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Dec 08, 2025
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2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Physical Science (BS)
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The Physical Science Interdisciplinary major focuses primarily on the study of nonliving matter. It concerns itself with the theoretical and observable natural phenomena of our world and universe.
Cutting across a variety of Physical Science disciplines, it intentionally trades depth of learning for broader scope of inquiry. By offering more latitude in its curriculum design, it often allows students to prepare for less traditional or unique scientific ventures. It also occasionally serves as an undergraduate pathway to certain professional programs.
To best meet individual needs and interests, career goals and the requirements of the major, close cooperation with your advisor is highly recommended.
Students majoring in Physical Science must earn grades of C or better in all courses required for the major in the areas Physical Science Foundation, Physical Science Electives, and Senior Capstone, including transfer work applied to these areas.
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Kansas State University Core: 34-36 Credit Hours
K-State Core is the foundation for an impactful life and career after time at K-State. The K-State Core framework covers six disciplinary areas: English, Communications, Mathematics & Statistics, Natural & Physical Sciences, Social & Behavioral Sciences, and Arts and Humanities. In addition, a seventh area is reserved for institutionally designated use, which K-State is keeping as free electives. In total, the framework takes up 34-35 credit hours of 100 and 200-level coursework. Students who complete their general education elsewhere cannot be required to take additional general education coursework in the disciplinary areas of the framework without permission from KBOR to continue requiring courses in the K-State Core. Program Requirements: (10 credit hours)
Orientation: (1 credit hour)
Outside Concentration: (9 credit hours)
Outside credential of at least 9 credit hours (May be from any unit, except CHM, PHYS, GEOG, GEOL, etc, OR from approved interdisciplinary credentials within the unit). OR Any 9 credit hours in a single prefix (except for CHM, PHYS, GEOG, GEOL) (all must be 300 level or above OR at any level with a prereq in the same prefix; up to 5 credit hours may overlap with program). OR Any 9 credit hour microcredential (up to 5 credit hours may overlap with program). Overlays: ([9] credit hours)
May be filled in K-State Core, Outside Concentration, electives, or the Program itself. - Ethical Reasoning Overlay, 1 course Credits: [3]
- Global Perspectives Overlay, 1 course Credits: [3]
- US Multicultural Overlay, 1 course Credits: [3]
Program
The curriculum for this major assumes students enter college prepared to take Calculus.
Physical Science Foundations: (31-35 credit hours)
Complete the following foundational requirements. Note that several requirements have options Math Requirements: (8 credit hours)
MATH 220 and 221 Chemistry Requirement: (8-10 credit hours)
Take either version of both Chemistry I and Chemistry II Physics Requirement: (8-10 credit hours)
Take either version of both Physics I and Physics II Physical Geography or Geology: (4 credit hours)
Physical Geography or Geology Requirement. Choose one combination of lecture and lab: GEOG 121 and 122 OR GEOL 100 and 103 Statistics Requirement: (3 credit hours)
Statistics Requirement–Choose one from the following list: STAT 225, 340, 410, OR 510 Physical Science Electives: (18 credit hours)
Select 18 credit hours from the following disciplines at 300+ level. 9 of the credits must come from CHM, GEOG, GEOL, PHYS. CHM 300-799, GEOG 300-799, GEOL 300-799, PHYS 300-799, MATH 300-799, STAT 300-799, CIS 300-799 Senior Capstone: (1 credit hour)
Students will complete a senior report/capstone experience in DAS 499. BS Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Restricted Electives: (6 credit hours)
3 credit hours in each of the following, with at least 3 credit hours total at 300 level or above OR at any level with a prerequisite in the same discipline. Fine Arts or Humanities: Any course or combination of courses: (3 credit hours)
Non-Quantitative Social Science: Any social course that does NOT have a MATH or STAT prereq: (3 credit hours)
Any social science course that does NOT have a MATH or STAT prereq Free Electives: (0-20 credit hours)
In addition to K-State Core Free Electives requirement, take any course so that the total credit hours completed equals 120. Total Hours Required for Graduation: 120
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