Oct 15, 2024  
2022-23 NSU Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2022-23 NSU Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Physics B.S.*


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OSRHE Program Code: 159
CIP Code: 400801

Major Code: 7676

  • 7677 - Applied Physics
  • 7678 - Physics Education

Transfer Agreements

Purpose

The Physics Program offers a rigorous curriculum and flexible career choices. The Applied Physics option provides both fundamental courses that lead to a deep understanding of physics and hands-on courses where students learn practical technical skills.  The Applied Physics option  provides career opportunities such as graduate school, engineering, or high-tech companies. It prepares students to excel in technical careers based on a background of physics, mathematics, and computer science.  The Physics Education option prepares those students who would like to pursue a career teaching in a secondary school.   Teaching physics and science to middle and high school students is a rewarding profession that enables students to achieve their dreams and that prepares them to live and work in a science and technology rich society.   Good science teachers are in high demand and the teacher candidates learn both science content and how to teach science effectively.

Specialty Acreditation - Physics Education Option

NSU’s educator preparation programs at the baccalaureate and master’s levels are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), www.caepnet.org, (1140 19th Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20036-1023, 202-223-0077), and/or the Oklahoma Office of Educational Quality and Accountability (840 Research Parkway, Suite 455, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, 405-522-5399), www.ok.gov/oeqa.

Credential Requirements - Physics Education Option

In addition to completing all program requirements, teacher candidates must pass the following certification tests to earn Oklahoma certification: Oklahoma General Education Test (OGET); the appropriate Oklahoma Subject Area Test (OSAT); and the Praxis Professional Assessment for Teachers (PPAT). There are fees associated with certification testing which is administered by an outside agency under contract with the Oklahoma Office of Educational Quality and Accountability. NSU’s Education Certification office can assist with information regarding university recommendation for certification.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Solve quantitative problems in classical mechanics, electricity & magnetism and modern physics.
  2. Interpret mathematical models such as formulas, graphs, tables and schematics.
  3. Apply appropriate mathematical concepts and models for solving problems in classical and modern physics.
  4. Analyze experimental results.
  5. Design an experiment(s) to test a hypothesis.
  6. Interpret experimental data to make meaningful comparisons between experiment and theory.
  7. Identify sources of experimental uncertainty and error.
  8. Present research in a form consistent with the American Institute of Physics style manual
  9. Relate research to a general audience.

General Education Requirements


A minimum of 46 hours of academic work in general education is required during the freshman and sophomore years.  For students transferring with the Associate of Arts degree or Associate of Science degree from a public institution in Oklahoma, all general education requirements will be satisfied with respect to degree requirements.  However, some majors may require other specific general education courses as program prerequisites or program requirements.  Students should consult advisors and the program’s plan of study for further information.  Students are required to complete general education requirements by the time they have completed 90 semester hours of college work.  See General Education Requirements  for more information.

Physics General Education Requirements


The following are course prerequisites that may be completed as part of the General Education requirements.

Select one of the following options:


Professional Education Requirements (Secondary) - 29 hours


Teacher Education Admission and Certification Policies


In addition to courses in the discipline, all students completing a BA or BS in Education degree must meet the following requirements for certification.

  • Be accepted for admission to teacher education, pre-II internship, and full internship according to published course sequence and guidelines.
  • Demonstrate proficiency at the high novice level in a language other than English.
  • Develop a portfolio which documents their accomplishments, learning, and strengths related to the competencies, standards, and outcomes established by the Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, and the Oklahoma State Department of Education.  
  • Complete all courses in the major and Professional Education Core with a grade of “C” or higher.
  • Students entering NSU beginning Fall 2013 must have an overall GPA of 2.75 for admission to teacher education.
  • Once admitted to the teacher education program, all majors must continue to maintain a GPA of 2.5 (overall, in their major field of study, and professional education core) through completion.
  • 4 X 12 requirement - Early Childhood, Elementary Education, and Special Education programs require completion of 12 semester hours with a grade of “C” or better in the following disciplines: Communication Arts (English, Communication, Literature), Math, Science, and Social Science (Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology) prior to graduation.
  • All Professional Education majors must complete PSYC 1003 or PSYC 1113.  Advisors recommend those courses be completed as part of the General Education course sequence.

Additional Degree Information - Gregg Wadley College of Science and Health Professions


In addition to general education and program requirements stated above, additional hours may be needed to satisfy all minimum degree requirements listed below.

  • English Proficiency: Components I and II of English proficiency should be met with grades of “C” or better prior to the completion of 60 credit hours.
  • ​A minimum of 124 hours is required. PE activity is limited to four hours. Prior learning credit (CLEP, Advanced Standing, Military Credit, etc) is limited to 30 hours.
  • ​A minimum of 30 hours in residence (from NSU) is required for graduation. PE activity is limited to four hours. Hours in residence exclude zero-level courses and prior learning credit such as CLEP, Advanced Placement, Advanced Standing, Military Credit, etc.​
  • A minimum of 40 hours of 3000/4000 level courses is required for graduation.  ​
  • A minimum of 60 hours from a 4-year school is required for graduation excluding zero level and PE activity courses.
  • At least fifty percent of the major requirements must be upper division courses (3000 and 4000 level).
  • At least 18 hours or fifty percent of the major, whichever is greater, must be satisfactorily completed at NSU.
  • The minimum number of credit hours required in the Liberal Arts and Sciences varies based on the type of degree. B.S. and B.S.Ed. degrees require at least 55 hours and B.S.M.L.S. and B.S.N. degrees require at least 40 hours.  Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) courses are identified in catalog course descriptions.

For additional information, see Bachelor’s Degree Requirements .

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