Different tracks in the Physics Department

Students can major in one of three tracks in the Loyola physics program, minor in physics, or choose an alternative path that includes physics as part of the major:

(1) The analytic track consists of physics foundation courses plus four advanced physics courses and one senior laboratory course.  This option is ideally suited as a preparation for graduate study in physics or related fields. For a detailed list of courses, click here.

(2) The Applied Science track consists of physics foundation courses plus six courses that form a coherent program (concentration), subject to the approval of the Physics Department.  This track is designed for majors interested in technical subjects such as computing, math, or the health professions.   Examples are shown below.  The set of courses can be tailored to the interests and career goals of the student.  For those interested in the health professions (ex. medical school, dental school, etc), the physics major with the natural science concentration is the best choice.

(3) The General Track consists of physics foundation courses plus six courses that form a coherent program in non-technical areas such as business, education, or science writing.  The details of the concentration must be worked out with the physics advisor.

(4) Alternative path:  Columbia University 3/2 program.  Physics majors may participate in a five-year combined degree program leading to a BS in Physics with an Applied Science Track from Loyola and a BS in Engineering from the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science at Columbia University (New York).  Students take courses from Loyola for the first three years and then from Columbia for the next two years.  This track enables students to obtain a strong liberal arts background from Loyola and training in an engineering field from a major research institution.  Students with a 3.0 average or better at Loyola are guaranteed admission to Columbia.

(5) Alternative path:  Interdisciplinary Major in Biology and Physics.  This enables students to apply principles of physics, math, and chemistry to understanding the molecular mechanisms of biological systems.  It prepares students for careers in medicine, other health-related professions, and graduate school in biophysics.

(6) Alternative path:  BS/MS Computer Science track.  Physics majors may participate in a five-year program resulting in a B.S. in Physics (Applied Science track) and a Master of Science in Computer Science.  This program enables students to take graduate computer science courses in the senior year that count toward both the bachelor's and master's degrees.  CS 201 and 202 should be taken in the freshman year.  The schedule allows time for one semester abroad, if desired.  Interested students should speak with the Chair of the Physics Department as soon as possible, preferably in the freshman year.  For more information on the graduate program in Computer Science, please consult the graduate catalogue.

Degrees offered by Physics Department

• BS in Physics with the Analytic Track (click here)
  
• BS in Physics with the Applied Science Track (click here):
     Mathematical Sciences Concentration (click here)
     Applied Science Concentration (also see 3/2 combined degree program)
     Computer Science Concentration
     Materials Science Concentration
     Mechanical Engineering Concentration
     Natural Sciences Concentration (suitable for pre-meds, pre-dental, etc.)
     Applied Physics (special cases only)
     Other concentrations are possible (ask the Chair of Physics).
  
• BS in Physics with the General Track
     Physics Teaching Concentration (click here)
     Commercial Concentration (click here)
     Modern Languages Concentration (click here)
     Political Science Concentration (click here)
     Psychology Concentration (click here)
     Other concentrations are possible (ask the Chair of Physics)
  
• BS, Physics with the Applied Science track (Computer Science concentration) and an MS in Computer Science.
  
• BS, Physics/Biology