- Students may participate in paid cooperative education and hands-on research experiences at organizations such as NASA, the National Institutes of Standards and Technology, Idaho National Laboratory, and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
- Active research projects for undergraduate physics majors include astrophysics, quantum optics, gravitational wave physics, biophysics, and the physics of materials.
- Students have access to 14 research labs and centers, including the Center for Computational Relativity and Gravitation and the RIT Observatory.
- RIT's physics program is recognized by the American Physical Society for Improving Undergraduate Physics Education, which includes an active-learning workshop format for early year classes.
RIT's physics degree gives you a solid foundation in experimental, computational, and theoretical physics, as it fosters your analytical and problem-solving skills. The curriculum emphasizes laboratory training as you explore the basic principles governing the structure and behavior of matter, the generation and transfer of energy, and the interactions between energy and matter. The hands-on experience you gain prepares you for graduate school or for direct entry into a professional career.
Graduates with a BS degree in physics are sought after and highly employable in both the private and public sectors. They typically find positions in industry, government agencies and labs, and teaching. Many graduates choose to continue their education in doctoral or master's programs in physics or physics-related areas such as astrophysics, applied physics, biophysics, geophysics, atmospheric science, imaging science, and engineering. Students also are well-prepared for entry into medical, law, or business school.
The physics degree is a four-year program with optional topics ranging from condensed matter to cosmology. Students are required to complete a capstone research project undertaken in their final year. Students also participate in advanced laboratory work and have opportunities to participate in faculty-led research projects.
Course of Study
The curriculum begins with mathematics, science, and liberal arts courses covering the breadth of the discipline from condensed matter to cosmology. In the third or fourth years, advanced topics are introduced such as statistical physics and quantum mechanics. You'll also participate in advanced laboratory work and a capstone project.
Real World Experiences
Undergraduate research experiences are available with professors throughout the College of Science and are highly encouraged. These opportunities enable students to practice real-world lab application of the information they are studying. Cooperative Education is also highly recommended to gain experiences outside of RIT though not required for graduation.
Nature of Work
Some physicists use these principles in theoretical areas, such as the nature of time and the origin of the universe; others apply their physics knowledge to practical areas such as the development of advanced materials, electronic and optical devices, and medical equipment. They often design and perform science-based experiments, using sophisticated equipment, and then attempt to draw useful conclusions from their observations/analysis. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook)
Training/Qualifications
For jobs in basic research and development, a doctoral degree is usually required for physicists and astronomers. Those with bachelor's degrees can work as technicians or research assistants in industrial environments including scientific labs, engineering, software development, and non-technical fields. Many of those with doctorates in physics and astronomy ultimately teach in higher education. (Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics O.O.H and American Institute of Physics Statistical Research Center)
Advantages
Graduates find employment opportunities with industrial, academic, and governmental agencies or continue their education in masters or doctoral programs in physics or physics-related areas such as astrophysics, biophysics, geophysics, atmospheric science, imaging science, and engineering. Students also may prepare for entry into medical, law, or business school.
Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees
Today's careers require advanced degrees grounded in real-world experience. RIT's Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees enable you to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years of study, all while gaining the valuable hands-on experience that comes from co-ops, internships, research, study abroad, and more.
+1 MBA: Students who enroll in a qualifying undergraduate degree have the opportunity to add an MBA to their bachelor's degree after their first year of study, depending on their program. Learn how the +1 MBA can accelerate your learning and position you for success.