Bachelor of Science in Physics | Science and Mathematics | SIU

Degree Requirements

The Physics degree program is accomplished by fulfilling the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree.

• Total Degree Requirements: 120 credit hours
• University Core Curriculum: 39 credit hours
• Physics Major Requirements: 81 credit hours

Check out the undergraduate Curricular Guides for General Physics, Biomedical Physics, Computational Physics, Materials and Nanophysics which helps you outline what courses you would want to take each semester for all four years. View all related undergraduate courses.

Specializations

• The General Physics specialization combines physics with advanced mathematics, making it the perfect choice for students with academic ambitions. If you plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Physics or another STEM field, this path will provide you with the rigorous foundation needed for advanced study and research.
• The Biomedical Physics specialization merges physics with life sciences, preparing students for careers as medical physicists. These scientists work in healthcare to develop cutting-edge medical technologies and radiation-based treatments. You might research ways to combat cancer or develop more effective MRI machines. Whether you choose to work directly with patients or focus on testing and maintaining equipment, this major offers a versatile and impactful career path.
• Combining physics with computer science, the Computational Physics specialization equips students with highly sought-after skills in a variety of fields. As a computational physicist, you could create sophisticated flight simulator programs, develop computational models to study the ocean floor, or even design models to predict stock market trends. The blend of physics and computing knowledge opens doors to numerous career opportunities.
• The Materials & Nanophysics specialization focuses on physics applications in high-tech industries and energy sectors. Students study magnets, semiconductors, superconductors, nanosensors, magnetic and photonic devices, and biomaterials. This path prepares you for a career in cutting-edge research and development, contributing to innovations in technology and energy solutions.
• The Astrophysics specialization is designed for students who want to understand the mysteries of the universe. This path prepares students to attend a graduate program in astronomy or astrophysics or to work in the field of astronomy public-outreach in planetariums, observatories, or museums.

Scholarships

We offer a variety of scholarships in Physics to support students pursuing advanced studies and research opportunities. These scholarships make it easier to focus on your education while gaining exposure to a range of research methods and academic perspectives. Available scholarships include:

• Aldo Migone, Morteza Daneshdoost, Marvin Zeman Scholarship
  • Eligibility:
    • Current graduate assistant in physics
    • Minimum 3.5 GPA in core courses
    • Scholarship awarded once during graduate studies
    • Positive student evaluations in teaching or related duties
    • Proven research productivity with publications and presentations.
• Benton K. Berry Memorial Scholarship Fund
  • Open to new or continuing undergraduate physics applicants
  • Award level varies.
• Robert & Teresa Zitter Physics Scholarship Fund
  • For outstanding undergraduate or graduate physics majors
  • Supports Physics research activities
  • Recipients selected by a departmental committee.
• William C. Ballow, Sr. Memorial Award in Physics
  • Awarded to junior or senior undergraduate physics majors
  • Award level varies.
  • Application Process:
    • All scholarships through SIU General Scholarship Application.
• Physics Department Undergraduate Tuition Waiver
  • Deadline: January 31
  • Open to new or continuing undergraduate physics students
  • Award level varies.