Physics Program and Degree Options

Physics is the study of the universe: what it is made of and how it works, ranging from stars and galaxies to atoms and nuclei and everything in between. Physics forms the foundation of many technical fields including electronics and optics. Physics also features prominently in many of the hottest areas of current research and innovation, such as the multidisciplinary fields of nanotechnology and biophysics. The Physics program serves as a foundation for a wide array of careers. Physics majors from Colorado Mesa University have gone on to graduate programs in physics, astrophysics, chemistry, materials science, and aerospace engineering. They have also gone directly into jobs in engineering, business and research. For more information on what you can do with this major, visit Career Services’ What to Do with a Major? resource. All CMU baccalaureate graduates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in specialized knowledge/applied learning, quantitative fluency, communication fluency, critical thinking, personal and social responsibility, and information literacy. In addition to these campus-wide student learning outcomes, graduates of this major will be able to: Show fluency with the major fields of physics (classical mechanics, electromagnetism, statistical physics, and quantum theory). (Specialized Knowledge) Use mathematical representations to analyze physical scenarios. (Quantitative Fluency) Use laboratory techniques to investigate experimentally physical phenomena. (Applied Learning) Communicate effectively about topics in physics. (Communication Fluency) Execute a project which addresses a significant and complex issue in physics. This project will integrate knowledge and techniques from different areas of physics. (Specialized Knowledge/Applied Learning)

Physics is the study of the universe: what it is made of and how it works, ranging from stars and galaxies to atoms and nuclei and everything in between. Physics forms the foundation of many technical fields, including electronics and optics. Physics features prominently in many of the hottest areas of current research and innovation, such as the multidisciplinary fields of nanotechnology and biophysics. A physics minor is a good complement to a mathematics, chemistry, geology, environmental science, or biology major.

The Associate of Science (AS) degree is designed for students who intend to continue their education and obtain a baccalaureate degree. The AS is the appropriate choice for students who will take upper division coursework in mathematics, biological sciences and physical sciences. The degree program includes the Colorado Statewide Essential Learning Core and meets the lower division Essential Learning requirements at most public institutions in Colorado. A number of emphases are available within the AS degree. Students choosing one of these emphases will take courses in a discipline in addition to the Essential Learning core. Physics forms the foundation of many technical fields including electronics and optics. Physics also features prominently in many of the hottest areas of current research and innovation, such as the multidisciplinary fields of nanotechnology and biophysics. Our goal is to provide students with the critical and analytical thinking skills needed to solve problems. This skill set prepares students for further study and for jobs in engineering, business and research. All CMU/WCCC associate graduates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in specialized knowledge/applied learning, quantitative fluency, communication fluency, critical thinking, personal and social responsibility, and information literacy. In addition to these campus‐wide student learning outcomes, graduates of this major will be able to: Show fluency with aspects of the major fields of physics typical for introductory and sophomore level physics courses. (Specialized Knowledge) Use mathematical representation to analyze physical scenarios. (Quantitative Fluency) Use laboratory techniques to analyze physical scenarios. (Critical Thinking)