Academic Catalog 2025-2026 Edition

Physics (B.S.)

College of Arts and SciencesDepartment of Chemistry and Physics

Website: https://www.fgcu.edu/cas/departments/cphy/

(239) 590-7196

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Physics provides students with a broad-based knowledge and expertise in the laws of physics, the most fundamental natural science. The program provides opportunities for hands-on experience with scientific equipment and essential skills in scientific computing. A physics major provides a wide range of career and research options. Graduates will be prepared for advanced, professional studies in physics, and other scientific disciplines, including engineering and medicine.

Program Progression and Additional Graduation Requirements

For timely degree completion, students must complete all program milestones. The following actions occur when milestones are missed: first occurrence—warning and advising hold; second occurrence—advising hold and counseling regarding progression requirements; and third occurrence—counseling and change to a major outside of the Department of Chemistry and Physics that is more appropriate to student goals and academic performance. Appeals are handled through the relevant department. The decision of the appeal committee is final. Program milestones include the following:

  • PHY 2048/L (or PHY 2048C) minimum grade of C completed one calendar year from admission as FTIC or 30 credits earned, whichever is earlier.
  • PHY 2049/L (or PHY 2049C) minimum grade of C completed by end of fifth semester (including summers) from admission as FTIC or 60 credits earned, whichever is earlier.
  • All of PHY 3101, PHY 3221, and PHY 3323 minimum grade of C completed by end of eighth semester (including summers) from admission as FTIC or 90 credits earned, whichever is earlier.
  • PHY 4821L minimum grade of C completed by end of eighth semester (including summers) from admission as FTIC or 90 credits earned, whichever is earlier.

Transfer students may declare the major after they have completed PHY 2048/L (or PHY 2048C), PHY 2049/L (or PHY 2049C), and one of PHY 3101, PHY 3221, or PHY 3323 with grades of C or better in each course. PHY 4821L must be completed with a grade of C or better within one calendar year of declaring the major.

In addition to the program requirements, students must:

  • Complete a minimum of 120 credits.
  • Complete a minimum of 48 of the 120 credits at the upper division (3000 - 4999 level).
  • Earn a cumulative GPA of 2.0 for all coursework attempted at FGCU.
  • Satisfy the College-Level Skills and foreign language entrance requirements.
  • Satisfy the Service-Learning requirement.
  • Satisfy the Civic Literacy requirement.
  • Satisfy the residency requirement: 30 of the last 60 credits must be completed at FGCU.
  • Complete the summer course enrollment requirement.
  • Submit an Application for Graduation by the deadline listed in the FGCU Academic Calendar.