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 |
Minors |
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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. The BS in Physics has four tracks: Physics (PHYS), Applied Physics (PHYA), Engineering Physics (PHYN), and Computational Physics (PHYC) giving students a great deal of flexibility both during and after their time at ACU.
Concentrations:
ENGINEERING SCIENCE (BS)
Major Code: ENGS
The Department of Physics at Abilene Christian University offers two cooperative degrees in association with the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). The ACU degree is a 128-hour Bachelor of Science in Engineering Science. The student will receive a BS degree in engineering science after the successful completion of three years at ACU and one year (29 hours of “C” or better) of specified course work (or approved substitutions) at UTA. Courses taken at ACU to satisfy this degree also satisfy part of the requirements toward a degree in engineering at UTA in electrical engineering (BSEE) or industrial and manufacturing systems engineering (BSIE). 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).
The ACU-UTA cooperative program in engineering offers students the opportunity to take advantage of the strengths of each of the participating schools resulting in a solid well-rounded education in engineering. Graduates from these programs will be well-prepared to pursue employment in industry or to pursue graduate degrees in engineering or other fields.
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:
Minor in Engineering Science
A minor requires 18 hours as follows (see the engineering advisor about prerequisites):
