Bachelor's Degree in Physical Sciences

Bachelor of Science

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Physical Sciences Degree Program Overview

Purdue University Northwest’s physical sciences degree program provides a broad foundation in astronomy, chemistry, earth science and physics. This interdisciplinary program can be tailored to match your interests.

A major in physical sciences is ideal if you want to teach chemistry, physics, or physical science at the high school level.

Department of Chemistry & Physics

In today’s dynamic world, we face numerous problems requiring broad knowledge and physical sciences skills. Our program allows you to tailor your education to address these problems head-on.

You will gain hands-on expertise that can be applied to solve complex, interdisciplinary challenges.

Physical Sciences Major Curriculum

As a physical sciences student, you’ll take a balance of general education courses, College of Engineering and Sciences core courses and science courses.

During your first semester, you will work with your advisor and the department chair to create a specific curriculum. We’ll determine specific core classes based on the focus of the approved coursework.

Foundational and general education courses are the focus of your first year when all physical science majors take the same courses.

Physical Sciences Course of Study

Sample Courses

  • MA 16300 – Integrated Calculus Analysis Geometry I
  • CHM 11500 – General Chemistry

You’ll complete most of your required courses this year and branch out into your defined interests.

Physical Sciences Course of Study

 

Sample Courses

  • PHYS 25100 – Heat, Electricity And Optics
  • BIOL 10100 – Introductory Biology

In year three, you’ll focus on classes associated with your interdisciplinary field.

Physical Sciences Course of Study

 

Sample Courses

  • Departmental Elective
  • Departmental Elective
  • CES Elective

As you complete your individualized course of study, you’ll undertake a yearlong capstone research experience.

Physical Sciences Course of Study

 

Sample Courses

  • PHYS 49400 – Junior-Senior Physics Seminar
  • 46900 – Research In Physics

Physical Sciences Degree Program Highlights

As a PNW physical science major, you’ll have the skills employers seek and the background to continue your studies at a graduate or professional school. Our graduates flourish in careers throughout the country and around the world.

PNW Lion Statue with a brick wall in the background Two students pose in commencement regalia in front of the Nils Building

Physical Sciences Degree Program Outcomes

In the physical sciences program, you can blend a broad mixture of courses together to create a unique plan of study. This empowers you to focus on your specific interests and pursue a career of your own design.

Physical Sciences Degree Program Career Paths

With your tailored expertise, you can pursue a wide range of career paths, including:

  • High school science teacher
  • Science writer
  • Planetarium director

Physical Sciences Degree Program Beyond the Classroom

You’ll have many opportunities to get involved in on- and off-campus activities, including:

See All Student Organizations

Physical Sciences Degree Program Employers

Many of our graduates work in school districts or as consultants running their businesses.

Physical Sciences Degree Program Scholarships

There are multiple scholarships available to students in this program, including:

  • Beulah Inc. Science Scholarship
  • Donald Clark Memorial Scholarship
  • Nils Nelson Endowed Scholarship

See Engineering and Sciences Scholarships

Meet the Faculty

Aaron Warren

Aaron R. Warren, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Physics

Aaron R. Warren is an associate professor of physics in the department of chemistry and physics. His research focus is in physics education, with additional interests in computational astrophysics.

James Dolen

James W. Dolen, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Physics

James (Jim) Dolen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Physics at PNW. His research and teaching focus on improving our understanding of the universe.

Neeti Parashar in front of CERN

Neeti Parashar, Ph.D.

Professor of Physics; Director, Center for High Energy Physics

Neeti Parashar founded and is leading the Center for High Energy Physics program at PNW. She is also the principal investigator on National Science Foundation funding and the faculty mentor for the PNW QuarkNet Center on education and outreach.

Three students stand together wearing white lab coats and blue, plastic gloves. The student in the middle is holding a petri dish in the air.

Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Science at PNW

Purdue University Northwest’s physical science degree program is tailored to your interests to help you reach your dream career.

To see how a bachelor’s degree in physical science from PNW opens doors, from classrooms to laboratories, take the next step today!

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