DEGREE DESCRIPTIONS

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS IN PHYSICS

PHYSICS PROGRAMS (Major and Minor)

The Physics program serves multiple roles in the College’s educational system. Not only does it prepare students for advanced study and professional work in physics and other physical sciences such as geophysics, atmospheric physics, etc., but it also provides the necessary education in physics for students of other sciences. 

In view of the highly technological nature of the society in which we live, the department also places high priority on the education of the non-science student. The 100-level Physics courses are designed to help these students achieve an understanding of the methods and goals of science and to provide them an opportunity to seriously consider and discuss important socio-scientific-technological questions. 

Although there are minimum degree requirements, majors in Physics who plan to pursue careers as professional physicists are advised to take additional physics and mathematics courses. Members of the Physics faculty will be pleased to provide counseling on recommended programs to any students who may wish to pursue this major. 

TEACHING CREDENTIAL
Science Teacher Preparation Program Leading to a Degree in Natural Sciences, Primary Concentration in Physics 

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing has authorized CSUB to offer a single subject matter preparation program in Natural Sciences leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree. This coursework satisfies the course requirements for a "Secondary Teaching Credential in Science." The program consists of three components: I. Primary Concentration (major), II. Secondary Concentration (minor), and III. Breadth (cognates).  Program completion leads to a BA degree in Natural Sciences with a major in the area of primary concentration and a minor in the secondary concentration. 

PRE-ENGINEERING

Although the college does not offer a degree in engineering, many students find it beneficial to complete at this campus a substantial portion of required courses for engineering programs elsewhere. Most engineering programs are highly structured and demanding, and careful selection of courses for transfer to other institutions is urged. Students interested in pre-engineering programs are advised to consult with the pre-engineering advisor of the
Department of Physics for information and assistance in planning their programs. 

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

FINANCIAL AID

Our students have many sources of financial aid unique to our department in addition to the campus, state, and federal sources available to all students. New for the school year 1999-2000 are two $5,000 CSUB Merit Scholarships. The Victor & Virginia Church
Scholarship is targeted specifically for Geology majors and the Theodore Decker Memorial is targeted for Physical Science majors. The C. E. Strange Scholarship is currently available to Physics and Geology students.  Please see the Chair of the Department for an application.

Students also receive aid as research assistants from grants and contracts held by faculty members and, also, from grants given out by the CSUB research office. In addition, most of our junior and senior level and graduate students are able to find part-time work with local
industry enabling them to gain relevant work experience while attending school.

CSUB campus Financial Aid Homepage

Explore national scholarship information via fastweb.com 

Please direct all questions or comments to physics@csub.edu