Physics, B.S.
The physics major at Saint Louis University provides a foundation for all the natural sciences and engineering听disciplines. Physics has brought many revolutionary ideas such as relativity,听quantum mechanics, and the Big Bang Theory, profoundly altering how听humankind views the universe.
Physicists have made many breakthrough discoveries. The invention of听the transistor by physicists has made the modern computer possible,听while the development of lasers has led to diverse applications ranging听from supermarket scanners to laser surgery. Physicists are versatile听problem solvers and excel in many technical fields.
Training in physics leads to a broad-based understanding of natural phenomena, analytical and computer skills, experience with electronics and the operation of sophisticated equipment, an understanding of measurements and their limitations, and the ability to formulate and solve complex technical problems. Physics majors at SLU desire to understand the physical universe around them. They are interested in questions such as 鈥淲hy do elementary particles behave the way they do?鈥� 鈥淲hat is the nature of light?鈥� or 鈥淗ow did the universe begin, and what will eventually happen to it?鈥� Some physics students pursue double majors in mathematics, computer science or an engineering field.
Physics students who also like to explore other languages and cultures听can study at SLU鈥檚 campus in Madrid. International study within听the physics discipline opens your horizons and prepares you for success听in an increasingly global job market. SLU-Madrid offers the required听coursework for the first three semesters of the physics major, making听studying abroad an exciting option for pursuing a physics degree at SLU.
Curriculum Overview
SLU's B.S. in physics focuses on both fundamentals and applications of physics. It includes many opportunities to participate in听cutting-edge research.
Physics majors gain a solid foundation in analytical, computational and听laboratory skills through physics coursework. The physics curriculum听includes courses in classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, electricity听and magnetism, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, optics,听electronics, modern and solid-state physics, as well as nanoscience and nanotechnology.
Fieldwork and Research Opportunities
The benefits of SLU's physics program also include several internship and career opportunities. The physics department employs some of its students as teaching and research assistants during the summer. Students have held summer internships at NASA-Langley, the Argonne National Laboratory and other laboratories. Students have worked during the summer and during the year at local companies such as Boeing and Anheuser-Busch. Numerous opportunities exist for summer research in basic and applied physics in the School of Science and Engineering, national laboratories and National Science Foundation-sponsored programs at universities throughout the United States.
SLU's physics program engages students in exciting research听opportunities in experimental, computational or theoretical physics. New听state-of-the-art research laboratories allow students to work alongside听faculty members on research projects.
Careers
Graduates with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in physics enter various careers that depend on the technical skills gained in college. Alumni work in product development and quality control in large companies such as RCA, Boeing and Lockheed-Martin. Alumni are computer specialists at Anheuser-Busch and other companies. Some are now involved in the marketing of technical products, while others are in management positions. A few graduates have entered military careers. Students frequently earn double majors, combining physics with mathematics, computer science or chemistry.
91制片厂 Requirements
Saint Louis University also accepts the Common Application.
Freshman
All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant鈥檚 file.
To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test.听
Transfer
Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED.
Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must听submit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).
In reviewing a transfer applicant鈥檚 file, the Office of 91制片厂 holistically examines the student鈥檚 academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student鈥檚 ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.
International Applicants
All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:
- Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
- Proof of financial support must include:
- A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
- A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
- Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken post-secondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.
Additional 91制片厂 Requirements
In addition to the general admission and matriculation requirements of the University, the B.S. in physics program requires the following:
- GPA: Minimum cumulative 3.00 high school GPA for freshman applicants and 2.70 college GPA for transfer applicants.
- Coursework: Fifteen total units of high school work are required: three or four units of English; four or more units of mathematics, including Algebra I and II, Geometry and Precalculus (Algebra II with Trigonometry is not sufficient). Students should be prepared to start the first semester of freshman year in Calculus I or higher; three or four units of science, including general science, introduction to physical science, earth science, biology, physics or chemistry; two or three units of social sciences including history, psychology or sociology; and three units of electives.
91制片厂 requirements are based on a combination of secondary school grades, college admission test scores, co-curricular activities and attempted college coursework, as well as other indicators of the applicant鈥檚 ability, career focus and character. This process respects SLU's non-discrimination policy and is designed to select a qualified, competent and diverse student body with high standards of scholarship and character, consistent with the University's mission.
Tuition
| Tuition | Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition | $54,760 |
Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:
Information on Tuition and Fees
Scholarships and Financial Aid
There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:
- Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
- Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.
Saint Louis University makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2023, 99% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $459 million in aid University-wide.
For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by December 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.
For more information on scholarships and financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.
- Graduates will be able to understand the principles of physics and apply these principles to problems of fundamental and practical interest.
- Graduates will be able to听design and conduct experiments and analyze and interpret data.
- Graduates will be able to听collaborate effectively on teams.
- Graduates will be able to听communicate effectively and professionally in oral and written formats.
- Graduates will be able to听know about contemporary issues in science and technology.
- Graduates will be able to听understand the numerical formulation of scientific problems and be able to solve such problems utilizing at least one programming language or environment.
Physics students must complete a minimum total of 80 credits听for the major.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| University Undergraduate Core | 32-35 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| Basic Science and Math | ||
| CHEM听1110 &听CHEM听1115 | General Chemistry 1 and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory | 4 |
| CHEM听1120 &听CHEM听1125 | General Chemistry 2 and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory | 4 |
| PHYS听1110 | Introduction to Physics (as a career) | 1 |
| PHYS听1610 &听PHYS听1620 | University Physics I and University Physics I Laboratory | 4 |
| PHYS听1630 &听PHYS听1640 | University Physics II and University Physics II Laboratory | 4 |
| MATH听1510 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH听1520 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH听2530 | Calculus III | 4 |
| CSCI听1060 | Introduction to Computer Science: Scientific Programming | 3 |
| Required Physics & Mathematics Courses | ||
| MATH听3240 | Numerical Analysis | 3 |
| MATH听3270 | Advanced Mathematics for Engineers | 3 |
| MATH听3550 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH听3850 | Foundation of Statistics | 3 |
| PHYS听2610 | Modern Physics | 3 |
| PHYS听2620 | Modern Physics Lab | 1 |
| PHYS听3110 | Classical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS听3610 | Modern Physics II | 3 |
| PHYS听4210 | Electricity & Magnetism | 3 |
| PHYS听4610 | Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS听3310 &听PHYS听3320 | Optics and Optics Laboratory | 4 |
| PHYS听3410 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS听3510 &听PHYS听3511 | Analog & Digital Electronics and Analog & Digital Electronics Lab | 4 |
| Additional Requirements | 6 | |
Select six credits upper division physics courses, 3000-level and above | ||
| Research Experience | ||
| PHYS听3860 | Physics Research I | 0 |
| PHYS听4870 | Physics Research II | 0 |
| PHYS听4880 | Senior Inquiry: Research Project | 3 |
| General Electives | 5-8 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
Non-Course Requirements
All Science and Engineering B.A. and B.S. students must complete an exit interview/survey near the end of their bachelor's program.听
Continuation Standards
Students must have a GPA of 2.00 in physics major/minor coursework to be retained in the major/minor.
Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment听unless otherwise noted. 听
Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.
This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| CORE听1000 | Ignite First Year Seminar (Must be taken in first 36 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes) | 2-3 |
| CORE听1500 | Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community (Must be taken in first 36 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes / Must be taken at SLU) | 1 |
| CORE听1900 | Eloquentia Perfecta 1: Written and Visual Communication (Should be taken in first 36 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes) | 3 |
| PHYS听1110 | Introduction to Physics (Required for major) | 1 |
| CHEM听1110 | General Chemistry 1 (satisfies CORE听3800) | 3 |
| CHEM听1115 | General Chemistry 1 Laboratory | 1 |
| MATH听1510 | Calculus I (satisfies CORE听3200) | 4 |
| 听 | Credits | 15-16 |
| Spring | ||
| CORE听1600 | Ultimate Questions: Theology | 3 |
| PHYS听1610 | University Physics I (Required for major) | 3 |
| PHYS听1620 | University Physics I Laboratory (Required for major) | 1 |
| MATH听1520 | Calculus II (Required for major) | 4 |
| CHEM听1120 | General Chemistry 2 (Required for major) | 3 |
| CHEM听1125 | General Chemistry 2 Laboratory (Required for major) | 1 |
| 听 | Credits | 15 |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| CORE听1200 | Eloquentia Perfecta 2: Oral and Visual Communication (Should be taken in first 60 credit hours at SLU / Cannot carry attributes) | 3 |
| CORE听1700 | Ultimate Questions: Philosophy | 3 |
| PHYS听1630 | University Physics II (Required for major) | 3 |
| PHYS听1640 | University Physics II Laboratory (Required for major) | 1 |
| MATH听2530 | Calculus III (Required for major) | 4 |
| CSCI听1060 | Introduction to Computer Science: Scientific Programming (Required for major) | 3 |
| 听 | Credits | 17 |
| Spring | ||
| CORE听2500 | Cura Personalis 2: Self in Contemplation | 0 |
| PHYS听2610 | Modern Physics (Required for major) | 3 |
| PHYS听2620 | Modern Physics Lab (Required for major) | 1 |
| PHYS听3110 | Classical Mechanics (Required for major) | 3 |
| MATH听3550 | Differential Equations (Required for major) | 3 |
| MATH听3240 | Numerical Analysis (Required for major) | 3 |
| General Electives | 3 | |
| 听 | Credits | 16 |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| CORE听2800 | Eloquentia Perfecta 3: Creative Expression | 2-3 |
| CORE听3400 | Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture | 3 |
| PHYS听4610 | Quantum Mechanics (Required for major) | 3 |
| MATH听3270 | Advanced Mathematics for Engineers (Required for major) | 3 |
| PHYS听3610 | Atomic, Molecular and Solid-State Physics (Required for major) | 3 |
| 听 | Credits | 14-15 |
| Spring | ||
| CORE听3600 | Ways of Thinking: Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
| PHYS听4210 | Electricity & Magnetism I (Required for major) | 3 |
| PHYS听3410 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (Required for major) | 3 |
| PHYS听3860 | Physics Research I (Required for major) | 0 |
| PHYS Upper Division Course | To total 6 credits. Required for major 1 | 3 |
| MATH听3850 | Foundation of Statistics (Required for major) | 3 |
| 听 | Credits | 15 |
| Year Four | ||
| Fall | ||
| CORE听3500 | Cura Personalis 3: Self in the World (May be added to a capstone for the major / Cannot carry attributes) | 1 |
| PHYS听4870 | Physics Research II (Required for major) | 0 |
| PHYS听3510 | Analog & Digital Electronics (Required for major) | 3 |
| PHYS听3511 | Analog & Digital Electronics Lab (Required for major) | 1 |
| PHYS Upper Division Course | To total 6 credits. Required for major 1 | 3 |
| CORE听4000 | Collaborative Inquiry | 2-3 |
| General Electives | 3 | |
| 听 | Credits | 13-14 |
| Spring | ||
| PHYS听4880 | Senior Inquiry: Research Project (Required for major) | 3 |
| PHYS听3310 | Optics (Required for major) | 3 |
| PHYS听3320 | Optics Laboratory (Required for major) | 1 |
| PHYS Upper Division Course or General Elective 1 | 3 | |
| General Electives | 6 | |
| 听 | Credits | 16 |
| 听 | Total Credits | 121-124 |
- 1
Two additional courses can be selected from the following for PHYS听Upper Division Course: PHYS 4010 Nanoscience Frontiers (3cr),听PHYS 4020 Experimental Physics (3 cr), PHYS 4110 Intro to Biophysics.听
2+SLU programs provide a guided pathway for students transferring from a partner institution.听