Physics
Saint Louis University offers both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Physics.
Major in Physics
SLU’s Bachelor of Science in physics is conferred by Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology. The B.S. program stresses physics and its applications in areas such as engineering,
computers and other life sciences. It also includes opportunities to participate in
faculty research.
You’ll take classes in classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, electricity and magnetism.
You will also study thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, optics, electronics
and modern physics.
In order to round out your education, you'll also take courses in theology, humanities,
ethics, and social and behavioral sciences.
SLU’s Bachelor of Arts in physics is conferred by the Department of Physics within the College of Arts and Sciences. The B.A. program combines a firm grounding
in physics with a broad liberal education. Some students also pursue double majors
in mathematics, computer science or chemistry.
Both BA and BS students also have the opportunity to pursue a pre-med track.
You'll also have the chance to meet other students who share your academic interests. The Society of Physics Students (SPS) has an active chapter at SLU that works to provide a sense of community for physics majors. SPS hosts many events during the year that allow new students to get acquainted with the SLU physics community.
Highlighted Courses
- MATH 1510: Calculus I
- MATH 1520: Calculus II
- MATH 2530: Calculus III
- PHYS 1110: Introduction to Physics
- PHYS 1610: Engineering Physics I
- PHYS 1620: Engineering Physics I Lab
- PHYS 1630: Engineering Physics II
- PHYS 1640: Engineering Physics II Lab
- PHYS 2610: Modern Physics
- PHYS 2620: Modern Physics Lab
- PHYS 3110: Classical Mechanics
- PHYS 4210: Electricity and Magnetism I
- PHYS 4610: Quantum Mechanics
- PHYS 4880: Senior Inquiry
Internships and Careers
Students who graduate with a degree in physics from Saint Louis University are prepared
for careers in product development and quality control for large industries. You could
also become a computer specialist, manager or be involved in the marketing of technical
products.
A majority of physics students at SLU go to earn a graduate degree in physics or in
other fields such as nuclear engineering, applied mathematics, medicine or law.
Faculty
This program’s low student-to-faculty ratio allows you personal access SLU’s world-class instructors.
- William Thacker, Ph.D.
- Greg Comer, Ph.D.
- Vijai Dixit, Ph.D.
- John James, Ph.D.
- Irma Kuljanishvili, Ph.D.
- Martin Nikolo, Ph.D.
- Jean Potvin, Ph.D.
- Ian Redmount, Ph.D.
- Thalanayar Santhanam, Ph.D.
- Dmitry Solenov, Ph.D.
- David Wisbey, Ph.D.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the general admission requirements of the University, Parks College programs have the following additional requirements:
- GPA: Minimum cumulative 3.0 high school GPA for freshmen applicants and 2.7 college GPA for transfer applicants.
- ACT/SAT: ACT composite score of 24 or higher, or SAT composite score of 1100 or higher. ACT sub scores minimums of 22 in English, 24 in mathematics, 22 in reading comprehension and 22 in scientific reasoning, or a SAT math sub score of 600.
- Coursework: Fifteen total units of high school work are required: three or four units of English; four or more units of mathematics including algebra I and II, geometry and precalculus; three or four units of science including general science, introduction to physical science, earth science, biology, physics or chemistry; two or three units of social sciences including history, psychology or sociology; and three units of electives.
Tuition and Fees
Saint Louis University takes pride in being one of Barron's Best Buys in College Education
and Kiplinger's Best Values in Private Colleges.
For information regarding the upcoming academic year’s tuition rate, fees and financial
aid, visit SLU Financial Services.
Minor in Physics
SLU offers minors in physics through both the College of Arts and Sciences and Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology. The minor through the College of Arts and Sciences requires 18 credit hours of physics; the minor at Parks College requires 22 credit hours of physics.
Undergraduate Research
Summer Research Experience
Every physics major has the opportunity to complete a research project under faculty supervision. Research is required for the B.S. degree and recommended for the B.A. degree.SLU’s Summer Undergraduate Research Experience allows physics students to study their specific topics of interest under the direction of a faculty member, while receiving a stipend.
During the 10-week program, students spend 40 hours a week working on a project and attending seminars, discussions and tours. Students present their work during a final seminar-style presentation at the end of the summer program.