There are two degree options for students in physics. The bachelor of science degree is designed for students committed to a career in research. It can be followed by graduate work in physics, chemistry, materials science, optical sciences, astrophysics, engineering, or in other physical sciences such as meteorology, oceanography, etc. Some students instead pursue positions in industry, high school teaching, or in a government laboratory immediately after completing the B.S. This degree program provides a comprehensive grounding in the fundamentals of physics and is usually accompanied by participation in one of the active research programs within the department.
The bachelor of arts degree is designed to prepare students for a career that utilizes physics preparation in conjunction with an applied emphasis. By allowing more free elective choices, it prepares a student for a career that combines a science background with subsequent professional training. Typical career paths for this degree program include teaching, medicine, dental school, medical school, patent law, forensics, health physics, environmental engineering, science journalism, government policy, and business management.
The courses in physics provide a mix of theoretical concepts and practical examples. Each course within a degree plan builds upon the knowledge base acquired in previous courses and, together, these courses allow a student to acquire the combination of physical insight and mathematical skill needed for success in today's demanding job markets.
The department also offers introductory survey courses in physics and astronomy that are of interest to a broad range of students in the social sciences, fine arts, humanities, health sciences, and education. These courses use a minimum of mathematics to introduce the principles of physics and they provide many examples from the "real world" of the environment, energy, space, communications, transportation, and medicine.
For the B.S. degree, an Area of Emphasis is required. The Professional Preparation Area of Emphasis is the typical plan of study for graduate study in physics. Each Area of Emphasis is designed to allow some room for customization in consultation with your physics adviosr within the required number of credits to degree. Recommendations for the other areas of emphasis include:
Computational Physics
Computational models sometimes help solve difficult problems in physics. Students in this area of emphasis learn statistical modeling and other related skills to help analyze various concepts in physics.
Medical Physics
Students in the Medical Physics area of emphasis learn applications of physics that can lead to an exciting range of careers in the medical field. From researching and designing new medical equipment to helping plan radiation treatment for cancer patients, this area of physics is broad but important.
Physics Teaching
For many of us, a love of physics developed from interacting with a motivational physics teacher. This area of emphasis allows students to earn a degree in physics while simultaneously preparing for a career in teaching at the middle or high school level. Students develop pedagogical skills to help others strengthen quantitive reasoning and problem solving skills that are vital in physics -- and anywhere!
Space Physics
Students in this area of emphasis learn skills that help address fundamental questions about our place in the universe, the history of our solar system and more. The challenges of understanding space exploration have led to fascinating expansions in technology, new industries and unprecedented relationships with other nations.
Minors
All students have the possibility of earning one or more minors; view a list of all available minors and their requirements here. Please note that students may not earn a minor in their major field.