Physics

Core Requirements

The student must take all of the following courses:

CHEM 123 General Chemistry I
CHEM 124 General Chemistry II
COMP 137 Data Science with Beginning Python Programming
MATH 145 Calculus I
MATH 245 Calculus II
MATH 246 Calculus III
MATH 251 Elementary Differential Equations
PHYS 221^ General Physics I
PHYS 222^ General Physics II
PHYS 227 Modern Physics
PHYS 250^ Physics Seminar
PHYS 265 Scientific Programming: Modeling
PHYS 321 Classical Mechanics
PHYS 340 Advanced Physics Laboratory I
PHYS 440 Advanced Physics Laboratory II
PHYS 486 Physics Capstone I
PHYS 496 Physics Capstone Project

Last updated: Sept. 3, 2025 – While every effort is made to update on an annual basis, occasionally there may be delays. Visit the KWU Course Catalog for the latest information. 

The Applied Physics concentration is intended for students to develop mastery in physics while gaining practical expertise in a complementary field such as biology, chemistry, environmental studies, or computer studies. The concentration is designed to be flexible and allows for diverse career paths in areas such as biophysics, medical physics, material physics, surface physics, environmental physics, and computational physics. Electives for this concentration should be selected in consultation with a physics advisor.

The student must take the following courses:

PHYS 260 Circuit Analysis & Electronics

Select six credit hours of the following recommended courses or other upper division physics courses (courses must be at a 300- or 400-level):

PHYS 323 Optics
PHYS 325 Thermodynamics
PHYS 335 Electromagnetic Theory
PHYS 425 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
PHYS 485 Special Topics
PHYS Electives (300-level or above)

Select 15 hours of STEM courses from a single department (See Physics Advisor for a list of suggested courses). At least nine hours must be at the 300-/400-level.

BIOL Electives
CHEM Electives
COMP Electives

Last updated: Sept. 3, 2025 – While every effort is made to update on an annual basis, occasionally there may be delays. Visit the KWU Course Catalog for the latest information. 

Engineering Physics is the use of physics concepts and skills to solve engineering problems. Graduates in this field pursue careers in a variety of industrial or business settings, including artificial intelligence, chemical engineering, computer vision, electronics, financial engineering, aerospace technology, nanotechnology, neural engineering and quantum information. This concentration is designed to have the physics courses completed at KWU and the engineering courses completed at a Dual Degree Engineering partner institution.

The student must take all of the following courses:

COMP 160 3D Design, Digitizing, and Printing
PHYS 323 Optics

Select two of the following recommended courses or other upper division physics courses (courses must be at a 300 or 400 level):

PHYS 260 Circuit Analysis and Electronic Laboratory
PHYS 325 Thermodynamics
PHYS 335 Electromagnetic Theory
PHYS 425 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
PHYS 485 Special Topics
PHYS Electives (300 level or above)

Complete an additional fifteen hours of engineering courses from a dual degree engineering partner school or from a program holding ABET Certified by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC). At least nine of the fifteen hours must be at the 300-/400-level. Additional allowances must be approved by a faculty member of the physics department.
PHYS Electives………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………15

*Note: ABET certification should be given under the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC), not Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC). EAC certifies programs for engineers, whereas ETAC certifies programs for technologists.

Last updated: Sept. 3, 2025 – While every effort is made to update on an annual basis, occasionally there may be delays. Visit the KWU Course Catalog for the latest information. 

The Traditional Physics concentration is a comprehensive study of physics. It is ideal for students who want an in-depth understanding of the field of physics and students who are planning to attend physics graduate programs.

The student must take all of the following courses:

PHYS 260 Circuit Analysis & Electronics
PHYS 325 Thermodynamics
PHYS 335 Electromagnetic Theory
PHYS 425 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics

Select two of the following recommended courses or other upper division physics courses (courses must be at a 300 or 400 level):

PHYS 323 Optics
PHYS 485 Special Topics
PHYS Electives (300-level or above)

Last updated: Sept. 3, 2025 – While every effort is made to update on an annual basis, occasionally there may be delays. Visit the KWU Course Catalog for the latest information. 

The Engineering Dual Degree Program is an attractive alternative to traditional engineering curricula, offering students the opportunity to earn a liberal arts degree from Kansas Wesleyan University and an engineering degree from the School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL).

This program prepares students to become liberally educated engineers who can think critically, solve complex problems and demonstrate strong communication skills, while having the opportunity to become a licensed engineer.

After their junior or senior year at KWU, students have the option to participate in a 3/2 or 4/2 program in which they enter WUSTL to earn a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, or to participate in a 3/3 or 4/3 program in which they earn a master’s degree in Engineering.
Students are required to maintain a 3.25 GPA, both in the sciences and overall, and to complete the required courses.

Programs of study include:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• System Science & Engineering

The KWU liaison for this Washington University dual degree program is Dr. Kristin L. Kraemer, Associate Professor of Physics. Students interested in knowing more about this program may contact Dr. Kraemer directly at [email protected] or by calling (785) 833-4466.

Note: MATH 246 and 251 are required prerequisites for many of the Physics Courses.

The student must take all of the following course:

PHYS 221                      General Physics I

PHYS 222                      General Physics II

PHYS 227                     Modern Physics

PHYS 340                      Advanced Physics Laboratory I

Two Upper-Level Physics Electives