All graduates of Marietta College complete both a general education curriculum and a major in a specialized field of study. The Department of Physics offers both a Physics Major and an Applied Physics Major, as well as a Minor in Physics and a Minor in Astronomy.
Both majors share a strong fundamental technical core consisting of 43 hours of classes in calculus and differential equations, computer science, general chemistry with lab, general physics with lab, and intermediate physics. Additionally, both majors require a total of 58 hours.
Students graduating with either of these majors earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree upon completion of a 120-semester-hour degree program that includes the major, specified general education courses, and a number of free electives.
Marietta College also permits a "Student-Designed Major," which allows students, in consultation with their academic advisor, to design a major they believe to be more appropriate for them than any of the standard majors the college offers. Please refer to the college catalog for policies and restrictions pertaining to student-designed majors.
Physics Degrees
Physics Major
The Physics Major is intended primarily to prepare students for graduate or professional study - and subsequent employment - in physics or related technical areas. However, students who complete this major will be well prepared to seek employment immediately upon graduating from Marietta College.
Qualified students who elect to pursue this Physics Major may be eligible for consideration for Rickey Physics Scholarships.
For more information see the Physics Major page.
Applied Physics Major
If you know you are interested in physical science, engineering, mathematics, and computers, but are not yet sure about the specific educational or career direction you want to take, you should certainly consider Marietta's Applied Physics Major.
The Applied Physics Major, which has been offered by the department for many years, has an interdisciplinary "engineering like" curriculum and is intended primarily to prepare students for either the 3-2 Engineering Binary Program or employment in entry-level technical positions following graduation. The major provides a solid foundation in the basics of physical science, engineering, mathematics, and computer science. Graduates can market themselves to prospective employers as "hands-on" problem solvers who can "get the job done" in a number of technical areas in business, industry, and government.
The Applied Physics Major is not intended to prepare students for traditional graduate study in physics. However, it may be adequate preparation for selected graduate programs in technical areas of a more applied nature.
Students who elect to pursue the Applied Physics Major are not eligible for consideration for Rickey Physics Scholarships.
For more information on both the Applied Physics Major and the Engineering Dual Degree Program, see Applied Physics Major.
Physics Minor
The Department of Physics also offers a minor in physics. The Physics Minor is designed to be a useful enhancement to any number of other degree programs, adding experience and credentials. For instance, mathematics or computer science majors who want to have a stronger physical science background should minor in physics. Likewise, it is useful for a chemistry major who enjoys the physical chemistry aspects of his or her program of study. Other examples could follow. For more information on the physics minor, see Physics Program page.
Astronomy Minor
Students with an interest in astronomy should consider the Astronomy Minor. This minor is designed to be accessible to students in a wide range of degree programs, from physics majors hoping to pursue graduate studies in astronomy to humanities or social science majors with a general interest in the sky. Astronomy Minors will benefit from the presence of the Anderson Hancock Planetarium and will have opportunities to learn to use this state-of-the-art facility. For more information on the astronomy minor, see Astronomy Minor.