Majors and Minors

Programs Available

For complete details about individual courses please check our Courses page.

Physics Major

For students interested in graduate school in biophysics, geophysics, oceanography and Physics. Most students elect additional Mathematics or Computer Science courses dealing with topics of their choice, such as advanced calculus, numerical analysis, complex variables, and computer programming languages.

Requirements: PHYS 110, 111, 275, 280, either 310 or 320, and 345, 360, 380, 498 and 499; MATH 110, 111, 210 and 280. Recommended : CS 110, MATH 330, 380.

Physics Minor

PHYS 110 and 111 or 115 and 116, and a minimum of three physics courses numbered 250 or above. No more than one of the courses counted toward the minor may be taken credit/no entry.

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Astrophysics Major

The astrophysics major is intended to prepare the student for graduate study in astrophysics or in physics, or for employment in the same types of jobs for which a physics major is prepared. The major provides the strong background in physics and mathematics required for a deep understanding of astrophysical phenomena.

A student may not major in both physics and astrophysics, or major in astrophysics and minor in physics.

Requirements: ASTR 275, 310, 311, 498, 499; PHYS 110, 111, 280, 310, 360, 380; MATH 110, 111, 210, 280. Recommended: CS 110, PHYS 320, 361.

The courses listed as “recommended” are suggested for students intending to pursue graduate studies.

Astrophysics Minor

ASTR 275, 310, 311, and either 260 or 490; PHYS 280. A student may major in physics and minor in astrophysics.

Astronomy Minor

ASTR 110, 111, and either 260 or 490; PHYS 110 and 111 or 115 and 116; and one additional course numbered 250 or above in astronomy, physics, or geology, to be determined in consultation with the astronomy advisor. A student may not major in physics and minor in astronomy.

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Pre-Engineering Option

This program offers a BA degree in a science discipline from Ohio Wesleyan and a BS in engineering from an engineering school. Currently, the department has corporate agreements with Case Western Reserve University, Rensselaer Polytechnic University, Washington University, California Institute of Technology, Polytechnic Institute of New York, and the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University.

More details about the 3-2 pre-engineering program may be found in our Pre-Engineering Handbook.

For the BA in physics with the pre-engineering option, the requirements are listed below.

Requirements: PHYS 110, 111, 275, 280, either 310 or 320, either 345 or 375, and either 360 or 380; MATH 110, 111, 210, 280; CHEM 110, 111. Recommended: MATH 330, 380, CS 110.

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