The undergraduate program in physics is designed to provide a fundamental understanding of both experimental and theoretical physics. All of the majors provide a strong basis for graduate study in physics. The applied major is designed for students seeking employment by industrial or governmental laboratories upon completing their B.S. By a suitable choice of electives students will also be prepared for graduate study in the other sciences, mathematics, medicine, or engineering or to enter the University’s special teacher education program that leads to a master’s degree and teacher certification.
Interdisciplinary Focus
In addition to the traditional physics and astronomy courses of study, we also offer two interdisciplinary options.
This track, known as engineering physics, is a distinctive interdisciplinary program specifically designed to mesh the science with the engineering in order to produce graduates that are not only trained in fundamental physics but who are also trained in the practical pursuits of engineering. It is designed to appeal to physics students whose interests lie more in applications of physics and to engineering students whose interests are more in the fundamental science.
There are two options: an electrical option and a mechanical option. Each option was developed with the support and advice of the respective partner
colleges or schools.
These applied tracks add a coherent program of engineering courses to the basic physics
degree requirements. These requirements immerse physics students in the engineering
culture and confront them with practical problems of the type encountered by engineers.
Graduates of the engineering physics program will be uniquely prepared to compete
successfully in the job market upon completion of their bachelor's degree. Moreover,
they will be well prepared to pursue graduate studies in either physics or engineering
should they so choose.
The College of Arts and Sciences offers an interdisciplinary studies program for students who want to pursue a more diverse course of study. With a strong base in physics or astronomy, this major will position you to pursue many different career or graduate study options.
B.S. in Physics
As a physics major, you will be exposed to challenging coursework that will give you a solid foundation
in all of the central areas of physics, including Newtonian mechanics, electricity
and magnetism, statistical physics and quantum mechanics. You will also have the opportunity
to tailor the program to your own interests by choosing from specialized experimental
courses or designing your own research program in consultation with our faculty researchers.
Minors
Our department also offers minors in physics and astronomy. Both minors are great enhancements to any major.
Academic Bulletin
Looking for more specific information, like what classes you'll need to take to graduate, learning outcomes, and which classes we offer? The academic bulletin is the university's official document of record concerning undergraduate-level academic programs and regulations.