- The Five Year Physics BS/MBA Program
- Major in Physics
- Sample Eight Semester Program
- Minor in Physics
An Overview of the Physics Major
"Physics is difficult" says everyone, and they are right! At New Paltz, we don't try to fool you into thinking otherwise. Instead, we try to show you that the hard work of learning physics is worth the effort. The ideas you learn in physics are fundamental, and what you can do with them is limited only by your imagination.
The physics program at New Paltz provides a broad base of fundamentals, yet gives you the opportunity to get specialized training. First you take two-semester introductory courses that survey physics, chemistry, and calculus. Then you follow up with courses covering classical and modern physics, computational physics, and applied mathematics. You can generally tailor your program to your own interests through independent study. An advisor works closely with you to plan what's best for your situation.
How Special is New Paltz?
The choice of a college is a very personal one. Some students are better suited to a large university, while others thrive on a smaller campus like New Paltz. We are a teaching oriented institution, which means that although research and publication are a part of our life here, neither becomes a substitute for our teaching obligations. Teaching comes first.
- In the Physics department, virtually all classes are taught by full time faculty; no classes are taught by graduate students.
- Except for the introductory course, all classes are very small, resulting in an informal, friendly student-teacher relationship.
- Faculty are always available to mentor students one-on-one in independent study of any mutually agreeable topic.
- We have some fine specialized laboratory equipment that, thanks to the small size of our program, is readily available for use by our students. We have a UV-vis spectrometer, an electron spin resonance spectrometer, a high-resolution optical spectrometer, a secondary ion mass spectrometer, a 1 Tesla permanent magnet NMR spectrometer, and a multi-channel analyzer for measuring subatomic particle energy. The physics building also houses several electron microscopes, and a 7 Tesla nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer. Our freshman labs are all computer equipped for data collection and analysis.
- Through our contacts with local industry, we can arrange coops and internships for qualified students.
What Can I Do to Prepare?
The single most important element of your preparation is mathematics; you should enter college with a good understanding of algebra and trigonometry. Without these, you will not be able to master calculus, which is the gateway to the higher mathematics needed to do physics at all levels. As you might expect, taking physics is a good idea, as is getting as broad a science background as you can. However, if you've never had physics in high school, but you're interested and have the math, a physics major is well within the realm of possibility.
What Can I Do with My Degree?
Many things! The great strength of a physics degree is its versatility. A physics degree is a very credible foundation for entry into the common professional schools (law, medicine, dentistry, etc). As for careers, there are opportunities in
- University teaching/research. For this, you need to continue on to get a PhD.
- Secondary school teaching. The requirements vary from state to state, but in New York you will need to continue on and get a Masters degree (in addition to teacher certification).
- Government and industrial laboratory work. This may be the pure research that is done in national laboratories, such as Fermilab, computer modeling (e.g., airplane design, oil exploration) and industrial product testing.
- Medical technology. Medical imaging problems, such as those connected with CAT and MRI scanning systems, involve an enormous amount of physics.
- Computer programming. Physicists frequently find employment in the computer industry because of their strong problem solving skills.
- Management. Technology companies are a major driving force in a modern economy. It is to the advantage of companies engaged in technology that their managers be familiar with the science behind the product.
- Finance. Brokerage firms need people who understand the technology of the companies they analyze. Investment banking firms like physicists because of their ability to model unusual systems, such as financial derivatives.
The Five Year Physics BS/MBA Program
For the two latter alternatives, the MBA is the logical choice for a graduate degree. If you are interested in either possibility, contact us about this exciting opportunity to get the MBA degree on top of a solid background in science.
Major in Physics: 39 (physics) + 26 (cognates)
Required Physics Courses
PHY201 General Physics I (3)
PHY211 General Physics I Lab (1)
PHY202 General Physics II (3)
PHY212 General Physics II Lab (1)PHY305 Computational Physics (3)
PHY306 Mechanics I (3)
PHY307 Mechanics II (3)
PHY308 Modern Physics I (3)
PHY309 Modern Physics II (3)
PHY310 Modern Physics Lab (1)
PHY313 Electricity and Magnetism (3)
PHY322 Optics (3)PHY411 Quantum Physics I (3)
PHY422 Thermal Physics (3)
PHY491 Senior Project (3)
Required Cognate Courses
CHE221, CHE202 General Chemistry I, II Lecture (3 each)
CHE211, CHE212 General Chemistry I, II Lab (1 each)
MAT251 Calculus I (4)
MAT252 Calculus II (4)
MAT353 Calculus III (4)
MAT341, MAT342 Applied Math I, II (3 each)
Sample Eight Semester Program
This shows how you can easily distribute the Physics core over four years, leaving plenty of room for the remaining 30 General Education requirements and extra electives.
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General Physics I |
General Physics II |
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Modern Physics I |
Modern Physics II |
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Electricity & Magnetism |
Optics |
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Independent Study |
Senior Project |
Minor in Physics: 18 credits
Each minor candidate is expected to complete 18 credits in physics at the 200 level or above with a minimum cumulative average of 2.00 for the courses taken. At least 6 credits must be at the 300 level or above.
