The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers a multitrack program of study which allows each student flexibility to choose a suitable set of courses that will prepare the student for their chosen career goal. With the assistance of physics faculty advisors each student will select a program of theoretical and experimental courses through which they will gain an understanding of the broad range of general principles which characterize the discipline of physics; and they will acquire the ability to apply theoretical and experimental techniques to solve a wide variety of problems.

Graduates will be prepared for highly technical post -baccalaureate employment in applied physics, engineering physics, and other scientific areas. Upon graduation students will also be prepared to enter programs of advanced study in physics, engineering, medicine, environmental science, and related disciplines. The department also offers courses which are cognate requirements in other disciplines and courses which satisfy general university requirements in the natural sciences.

The department is committed to a professional and supportive environment within which faculty and staff can make their maximum contribution and students will achieve their full potential.

The tracks in the physics major program include:

• Fundamental Studies
• Applied Physics : Computational
• Applied Physics : Materials
• Applied Physics : Electronics & Instrumentation
• 3/2 Engineering
• Individual Option

We also offer or contribute to the following minor programs:

• Physics Minor
• Astronomy Minor
• Materials Science Minor

Students should realize that major and minor requirements can change each year. The catalog that was effective when a student first enrolled is the one of record for that student

	Last Revised: March, 2007   Publisher: Physics     For Information Contact: physics@jmu.edu