Physics (BS)

This program was approved for students entering the university in the Summer 2018–Spring 2019 catalog year. For more information about catalog year, go to Catalog Year Information.

Bachelor of Science in Physics (PHYSBS)
Unit: College of Arts and Sciences (AS)
Department: Physics and Astronomy

Program Information

The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree is intended as preparation for entry into graduate programs in Physics and other scientific or engineering fields. It also provides suitable training for entering the workforce in a technical position.

Completion of this degree requires work to be submitted for the department’s Learning Outcomes Measurement. For details, contact the department.

Degree Summary

Specific coursework information can be found on the Degree Requirements tab.

Accelerated BS/MS (Master of Science) in Physics Program

The Department of Physics and Astronomy also offers a five-year accelerated program leading to a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science degree in Physics. Interested students should apply for admission to the program in the first semester of the senior year (i.e., after completing 90 hours).

Applicants must completed at least 21 credit hours in Physics before applying to the program with at least a 3.0 GPA in Physics courses and a 3.35 university GPA. Students take up to nine (9) credit hours in 500-level physics courses for graduate credit that may be applied to both degrees. Two of the courses must be PHYS 542 and PHYS 556; preferably, these courses will be taken during the same semester in the student’s senior year. Students must also maintain a 3.0 GPA after they are admitted to the BS/MS program.

Departmental Admission Requirements

There are no specific admission requirements for this degree plan. 

The Application for Major form can be found on the Arts & Sciences Advising Center website: louisville.edu/artsandsciences/advising/apply.

Accelerated BS/MS (Master of Science) in Physics Program

Applicants apply for admission to the five-year accelerated program in the first semester of the senior year and must meet the following criteria:

• The applicant will have completed at least 21 credit hours in Physics before applying to the program.
• The applicant will have maintained at least a 3.0 GPA in Physics courses and a 3.35 GPA overall.

All applicants must submit an application along with GRE General test score consistent with MS in Physics program guidelines.

General Education Requirements         

All degrees require the completion of the University-wide General Education Program (link provided above).  Some General Education requirements may be met in the requirements for the major or supporting coursework, in which case additional electives may be required to complete the minimum hours for the degree.

College/School Requirements

Program/Major Requirements

Only 60 hours in the major department may be applied toward the Bachelor of Science degree.

At least 50 of the total minimum hours required must be at the 300 level or above.

Track Requirements 

Track in Applied Physics

Alternate choices within or outside of the department are possible with approval.

Track in Astronomy and Astrophysics

Track in Professional

Flight Plan

Track in Applied Physics

Track in Astronomy and Astrophysics

Track in Professional

Degree Audit reports illustrate how your completed courses fulfill the requirements of your academic plan.  What-if reports allow you to compare the courses you have completed in your current academic plan to the courses required in another academic plan.  For both reports, please consult with your advisor before editing your course schedule.

To create either report:

1. Log into your ULink account.
2. Click on the Student Services tab.
3. Next, click on "View my Academic Advisement Report" to run a Degree Audit report in the Undergraduate Advising area. 
4. To create a What-if report, click on "Create a What-if Advisement Report."

Click here to run a Degree Audit report, or create a What-if report.