3 Year BS Degree

3YR

An accelerated degree course of study is available for academically qualified and well-motivated students to earn a full Bachelor of Science degree in Physics or Engineering Physics. This option allows them to graduate sooner than they would in a traditional four year program. The benefits to this course of study include:

Reducing the cost of an undergraduate education (a full years expense!)

Leaving an extra year of federal loans that can be applied to graduate school

Entering the work force or graduate school a year sooner

Being eligible for summer research after freshman year (typically must wait two years)

Prospective students may request an accelerated degree schedule if they enter Ouachita as a freshman with 16 college credit hours for the following courses:

Western Civilization in Global Context (3 hr)

Composition I (3 hr)

*Calculus I (4 hr)

**Foreign Language (6 hr)

Students embarking on the accelerated degree course of study will be monitored carefully to ensure they are performing at expected levels. If a student finds that they are unable to maintain the level of involvement necessary or their performance is less than required, a student will be strongly encouraged to convert into a traditional four year degree course of study.

No one undertakes research in physics with the intention of winning a prize. It is the joy of discovering something no one knew before.
- Stephen Hawking (Theoretical Physicist and Author)

If you would like more information about this exciting degree, please contact us at physics@obu.edu.

*Full credit for Calculus I is absolutely required as a student MUST start Calculus II as a freshman. Otherwise, course sequencing issues will prevent a student from graduating in three years.

**A student can transfer in Six hours of foreign language or take these courses during summer terms. It is possible that if a student transfers in more courses than listed above, time would be available for these courses to be taken during a regular school year. Due to potential scheduling issues, it is still recommend that the language courses be taken during summer terms.