"No one undertakes research in physics with the intention of winning a prize. It is the joy of discovering something no one knew before." - Stephen Hawking
| Physics Degrees Offered | Options Offered |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science in Physics | Education Option, Biomedical Physics |
| Bachelor of Arts in Physics |
Why Study Physics?
Physics is interesting.
Physics helps us to understand how the world around us works, from can openers, light bulbs and cell phones to muscles, lungs and brains; from paints, piccolos and pirouettes to cameras, cars and cathedrals; from earthquakes, tsunamis and hurricanes to quarks, DNA and black holes. Everything from the prosaic, to the profound, to the poetic.
Physics helps us to organize the universe. It deals with fundamentals, and helps us to see the connections between seemly disparate phenomena.
Physics gives us powerful tools to help us to express our creativity, to see the world in new ways and then to change it.
Physics is useful.
Physics provides quantitative and analytic skills needed for analyzing data and solving problems in the sciences, engineering and medicine, as well as in economics, finance, management, law and public policy.
Physics is the basis for most modern technology, and for the tools and instruments used in scientific, engineering and medical research and development. Manufacturing is dominated by physics-based technology.
Physics is challenging.
This is one aspect that scares off many students. But it is precisely one of the most important reasons why you should study physics!
All of us - including professional physicists - find college physics courses challenging, because they require us to master the many concepts and skills that make training in physics so valuable in such a wide range of careers.
What can I do with my physics degree?
The truth is, physics is a great major that provides students with an opportunity to develop many highly marketable skills. While in school, physics majors learn how to use mathematics to develop solutions to complex problems. This is a highly valuable skill set in every industry, and having a degree in physics opens up many opportunities in occupations related to finance, programming, healthcare, and engineering. In the end, every business runs on math.
If your intention is to attend graduate school or medical school after earning your bachelor’s degree, there’s good news there as well. Physics majors are great candidates for all sorts of graduate programs, and are even able to satisfy medical school requirements by taking just a few biology and chemistry courses along the way.
Academic Options in Physics
Option I
Option I is for the student who intends to go on to graduate school in physics.
Option II
Option II allows for the BA or BS degree to be enhanced by a second discipline.
Education Option
Bachelor of Science in physics with a concentration in education leads to a physics teaching certificate at the secondary-school level.
Biomedical Physics
Bachelor of Science in physics with a concentration in Biomedical Physics is offered for students who intend to continue education in biological physics, medical physics or go to medical school. (view BioMedPhysics brochure)