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University of Wyoming

2-Year Projected Course Offerings


Undergraduate Degree Programs

We offer the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in several varieties: Physics, Astronomy, and Physics Plus, and a 5-year Physics B.S.+Mechanical Engineering M.S. We also offer a variety of courses which satisfy physical science requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences and the requirements of the College of Education in its preparation of physical science teachers. Our students have gone on to many kinds of challenging and successful careers. Click here for career paths of graduates.

Program Goals: The undergraduate program exists to produce well-trained scientists who are competitive for jobs in the technical sector and for admission to graduate study.

    • Outcome 1 : Conceptual and analytical understanding of the 4 major areas of physics: Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism, Quantum Mechanics, and Statistical Physics
    • Outcome 2. Understanding of scientific reasoning, i.e., the roles of theory, hypothesis, and experiment in the scientific method.
    • Outcome 3: Demonstration of a working knowledge of laboratory & programming skills as they relate to gathering data and comparing data to the predictions of theoretical models.
    • Outcome 4: Ability to clearly communicate the results of scientific analysis in written and oral form.

B.S. in Physics This degree is designed for students intending to pursue careers in science or advanced degrees in graduate school in physics, astronomy, or a related field.

  • Typical Physics Sequence (PDF)
  • Physics B.S. Course Checklist (PDF)

B.A. in Physics This degree program provides a pathway for more students to major in physics, as a second major to physical chemistry, mathematics, and engineering, for example. The B.A. degree program requires 30 credits in physics coursework and 15 credits in mathematics. Students planning to attend graduate school in physics or astronomy or planning a primary career in physics or the physical sciences should choose the B.S. degree instead.

  • Physics B.A. Course Checklist (PDF)

B.S. Physics PLUS

Students preparing for strictly technological careers and hence want heavily technological undergraduate educations, may select the physics plus curriculum. This program enables students to concentrate in physics, mathematics and an elected technical area with some sacrifice in the breadth of general education. For the major requirements, a student must take a core of physics courses plus a coherent selection of 27 hours in an elected technical area. Examples of an elected technical area could be an area involving additional physics and mathematics; physics, mathematics and astronomy; engineering; biological sciences; chemistry; computer science; mathematics; geophysics; atmospheric science; economics; business; education or technical writing.

  • Physics PLUS B.S. Course Checklist (PDF)

Phys/ME (B.S. Physics plus M.S. in Mechanical Engineering - A 5-year program) This combined Physics B.S. + Engineering Masters program may be appealing to students seeking a career in an applied area of physics, astronomy, space science, or related disciplines.)

  • PhysME Program description (PDF)
  • Physics/ME Course Checklist (PDF)
B.S. in Astronomy & Astrophysics

Students wishing to pursue careers related to astronomy/astrophysics should complete a B.S. in Astronomy. This degree is nearly identical to a Physics degree, except that 4 physics courses have been replaced by 4 astronomy courses.

  • Typical Astronomy Sequence (PDF)
  • Astronomy B.S. Course Checklist (PDF)
Physics or Astronomy Minor
Physics (hrs) Astronomy (hrs)
PHYS 1210/1310 - Physics I (4) PHYS 1210/1310 - Physics I (4)
PHYS 1220/1320 - Physics II (4) PHYS 1220/1320 - Physics II (4)
PHYS 2310 - Physics III (4) PHYS 2310 - Physics III (4)
PHYS 2320 - Physics IV (3) PHYS 2320 - Physics IV (3)
2 elective courses from: ASTR 2310 - General Astronomy (4)
   PHYS 4210 - Classical Mechanics (3) ASTR 4610 - Astrophysics (3)
   PHYS 4410 - Electricity & Magnetism I (3)
   PHYS 4310 - Quantum Mechanics I (3)
   PHYS 4510 - Statistical Physics (3)
= 21 hrs = 22 hrs
(Note: Physics 2310 and above requires Calc III as a pre or co-requisite. At least 12 hours in a minor must be in courses not being counted toward the major.)