The ACU Physics Department offers many choices for those considering studies in physics. All of the degrees emphasize a balance of fundamental theoretical understanding and laboratory experience. Students also study a variety of supplemental subjects, including mathematics, chemistry, Bible, and others. When freshmen majors enroll in Engineering Physics I (PHYS 120/121), they must also qualify to take Calculus I or higher; otherwise, their graduation may be delayed.
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Majors
The physics degree provides students with the broadest education in the field of physics. Students in the ACU physics department who wish to obtain multiple degrees should choose the physics degree. The majority of ACU graduates with this degree attend graduate school in physics, engineering, computer science, mathematics, or medicine. This degree gives students a great deal of flexibility both during and after their time at ACU.
ENGINEERING PHYSICS (BS)
Major Code: ENGP
This degree is ideal for students who wish to attend graduate school in engineering or who intend to pursue immediate employment after graduation. For the first two years engineering students take the same foundational classes as physics students, but their upper division work is tailored with an engineering focus. With this degree, students will be prepared to attend graduate school at any program in the country.
Beginning soon, ACU plans to offer a B.S. degree in Physics with an emphasis in computational physics. This degree provides a very solid physics foundation in the first two years, and in the third and forth years students will focus on developing applied programming skills such as simulation, modeling and pattern recognition. This degree is perfect for students with an interest in both physics and computer science.
ENGINEERING SCIENCE (BS)
Major Code: ENGS
In cooperation with the University of Texas at Arlington, ACU offers students the chance to take advantage of the strengths of both universities. Students spend their first three years at ACU, enjoying smaller class sizes and more personal attention. Then they transfer to UTA without losing any credit hours, and after one year at UTA students receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Science from ACU. Students who stay at UTA for a fifth year can receive a Bachelor of Science degree from UTA in either Electrical Engineering or Industrial Engineering. These students benefit from the extensive connections and job placement programs existing at UTA.
The total number of hours for the BSEE is 156 (100 at ACU and 56 at UTA). The total number of hours for the BSIE is 159 (100 at ACU and 59 at UTA). A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.50 is required. A grade of “C” or better is required for any course to transfer from ACU to UTA. The undergraduate programs in electrical and industrial engineering at UTA are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
PRE-ENGINEERING PROGRAM
Students who intend to pursue an engineering degree should seriously consider spending their first year or two at ACU. 100% of our students who transfer in engineering after their first two years have been accepted by one of their top choices. Major engineering universities can have over a thousand freshmen enrolled in a calculus or physics course. At ACU the same classes will have 20-40 students, and they will be taught by Ph.D. professors instead of graduate students. ACU strives to ensure that each student develops a firm grasp of fundamental physics concepts during the first two years, and the value of such a solid foundation is immeasurable.
Minors
A minor in physics may be added to other degrees. It requires 18 hours as follows:
- Engineering Physics I Lecture/Lab (PHYS 120/121)
- Engineering Physics II Lecture/Lab (PHYS 122/123)
- Modern Physics Lecture/Lab (PHYS 230/231)
- 6 hours of upper level physics
A minor requires 18 hours as follows (see the engineering advisor about prerequisites):
- Introduction to Scientific Computing (CS 121)
- Engineering Mechanics: Statics (ENGR 220)
- Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics (ENGR 222)
- Introduction to Electronics Lecture/Lab (PHYS 340/341)
- Engineering Drawing (ITEC 117)
- Electronic Drafting (ITEC 464)
