Physics Major (BA)

Chair: David Chuss, Ph.D.
Office Location: 347 Mendel Science Center
Telephone: 610-519-4860
Website

About

Physics is the human endeavor to understand the nature of matter, energy, and their governing interactions from the scale of subatomic particles to that of the cosmos. Through the interplay of theoretical effort and experimentation, physics strives to discover the mathematical laws of nature.  As such, it both forms a foundation for a liberal arts education and provides a framework to address key challenges in our ever-changing technical world. 

The Department of Physics at Villanova University is a nurturing, supportive, and inclusive academic community that strives to reflect the values of the University. We undertake our mission to educate undergraduate students in a broad range of experimental, theoretical, and computational methods through classroom and laboratory experiences. Our students address fundamental questions of nature through meaningful participation in faculty-led research that connects them with physicists around the world. The critical thinking and problem-solving skills learned by our students enable them to engage the diverse world beyond Villanova, whether they continue in the field of physics or choose to apply their educational experience to the challenges of another field.

PRIMARY MAJOR (122 credits)

Required Major Courses (B.A.) (67 credits)

The BA program provides a solid foundation in Physics along with problem solving and critical thinking skills that are applicable to careers in Physics and beyond, including medicine, law, business, journalism, and education.  The BA provides a more flexible curriculum than the BS and is a good match for students with interdisciplinary interests. 

Program Notes:

  • 3-credit PHY elective OR technical elective. Approval of the Physics chairperson required.
Course
Title
Credits
Sub-Total Credits
67

Core Curriculum Requirements (33 credits)

Physics BA Majors meet the following core requirements in the major and therefore are omitted from the summary below: 

  • Core Math (3 cr)
  • Natural Science (8 cr)
Course
Title
Credits
Literature and Writing Seminar (1 course)  +
3
History (1 course)   +
3
Social Sciences (2 courses)  +
6
Fine Arts (1 course)  +
3
Upper-Level Theology (1 course)  +
3
Language Requirement (Proficiency)  +
Diversity Requirement (2 courses)  +
Sub-Total Credits
33

Free Elective Requirement (22 credits)

Students with a Physics BA primary major have twenty-two (22) required free elective credits. 

Degree Credit Summary

  • Major Credits: 67 credits
  • Core Credits: 33 credits
  • Free Electives Credits: 22 credits
  • Total Required Credits: 122 Credits

Note: The above credit totals are based on the minimum number of required credits in each degree area. The minimum number of required credits in each area listed above must be met. Credits taken beyond the required minimum for one area may not be applied to another area. 

SECONDARY MAJOR

Students who declare Physics BA as a secondary major must complete the Required Major Courses to achieve this major. Students are able to count any eligible course taken in their primary major, the core curriculum, minors, concentrations, or free electives toward these requirements. 

Total Credits:
67-88

 

Disclaimer:
The above program requirements are applicable to students entering Fall 2023 and beyond. Please consult the appropriate archived handbook available on the homepage for years prior to these requirements. In order that programs offered by Villanova University reflect current advances and additions to knowledge and upgraded professional requirements, Villanova University reserves the right to change programs and requirements without prior notice. Students generally are bound to the requirements in effect and published online for the year in which their class begins its first year of study. Special requirements may be in effect for students who have left the University and are being readmitted. Students are advised to check with the web catalog or with their college offices regarding changes that may affect them. Additional academic information may be obtained from the various college offices and the web sites listed for the particular policies, programs and services found in this catalog. 

Overview

Program

Type

Bachelor of Arts

Curriculum Guide

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