Physics + Computer Science B.S.

The Bachelor of Science in Physics and Computer Science degree provides an innovative program for students who are interested in the intersection between computing and physics. The study of physics gives students fundamental knowledge in physical sciences, while computer science enables students to build efficient computational and machine learning skills to perform more complex quantitative analysis in modern physical systems.

Students not only acquire foundational knowledge in mathematics and physics, they also develop skills in practical problem solving via programming, data analytics, quantitative modeling, computational algorithm design and machine learning. A final research project synthesizes the entire degree.

Job Outlook

Students in the Physics and Computer Science program will develop a solid foundation in physics and computing skills that enable them to work in a variety of industries or choose to pursue graduate studies. This interdisciplinary major offers ample employment opportunities, such as R&D in various industries, research/teaching in academic institutes, and research in government and private labs. The potential areas include, but not limited to, computational physics, scientific computing, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and system modeling.

In 2022, Ohio added over 7,500 to the tech workforce, which grew by 2.9% from the previous year. In 2023, there are 270,463 technology workers in Ohio (ranking 13th nationally), with a median wage of $84,810, which is 105% higher compared to other occupations in the state. In 2022, Ohio employers listed 52,056 job postings for tech work.

According to MakeItInCleveland, Cleveland is the eight fastest growing market for tech talent and tenth fastest for software developers. 

Curriculum

General Education Requirements – 10 Credits

• ENG 100: Intensive Writing or ENG 101 Writing (3 credits)
• ESC 100: New Student Orientation (1 credit)
• ENG 102: College Writing II (3 credits)
• PHL 216: Data Ethics (3 credits)

Mathematics/Science Prerequisites – 18 credits

• MTH 181: Calculus I (4 credits)
• MTH 182: Calculus II (4 credits)
• PHY 243: University Physics I (Writing) (5 credits)
• PHY 244: University Physics II (Writing) (5 credits)

Mathematics Requirements – 6 credits

• MTH 220: Introduction to Discrete Math (3 credits)
• MTH 288: Linear Algebra (3 credits)

Physics Requirements – 21 credits

• PHY 320: Introduction to Computational Physics (3 credits)
• PHY 330: INtroduction to Modern Physics (3 credits)
•  INTRODUCTION TO MODERN PHYSICS

15 credits of physics electives to be selected from all the PHY3XX/PHY4XX courses. 3 credits of these to be a lab course chosen from (PHY 335 or PHY 461 or PHY 455)

• PHY 325: Introduction to Theoretical Physics (3 credits)
• PHY 340: Mechanics and Vibrations I (3 credits)
• PHY 341: Mechanics and Vibrations II (3 credits)
• PHY 474: Thermal Physics (3 credits)
• PHY 350: Electricity and Magnetism I (3 credits)
• PHY 351: Electricity and Magnetism II (3 credits)
• PHY 415: Introduction to Biological Physics (4 credits)
• PHY 440: Quantum Physics I (3 credits)
• PHY 450: Optics and Electromagnetic Waves (3 credits)
• PHY 470: Environmental Physics (3 credits)
• PHY 475: Statistical Physics (3 credits)
• PHY 480: Optical Materials (3 credits) 

Computer Science Requirements – 29 credits

• CIS 151: Invitation to computing (3 credits)
• CIS 260: Invitation to computing (4 credits)
• CIS 265: Data Structure and Algorithm (4 credits)
• CIS 335: Language Processor (3 credits)
• CIS 340: Systems Programming (3 credits)
• CIS 390: Introduction to Algorithms (3 credits)

9 credits of computer science electives to be selected from 300- and 400-level computer science courses

• CIS 368: Object Oriented Design and Programming (3 credits)
• CIS 345: Operating Systems (3 credits)
• CIS 408: Internet Programming (3 credits)
• CIS 424: Comparative Programming Languages (3 credits)
• CIS 430: Data Base Concepts (3 credits)
• CIS 433: Systems Analysis Methods (3 credits)
• CIS 434: Software Engineering (3 credits)
• CIS 454: Computer Networks (3 credits)
• CIS 457: Computer Graphics (3 credits)
• CIS 465: Multimedia (3 credits)
• CIS 468: Big Data (3 credits)
• CIS 470: Mobile Application Development (3 credits)
• CIS 475: Computer Security (3 credits)
• CIS 478: Sensor Networks And Pervasive Computing (3 credits)
• CIS 479: Hardware-Oriented Security And Trust (3 credits)
• CIS 480: Computer Architecture (3 credits)
• CIS 490: Foundations of Computing (3 credits)
• CIS 492: Special Topics in Computer Science (1-3 credits)

Capstone – 1 to 2 credits – total project 5 credits: PHY493/PHY497 Advanced Topics (2 cr+2 cr) + PHY498 Capstone (1 cr)

• PHY 493: Advanced Topics in Physics (1-3 credits)
• PHY 497: Independent Study (1-4 credits)

General Education Electives – 22 credits