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Physics, B.A.

  • Application Deadline
  • 48 months
    Duration
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Overview

Emphasis is placed on general understanding, problem solving, and the communication skills essential for success in a career grounded in science. In the laboratory, students use state-of-the-art instrumentation in applying physics to a wide variety of systems. Opportunities are available for students to participate in research projects during the school year and over the summer.

There are three educational options from which to choose: a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree; a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree; or a minor in physics. The B.S. degree provides the necessary background for students interested in graduate school, engineering or industrial work; the Bachelor of Arts degree gives a solid background in physics with the flexibility to meet other needs, including preparation for professional programs such as medicine or patent law, or for students double majoring in areas such as mathematics or electrical engineering.

For students interested in teacher licensure, see the various combinations of science education in the School of Education Department of Teacher Education in this catalog.

Transfer students can transfer a maximum of 16 credits in physics towards the physics degree. Physics courses taken at other colleges by students already matriculated at St. Thomas may be credited toward the requirements of the major only with prior and explicit written approval of the department chair.

The department offers courses for non-majors to fulfill the laboratory science component of the core curriculum.

Detailed Programme Facts

  • Programme intensity Full-time
    • Full-time duration 48 months
  • Languages
    • English
  • Delivery mode
    On Campus

Programme Structure

Courses include:

  • Introduction to Classical Physics I
  • Introduction to Classical Physics II 
  • Foundations of Modern Physics: From the Atom to the Big Bang
  • Applications of Modern Physics: From the Atom to the Diode
  • Methods of Experimental Physics

English Language Requirements

  • Minimum required score:

    80

    The TOEFL iBT ® measures your English-language abilities in an academic setting. The test has four sections (reading, listening, speaking, and writing), each with a score range of 0-30, for a total score range of 0-120.

  • Minimum required score:

    6.5

    The IELTS – or the International English Language Test System – tests your English-language abilities (writing, listening, speaking, and reading) on a scale of 1.00–9.00. The minimum IELTS score requirement refers to which Overall Band Score you received, which is your combined average score. Read more about IELTS.

  • Minimum required score:

    53

    PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic) is a language test that enables students to demonstrate their writing, listening, speaking, and reading skills when applying to study in English. Delivered and marked by computer, it reports on a scale between 10 and 90.

General Requirements

  • The official undergraduate application for admission.
  • The admissions committee considers each student’s academic record, writing sample and recommendations, if applicable. Depending on the Admission Type to which you applied - Early Action or Regular Decision - applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee and decisions announced at the respective notification date
  • Each confirmed student is required to provide a final high school transcript after graduation prior to the first day of class in the fall semester of admission.
  • Undergraduate students enrolled in 12 or more credits each semester are required to demonstrate proof of health insurance coverage.

    • Tuition Fee

    • International

      44780 USD/year
      Tuition Fee
      Based on the original amount of 22390 USD per semester and a duration of 48 months.

    • National

      44780 USD/year
      Tuition Fee
      Based on the original amount of 22390 USD per semester and a duration of 48 months.

    • In-State

      44780 USD/year
      Tuition Fee
      Based on the original amount of 22390 USD per semester and a duration of 48 months.
    We've labeled the tuition fee that applies to you because we think you are from and prefer over other currencies.

    Living costs for Saint Paul

    • 1040 - 1760 USD/month
      Living Costs

    The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

    Funding

    Studyportals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.

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