The Department of Physics has a long history of providing  students with a great educational experience. The department awarded its first Ph.D. in 1899. Since then, physics students have earned degrees in virtually every area of physics, and the department's faculty has played key roles in a myriad of important research efforts.

Physics is the science of the properties of matter, radiation, and energy in all forms. As such, it is the most fundamental of the sciences. It provides the underlying framework for the other physical sciences and engineering and for understanding physical processes in biological and environmental sciences.

The Department of Physics & Astronomy offers majors in both physics and astronomy, serves a variety of other majors in the sciences and education, and offers general education courses to a wide range of students.

The Physics major provides a broad base of fundamentals, yet gives you the opportunity to get specialized training.  First, you take two-semester introductory courses that survey physics, chemistry, and calculus.  Then, you follow up with courses covering classical and modern physics, computational physics, and applied mathematics.  The capstone experience is a senior project.  If you would like, you can pursue topics of interest to you through independent study.  An adviser works closely with you to plan what's best for your situation.

The Physics Teaching (BS) is designed to qualify students for the teaching license in the state of Minnesota. 

Whether you want a career as a researcher, an attorney, or an educator, the Physics program at Washburn will provide the foundation you need for success. Our small classes, all taught by expert faculty rather than graduate students, give you lots of opportunities to build connections with faculty mentors and your peers. You’ll graduate as a scientist prepared for the rapidly changing world.

The Computational Physics option is designed for students interested in the computational approach to solving complex problems in physics. Students gain experience in computer modeling and simulation of a wide variety of systems in physics and engineering. It is designed for students who seek industrial employment or graduate study in a computational field.

It is the traditional physics major, designed principally for students who wish to pursue graduate study in physics and related fields.

The Department of Physics at Western Illinois University offers a program of graduate study leading to the Master of Science degree in Physics. Our approach is designed to be flexible enough to allow students?even with different undergraduate backgrounds?the opportunity to prepare themselves for careers or further study in the field of physics. The program provides the advantage of a caring, small department atmosphere with very committed professors, together with the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research projects that will prepare the graduate student for challenging Ph.D. programs in top research universities or competitive jobs after graduation.

The T. C. Jenkins Department of Biophysics offers outstanding undergraduate biophysics majors the opportunity to advance their education through a combined, 5-year B.A., M.A. program. Candidates for this program must be current biophysics undergraduates with a departmental GPA of 3.5 or greater and a strong research history. All bachelor’s requirements must be completed before matriculating into the Master’s program.

The Biophysics major is designed to prepare a student to apply the physical and mathematical sciences to problems arising in the life sciences and medicine. By choosing proper electives, the student can prepare to enter graduate study of biophysics, medical physics, biomedical engineering, medicine, optometry, or dentistry.

Our Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering Physics is at the nexus of physics and specific areas of advanced or emerging technology.

It explores topics not typically covered in depth under the traditional engineering education, such as applications of optics, acoustics and materials in fields like nanotechnology, telecommunications, medical physics and devices, or advanced and electronic materials. Prospects for job growth are strong in all these fields, with median salaries just under $100,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The program provides desirable skills to establish your career in industry and government sector, in addition to laying a solid foundation to begin graduate studies in applied sciences or engineering.

You will take an individually designed sequence of courses in engineering such as energy systems engineering or mechanical design. You’ll also get hands-on experience working with an industry partner in a Co-op experience.

Geophysics uses physical principles and quantitative methods to explore and understand the structures and dynamics of the Earth or other planets. This major provides a solid background of basic math, physics, and geology and advanced coursework specialized in geophysics. The classes include principles of geophysics, earthquake physics, seismology, fault mechanics, and seismic exploration with state-of-art quantitative tools.

In our Physics, B.S. program, you'll learn the advanced mathematical skills you'll need to analyze complex physical systems and solve tough problems in physics and other quantitative fields like data science and finance.

Our program features small classes taught by outstanding faculty, who infuse their courses and research with cutting-edge computational tools and engaging visualizations.

Apply your knowledge to research in our well-equipped laboratories, featuring state-of-the-art optical microscopy, imaging technology, robotics, and rapid prototyping, or at local institutions such as the Museum of Natural History. Work one-on-one with faculty who are active researchers with expertise in string theory, plasma physics, quantum informatics, solid-state physics, astrophysics, biophysics, and imaging.

Student entrepreneurs will have the support of faculty from the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences and the Schools of Management and Architecture and Design. And if you're interested in biomedical sciences, our College of Osteopathic Medicine provides access to exceptional faculty and research opportunities.

Physics has application in many of the most exciting careers in our increasingly technological world. It may surprise you that physics degrees open pathways not just to working on SpaceX rockets autonomously landing themselves on drone sea ships, but also to medicine, law, and financial analysis. 

According to the American Institute of Physics, students with bachelor degrees in physics are among the highest scorers on both the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

The Association of American Medical Colleges reports that students with undergraduate degrees in physical sciences are tied for the highest acceptance rate (48%) for medical school.

As society becomes ever more data driven, every company wants to do data analysis and modeling. Physicists have always led the world in this area. For example, it’s very common for physicists to work on Wall Street.

Physics is the broadest of the sciences and offers interdisciplinary compatibility with many other areas of science, math, and engineering. Many of our graduates find themselves as team and project leaders in diverse industries because their broad knowledge base enables them to communicate to different technical groups. Don’t forget that physics is also the path to understanding the largest and smallest mysteries of the universe. Train for your career in physics, engineering, medicine, law, or computer science, and at the same time we will learn why the sky is blue and the sun is yellow, and why we cannot travel back in time.

As a physics major at ONU, you will have opportunities to study properties of two-dimensional crystals formed by charged particles in a dusty plasma, you will spend nights exploring the sky with modern telescopes, you will investigate the geometry of crystal surfaces by using powerful computers, you will delve into the new field of quantum computing, and you will immortalize your favorite toy as a hologram.

Large universities just can’t provide the individualized attention and opportunities you will find here. Throughout your four years, you will explore classical and modern physics using experimental, theoretical and computational tools leading to a capstone experience where you will research a problem on the frontier of physics. You will work on independent projects, and assist professors on grant-funded research. Most physics students present their research at bi-annual conferences of the Ohio-region Section of the American Physical Society (OSAPS).

The Physics program at Georgia College helps students develop the knowledge and skills required to excel in a professional setting by providing a well-rounded, challenging and engaging curriculum in the physics.

The curriculum is designed to start from the very beginning of a student's understanding of physics. We do not assume that every student has the necessary math and science background to start immediately taking physics classes. Students must have a desire to understand and learn about the physical universe.

We have a novel physics program with a mission to demonstrate that physics is not for a select few, but can be enjoyed and understood by all that truly have an interest. We have a program that covers all the typical undergraduate courses generally found in physics programs such as mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics and quantum theory.   

Master fundamental principles of the sub-atomic and the universe in our dynamic program that blends theory, experimentation and exploration. Student-centered projects develop the individual as a physicist and/or astronomer. Hands-on experiences solidify the concepts using simple and complex equipment including high-energy lasers, precision spectrometers or optical and radio telescopes.   

With our $23 million natural sciences facility, Bracy Hall, physics and astronomy students have the classroom and laboratory essentials required for hands-on learning. Our newly renovated introductory labs are designed with active learning in mind with technology that helps you learn. A dedicated electronics lab, machine shop and advanced lab space, provide students with multiple areas to work on projects with research and industry grade equipment.  For astronomers, there is a roof-top observatory with a variety of state-of-the-art and traditional telescopes.

Departmental distinction: A student majoring in astrophysics may earn distinction or high distinction by attaining a minimum grade point average of 3.4 or 3.75, respectively, in required major courses (defined in the table below) taken at UIUC. For highest distinction, in addition to meeting the minimum requirements for high distinction, a senior thesis must be completed with strong endorsement by the research supervisor. Questions about eligibility for distinction status should be directed to an astronomy advisor before the senior year.