Declaring the Major | Progressing in the Major
Description of the Major
Physics is the study of the laws of nature that describe the universe we see around us and the relationship of energy and matter. This includes the study of nature on every scale from the smallest subatomic particles to the evolution of the universe itself. The study of physics is more than the pursuit of basic scientific knowledge. It is the development of a way of thinking about problems whether learning what is inside a proton or how to use knowledge from biology, chemistry or geology to solve an interesting practical problem.
In this major, you will be immersed in a program that integrates a comprehensive classroom curriculum with extensive hands-on experience working in research laboratories with our faculty. You have opportunities to work both on campus and at national and international facilities to conduct research in nuclear physics and astronomy, and use state-of-the-art equipment on campus in materials, computational physics and non-linear dynamics. To find out more about the major and what the program is like consult http://acadine.physics.jmu.edu/main/who_we_are.html and http://acadine.physics.jmu.edu/handbook.
Degrees Offered
B.A.
B.S.
Concentrations
Applied Physics
Fundamental Studies
Individual Option
Physics/Engineering Combined Program
Minors
Astronomy
Physics
Declaring the Major
New Freshmen and Transfer Students
Declare the physics major when you register for orientation.
Currently Enrolled Major Changers
Submit a "Change or Declaration of Major" form to the Physics and Astronomy Department head in the Physics and Chemistry Building, room 2186.
Progressing in the Major
Remain in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
You must make at least a "C" grade in Physics 250 before progressing to Physics 260.
Students select one of the concentrations listed below:
