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WVU Potomac State College Catalog

Physics

  • Overview
  • Faculty
  • Major

Degrees Offered

  • Associate of Arts
  • Associate of Science

Nature of the Program

The associate of arts in physics program provides students with a core foundation in physics, math, and the humanities.  The associate of arts degree is intended to transfer into a bachelor of arts degree. An associate in science degree in physics is also available, which is intended to transfer into a bachelor of science program. The bachelor of science degree is for students wanting a career in research and is typically followed by graduate work in physics, materials science, astrophysics, or in other physical sciences. This bachelor of science degree program provides a comprehensive grounding in the fundamentals of physics and is usually accompanied by participation in research programs. The bachelor of arts degree in physics is more flexible in that more free elective choices are available.  The increased flexibility helps prepare a student for a career that combines a science background with subsequent professional training, such as secondary education or medical school.  Students are encouraged to discuss the differences between the two degrees with their academic advisor.
 

The courses in physics provide a mix of theoretical concepts and practical examples.  Each course within a degree plan builds upon the knowledge base acquired in previous courses and, together, these courses allow a student to acquire the combination of physical insight and mathematical skill needed for success in today’s demanding job markets.

The associate degree program provides the first two years of undergraduate study for students planning to pursue a B.A. at West Virginia University or other comparable institutions.

Career Opportunities

Some graduates of the B.S. program accept positions in industry or in a government laboratory immediately, while many continue their education in graduate research programs. Career paths for physicists obtaining a B.A. degree may include secondary education, patent law, forensics, health physics, environmental engineering, journalism, government policy, and business management immediately or following further graduate training.


Faculty

Chair

  • Erin Cunningham - M.S. Biology
    Year @ PSC 2007

Professor

  • Joan Vogtman - M.S. Applied Physics
    Year @ PSC 2008

For specific information on the following programs, please see the links to the right:

  • Physics, A.A.
  • Physics, A.S.
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Engineering
  • Health Sciences
  • Human Nutrition and Food
  • Mathematics
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
  • Nursing (BSN)
  • Nursing (LPN to BSN)
  • Physics
    • Physics, A.A.
    • Physics, A.S.
  • Pre-​Engineering
  • Pre-​Forensic and Investigative Science
  • Pre-​Nursing (BSN)
  • Pre-​Nursing
  • Pre-​Pharmacy
  • Surgical Technology

WVU Potomac State College

Information

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  • Veterans
  • Courses

Office of the University Registrar
P.O. Box 6878
Morgantown, WV 26506
Email: registrar@mail.wvu.edu
Phone: 304-293-5355

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