Our department strives to provide a comprehensive and flexible curriculum
to students with sufficient depth of study for students planning to
pursue physics or engineering at a graduate level. However, our courses are
not limited to physics and engineering majors, but they are geared for all
students including those who wish to take physics or astronomy as a part
of a liberal arts emphasis.
At the bachelor of science level, the student will not be expected to
specialize in any branch of physics. However, the curriculum does have
room for electives, providing an opportunity to develop a minor in other
fields of science or in an engineering discipline. It provides a background
in applications of physics for students seeking employment in industry
and also provides a solid foundation for graduate study in physics or in
other fields such as geophysics, meterology, metallurgy, computer science,
mathematics, materials science, and many branches of engineering.
An increasing number of students are choosing a double major, consisting
of physics plus some field of engineering. Students going this route often
end up in industrial research and development. Another factor to consider
is that, in a rapidly changing economy, where one field of engineering
may be in a slump while others are not, understanding physics can assist
one in moving across disciplines. For these reasons, we encourage all
students to consider double majors.
Graduate studies leading to the degree of master of science and Ph.D. are
offered. Research is primarily in solid state physics. At this level of
study, the student will be expected to assume much of the responsibility
for carrying out a research project. Graduate studies in the physics
department are an integral component of the materials engineering and
science, and nanoscience and nanoengineering programs.
Graduate Admissions
Requirements
Undergraduate Admissions
Requirements
Physics B.S. and Minor Catalog link
Courses