Physics
Physics, B.S.
This degree explores various disciplines in detail, giving students the opportunity to build in-depth knowledge about the workings of the physical world.
Earn A Bachelor of Science in Physics from Mississippi College
Prepare for a career in a variety of industries with a strong foundation built on learning from expert faculty and participating in real-world research opportunities.
Students learn from faculty with rich and diverse skills and expertise as they explore the workings of the physical world — from mechanics and magnetism to electricity and thermodynamics.
Benefit from the expertise and research experience of faculty members who hold advanced degrees in physics, electrical engineering, and engineering mechanics. As accomplished scientists and dedicated teachers, they have research experiences in thermal signatures of terrain and man-made structures, the dielectric properties of soils, the electric charge in lighting, Raman and infrared spectroscopy, and more. With small classes, and a student-teacher ratio of 10-1, students have a very personal learning experience in the Physics Department at MC.
Research opportunities add to the learning experience. At Mississippi College, even undergrads get to participate in real-life field research — making them the envy of their peers at larger institutions.
First-class facilities give physics majors more tools for learning. Physics students enjoy newly updated classrooms and labs, with built-in multimedia presentation capability to enhance lectures. The physical science library offers additional academic resources to supplement the science holdings of the main library. An open-access computer lab and wireless internet access make connecting easy.
MC also offers a Physics minor for students seeking to supplement their field of study. Find out more about our Physics minor here.
| Requirement | Class Name | Hours |
| University Core | 36 | |
| Required Physics Courses | ||
| PHY 151 or PHY 251 |
General Physics I Fundamentals of Physics I * |
4 |
| PHY 152 or PHY 252 |
General Physics II Fundamentals of Physics II * |
4 |
| PHY 301 | Modern Physics | 3 |
| PHY 308 | Classical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHY 313 | Optics | 4 |
| PHY 401 | Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| PHY 402 | Special Projects | 3 |
| PHY 406 | Electricity and Magnetism I | 3 |
| PHY 407 | Electricity and Magnetism II | 3 |
| PHY 433 | Physics Capstone | 1 |
| Physics and Related Electives (9 hours required) | ||
| CHE 318 | Chemical Energetics | 4 |
| ESC 205 | Computational Tools | 3 |
| ESC 311 | Statics * | 3 |
| ESC 315 | Thermodynamics *+ | 3 |
| PHY 206 | Astronomy | 3 |
| PHY 413 | Nuclear Physics + | 4 |
| PHY 417 | Selected Topics in Physics (may be taken more than once with different specific topics) | 3 |
| Mathematics Courses | ||
| MAT 121 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | 3 |
| MAT 122 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II | 3 |
| MAT 221 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry III | 3 |
| MAT 222 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry IV | 3 |
| MAT 352 | Introduction to Differential Equations | 3 |
| And two of the following courses: | ||
| MAT 213 | Applied Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MAT 353 | Introduction to Mathematical Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| MAT 381 | Introduction to Numerical Methods | 3 |
| Chemistry Courses | ||
| CHE 141 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHE 142 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHE 317 | Chemical Dynamics | 4 |
| Computer Science |
||
| Choose one of the following courses: | ||
| CSC 105 or |
C Programming for Scientists and Engineers | 3 |
| CSC 204 | Practical Fortran Programming | 3 |
| Communication Course | ||
| COM 203 | Professional Communication Skills | 3 |
| General Electives | Sufficient elective hours must be taken to meet the minimum hour requirement for graduation in this program. Electives should be chosen in consultation with advisor. | -- |
| Total Hours | 130 | |
* Students interested in pursuing additional studies in engineering should elect these courses as a minimum.
+ Students interested in pursuing additional studies in physics should elect these courses as a minimum.
