Undergraduate Degree Programs
Overview of Undergraduate Program in Chemistry and Physics
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Chemistry is the study of the composition and interaction of all substances. Areas of study range from chemical and instrumental analysis of mixtures to synthesis and characterization of polymers to molecular modeling to the chemistry of the human body and to computational chemistry. The degree program in chemistry at Southeastern is designed to offer the student comprehensive training in modern chemical principles in preparation for a career in industry or the health professions or for graduate study in chemistry or related fields. The study of chemistry is also important for fostering the scientific literacy of students in other disciplines, such as environmental science, law, education, and business.
A Major in Chemistry will be granted upon satisfactory completion of 36-51 credit hours of chemistry.
A Minor in Chemistry will be granted upon satisfactory completion of 21-22 semester hours of chemistry consisting of the following courses: Chemistry 121-123, Chemistry 122-124, Chemistry 251-254 or Chemistry 481-482, Chemistry 265-267, and Chemistry 266- 68.
Bachelor of Science in Physics
The notion that all matter from subatomic particles to galactic clusters obeys a small set of principles that can be modeled mathematically is the fundamental premise of physics. The degree program in physics offers comprehensive training in all four major fields of physics: mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics. When combined with the numerous opportunities for undergraduate research in physics, the degree produces students who are well prepared for a career in industry or for graduate study in physics or engineering.
A major in physics in the College of Arts and Sciences will be given upon satisfactory completion of 45 semester hours of physics.
A minor in physics will be granted upon satisfactory completion of 20 semester hours in physics at the 200 level or above, eight hours of which must be Physics 221-223, and Physics 222-224.
The pre-engineering program at Southeastern prepares a student to transfer to LSU for the completion of an engineering degree. Students should plan to after two years at Southeastern. Required freshman and sophomore course include Mathematics 200 and 201; Physics 221/223, 222/224. Many fields of engineering also require chemistry, statics, dynamics, differential equations, or computer programing. Students should be aware that many engineering schools now require grade point averages of 2.5 or even higher to be admitted to the junior year.