Academic
Catalog August 2008 - August 2009 Undergraduate
and Graduate
To earn this degree, complete at least 120 units of coursework, which we describe in the sections that follow:
at least 32 units of liberal studies requirements Be aware that you may not use courses with either a PHY or MAT prefix to satisfy these liberal studies requirements.
at least 83 units of major requirements
elective courses, if needed, to reach an overall total of at least 120 units
Be aware that some courses required for your degree may have prerequisites that you must also take. Check the courses in the appropriate subject. (You may be able to count these prerequisites toward your liberal studies or general elective credit.)
Please note that you must complete NAU’s diversity requirements by taking two 3-unit courses, one in ethnic diversity and one in global awareness. These courses may be used to meet other requirements within your academic plan if you choose them carefully. Click here for a list of the available diversity courses.
Also be aware that NAU requires that at least 30 units of the courses you take for your degree must be upper-division courses (those numbered 300 and above).
Finally, please note that you may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement; however, you must still meet the total of at least 120 units to graduate. Contact your advisor for details.
Please note that the usual 35 units for liberal studies are reduced to 32 units for mathematics majors, who are exempted from the 3-unit mathematics foundation requirement.
Complete the following 83 units:
MAT 136, 137, 238, 316, 320W, 411C, and 431C plus STA 473C (27 units)
one of MAT 412C or 441C or STA 474C (3 units)
PHY 161, 161L, 262, 262L, 263, 264, 265, 301, 321, 331, 332, 361, 441 and 471 (38 units)
PHY 333W, which meets NAU’s junior writing requirement (3 units)
Capstone requirement (3 units):
3 units of PHY 498C
or 1 unit of PHY 498C plus 2 units of PHY 485C
9 units of additional courses, including MAT 226 and upper-division courses in physics, astronomy, mathematics, and statistics (except MAT 301, 401, and 402), with at least one course from mathematics and statistics
Additional coursework is required, if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you. (Please note that you may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren’t used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.)
Click here for Physics undergraduate courses, here for Astronomy undergraduate courses, and here for Physical Sciences undergraduate courses.
Click here for Physics and Astronomy faculty.