Undergraduate Degree Programs

Physics is the foundation of all sciences. It is also the quantitative discipline, and as such presents a variety of challenging, innovative, and exciting career opportunities. The Department of Physics at East Carolina University provides students with the knowledge, experience, and training they will need to succeed in a globally-competitive science career. Please e-mail Dr. Mark Sprague to get started as a physics major, or to get more information about physics at ECU.

Bachelor of Science in Physics

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in physics has two concentrations: professional and research.

ECU Catalog Listing for Physics BS

Professional Concentration

The professional concentration is for students interested in employment in technical fields (e.g., lab technician or research assistant); graduate study in health sciences, medicine, chemistry, business, engineering, or environmental sciences; or as a second major to provide the appropriate academic foundation for their primary field of study (e.g., chemistry, engineering, mathematics, or biology).

  • 120 total semester hours (including 40 semester hours of general education)
  • 33 semester hours of general electives, allowing students to customize the program or to complete a second major
  • Course requirements overlap with biochemistry, chemistry, engineering, and mathematics allow students to double major in those programs
  • 9 semester hours of physics electives allow students to customize their physics program
  • Opportunity to do research in faculty laboratories

Research Concentration

The research concentration is for students interested in academic and/or research careers in physics. If you would like to eventually pursue a graduate degree in physics, then this is the concentration for you.

  • 120 total semester hours (including 40 semester hours of general education)
  • Upper-level physics courses prepare students for a graduate program in physics
  • 6 semester hours of physics electives
  • Opportunity to do research in faculty laboratories

Physics Honors

Outstanding physics majors have the opportunity to do intensive study in an area of special interest. Program participants begin by selecting a topic of mutual interest to both the student and project supervisor, then research the topic in the scientific literature, and finally conduct independent research on the topic. Upon completion, the student must submit a detailed report as well as make an oral presentation about the project.

ECU Catalog Listing for Physics Honors

Physics Minor

The physics minor is an 19-semester-hour program designed to give students a background in advanced physics courses.

ECU Catalog Listing for Physics Minor

Four-Year Plans

The following are some sample four-year course plans for a Physics BS major. Please note that these plans are very general. Your physics advisor will work with you to create a plan that is tailored to meet your needs.

Physics BS

Physics BS with a Second Major

The following are a few of the popular double major possibilities that are compatible with a Physics BS degree. Many other double major options are possible. Please contact the physics department or a physics advisor for more information.