exam scores may change suggested plan of study.

GPA Requirements: 2.0

Note: This plan provides a general guide, but your specific courses, experiences, and career goals may differ. Work with your academic advisor to ensure you’re meeting degree requirements and consult with career advisors to explore internships, research opportunities, and post-graduation plans. Regular check-ins will help you stay on track and make the most of your time at UNO!