Physics Minor (Non-Teaching)

The physics minor is designed to provide students with a fundamental background in physics and mathematics, strengthening analytic and problem solving skills, which can be applied to multiple disciplines. 

There are a number of changes coming to this option that we are expecting to go into effect by Fall 2026. These changes are being implemented in order to cater to students' interests in more specific areas of physics. Any of these electives can be mixed and matched based on student interests concentrations can include:

  • Quantum Physics
  • Astrophysics
  • Optics (Different from Optics Minor)
  • Condensed Matter
  • Particle Physics
  • Applied Physics
  • Solar Physics

Requirements include: PHSX 240 or PHSX 220, PHSX 242 or PHSX 222, PHSX 224, PHSX 256, PHSX 301, and 9 credits of upper division Astro/Physics electives. Example pairings for this requirement are as follows: (PHSX 320, 343 461), (ASTR 371, 372, 373), (PHSX 305, 427, 437), (PHSX 343, 441, 446), (PHSX 331, 343, 451), (PHSX 261, 262, 331), (PHSX 261,343,423)

Optics Minor (Non-Teaching)

The undergraduate non-teaching minor in optics provides a core set of knowledge and skills necessary to participate in the rapidly growing opportunities in optical science and engineering. Requirements include courses in optics, electrical engineering and physics, as well as electives chosen to match the interests and needs of each student.

Students pursuing the BS in Physics Professional Option or the BS in Physics Interdisciplinary Option can earn the Optics Minor with no extra credits by carefully selecting physics electives, by taking EELE 482 as one of their university or declared area electives, and by completing optics-related research (PHSX 490R and PHSX 499R) as their required senior project.

Materials Minor (Non-Teaching)

 Montana State University, Bozeman, offers a non-teaching minor in Materials Science & Engineering called the Minor in Materials. This minor provides courses from a variety of disciplines which are relevant to synergies of science and engineering in polymer, metallic, ceramic, hybrid, and composite materials for both structural and functional application. The minor requires a minimum of 32 credits comprised of 14 credits of required coursework (or equivalent) followed by 18 credits of elective coursework.