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Physics

Students in a Â鶹ÊÓƵ Physics class having a good time.
  • Department Physics
  • Program
    Major Minor Teaching Major
  • Type Bachelors of Arts
  • Credits 49, 26

Why study Physics at Â鶹ÊÓƵ?

Meet the laws that solve mysteries. The study of matter, motion, and energy, physics is the foundation of everything from space exploration to robotics. In this major, you’ll hone exceptional analytic and critical thinking skills. Complete research, collaborate, and have fun tackling big challenges in a supportive environment. 

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Major & Minor information

In this nationally recognized program, you'll study physics broadly, then deepen into advanced and applied physics, electronics and instrumentation, and experimental physics. You'll also study mechanics, electromagnetic theory and quantum mechanics, and have plenty of research opportunities. 

 

Major credits: 49

 

Minor credits: 26

What can I do with a degree in Physics?

What can I do with a degree in Physics?

The Physics major is adaptable - and valuable - leading to many different fields and fulfilling careers. Here are a few popular paths, but a Â鶹ÊÓƵ degree can take you anywhere.

  • Astronomy
  • Quality Control
  • Instrumentation
  • Engineering
  • Optical Physics Research

$55,174 Average salary 5 years post graduation
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After Â鶹ÊÓƵ

After Â鶹ÊÓƵ

Gusties who major in Physics are prepared for a variety of jobs and graduate programs at other top-tier organizations. Here's where some recent grads have landed and what they're doing:

  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • Indiana University
  • Rice University
  • Elucent Medical
  • Abbott Laboratories
  • Commscope
  • General Mills

 

 
Students at graduation

Course Examples

Interested in pursuing a Physics Major/Minor? Here are some of the key courses offered within these programs.

PHY 250 Applied Math for Scientists/Engineering

An introduction to the mathematics used by scientists and engineers Including topics in multivariable calculus, Fourier series, series solutions to differential equations, special functions, partial differential equations, linear equations, vectors, matrices and determinants, and coordinate transformations.

PHY 102 Astronomy, Cosmology, and Astrophysics

Designed for non-science students, this course covers two basic and related topics. The first acquaints the student with the methods of observational astronomy and the use of small astronomical telescopes. The second topic is concerned with the astrophysical evidence which forms the basis of cosmological theories of the nature and origin of the solar system, galaxies, and the universe. Included are discussions of intelligent life in the universe, general relativity, space travel, quasars, and pulsars.

PHY 360 Optics

An advanced optics course covering topics in geometrical, physical, and quantum optics. The classical phenomena of refraction, dispersion, interference, diffraction, and polarization as well as Fourier optics, coherence theory, nonlinear optics, and other modern optical topics will be studied.

PHY 350 Electromagnetic Theory

Classical electromagnetism will be studied through Maxwell's equations and their applications to physical systems. Topics include electrostatics, boundary value problems, electromagnetics, and E-M waves, all using the language of vector calculus.

It’s a pretty small group of majors, but everyone is close and all know one another. ”
Erin Coleman ’25
Physics Major
11:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
72
Majors
100%
of courses taught by faculty members
15
pre-professional programs in a wide variety of disciplines
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