Physics is devoted to the discovery and exploration of the basic physical laws governing our material universe. The physicist attempts to express these laws in their most simple mathematical form, so that they can be applied to predict the behavior of all forms of matter and energy, ranging from the subatomic physics of quarks, gluons, nuclei, and atoms, to the astrophysics of planets, stars, black holes, galaxies, and larger scale structures of the universe. The knowledge obtained from investigating physical phenomena forms the foundation for many modern technologies ranging from lasers used in high-speed communications and surgery, to quantum and molecular electronics used in modern electrical devices, the magnetic behavior of thin films used for computer hard drives, and the radiation detectors and optical elements used in space telescopes. The fundamental knowledge gained by physicists helps to shape and improve the quality of modern life.
The Missouri S&T physics department provides numerous opportunities for undergraduates to participate in cutting-edge, nationally funded scientific research programs supervised by departmental faculty. Topics studied by Missouri S&T undergraduates include collisions between electrons, atoms, and ions; exotic interactions in atoms and molecules excited with ultra-fast lasers; new magnetic and superconducting materials, thermal and electric transport, transparent conducting oxides; photonic crystals; quantum phase transitions; gravitational waves; and the expansion history of the universe.
The department strongly encourages undergraduates to get involved in the many research projects available. Those who do often present their work at research competitions throughout the state and at national scientific meetings. Missouri S&T physics students regularly win prizes for their research accomplishments in the annual Fuller and Missouri Academy of Science competitions.
After receiving a solid foundation in the basic physics governing the behavior of matter, energy, and radiation, undergraduate physics majors are able to choose among many advanced level courses to satisfy their particular interests. Courses available to upper level students include advanced electricity and magnetism, classical and modern optics, astrophysics, physical mechanics, quantum mechanics, general relativity, thermal physics, solid state physics, and laser physics. The curriculum also includes advanced laboratory courses where students design and participate in original research with other enthusiastic physics majors.
Your undergraduate program will cover a range of fundamental topics and will include substantial laboratory training. In addition, the program is designed with many electives that allow physics majors to tailor their undergraduate education to their own particular interests. With 48 credit hours in physics, 21 in mathematics, 24 in the humanities and social sciences, 9 in chemistry, and 4 in computer science, the rest of the 128 required hours are in electives that you select in consultation with your advisor.
Many physics majors choose to use their electives to study other technical areas, such as mathematics, computer science, or electrical engineering. Some students get dual bachelor's degrees, with their second degree in one of these or other areas. Because there is considerable overlap in degree requirements, a dual degree usually requires no more than one extra semester of undergraduate study.
An undergraduate degree in physics provides opportunities for a wide range of careers. About two- thirds of our graduates go on to graduate school, many at some of the most prestigious first-tier schools in the country. Those who complete their physics education with a bachelor's degree have been very successful in finding exciting employment opportunities in today's high-tech industries. Missouri S&T physics graduates have gone on to lead and manage major research efforts at leading industrial companies, to be professors and chairmen at leading academic universities, and to work in areas ranging from law and medicine to ecophysics and astrophysics.

