Program: Physical Science, B.A. in Applied Arts and Sciences - San Diego State University

Apr 01, 2025

2024-2025 University Catalog

(Major Code: 19011) (Academic Plan Code: 777303BAAS)

The Physics Department offers a Physical Science degree designed for students who seek a more interdisciplinary degree than traditional physics degrees. The program is founded on a strong physics background coupled with a broader science and social science background. Pathway 1 is designed for students who wish to teach to teach high school physics and/or middle school integrative science. Pathway 2 is for those who wish to work in fields that connect science to policy and society, such as media correspondents, government agency workers, market researchers, and public policy analysts.

All candidates for a degree in applied arts and sciences must complete the graduation requirements listed in the section of the catalog on “Graduation Requirements .” Candidates may complete one of their two American Institutions courses at the upper division level or satisfy the California state and local government portion of American Institutions by passing the California Government examination available through the Testing Services office.

A minor is not required for this major.

Preparation for the Major

(36 units)

BIOL 203 - Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology Units: 3
CHEM 200 - General Chemistry Units: 5
CS 200 - Introduction to Data Science and Python Units: 4
MATH 150 - Calculus I Units: 4
MATH 151 - Calculus II Units: 4
MATH 252 - Calculus III Units: 4
PHYS 195 - Principles of Physics Units: 3
PHYS 195L - Principles of Physics Laboratory Units: 1
PHYS 196 - Principles of Physics Units: 3
PHYS 196L - Principles of Physics Laboratory Units: 1
PHYS 197 - Principles of Physics Units: 3
PHYS 197L - Principles of Physics Laboratory Units: 1

General Education

Physical Science majors automatically satisfy the Natural Sciences and Quantitative Reasoning foundations GE areas as well as the Natural Sciences and Humanities explorations GE areas by completion of preparation for the major. Students choosing the pathway 2 specialization satisfy the Social and Behavioral Sciences explorations GE area and Cultural Diversity requirements as well.

Recommended Choices for General Education

The following courses will prepare you for success in some of the major courses that have extensive writing components. They also provide you with a broader perspective of science in society.

HIST 102 - World History Through Science and Technology Units: 3 (GE Arts and Humanities)
PHIL 140 - Technology and Human Behavior Units: 3 (GE Life Long Learning and Self Development)
SOC 101 - Introductory Sociology: The Study of Society Units: 3 (GE Social and Behavioral Sciences)

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement

Completing one of the approved upper division writing courses (W) with a grade of C (2.0) or better. See “Graduation Requirements ” section for a complete listing of requirements. JMS 312W is recommended for Pathway 2.

Major

A minimum of 35 upper division units to include

Core

(25 units)

MATH 342A - Methods of Applied Mathematics I Units: 3
PHIL 332 - Environmental Ethics Units: 3 also listed as
SUSTN 332 - Environmental Ethics Units: 3
PHYS 311 - Electronics for Scientists Units: 4
PHYS 350 - Classical Mechanics Units: 3
PHYS 354 - Modern Physics Units: 3
PHYS 360 - Thermal Physics Units: 3
PHYS 400A - Classical Electromagnetism Units: 3
TE 462 - Science Fieldwork in Community Settings Units: 3

Specialization

(A minimum of 7 units)

Choose one of the pathways below.

Pathway 1

Designed for students planning to apply to a single subject teaching credential program in California.

Pathway 2

Designed for students interested in connecting science to policy and society.

COMM 540 - Communicating Science in the Public Interest Units: 3
SOC 460 - Technology and Society Units: 3
WMNST 382 - Gender, Science, and Technology Units: 3

Additional Requirements for Teaching in California

In order to teach science and physics in California public schools, candidates must also complete a fifth-year, post-baccalaureate program to earn a single-subject teaching credential. The School of Teacher Education can provide information on the requirements needed to enter this fifth-year program. SDSU waives the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSETs) in both General Science and Physics for students with a degree in Physical Science Pathway 1. Students are advised to consult the School of Teacher Education at the end of their junior year.