Typically, students who plan to study physics in college take four years of math in high school. Two courses in algebra, one course in geometry, and one course in trigonometry form a solid basis for studying physics. Communication skills, both oral and written, are essential in any field and especially in the sciences, where you are required to explain phenomena clearly. The physics department at Shippensburg University offers three options. The bachelor of arts degree in physics prepares the student for entry directly into the job market or graduate school.
Students gain a sound foundation in all the major subdisciplines of physics.
The bachelor of science in education degree in physics prepares the student for state certification to teach high school physics. The pre-engineering program allows the student to enter a career in engineering while still enjoying the benefits of a liberal arts education. Three years are spent at Shippensburg and then two years at a nearby engineering school such as the University of Maryland or The Pennsylvania State University. This results in two degrees, one from Shippensburg in physics and the second from the cooperative university. Shippensburg University offers a minor in physics, which includes 42 credits of math and physics courses.