In our technically-oriented society, many professional fields need individuals with strong science backgrounds. More than ever before, those who study physics find themselves entering a wider range of career fields with an excellent foundation for success.
Prepares students for graduate study or employment in physics and related fields, including applied and engineering physics, biophysics, medical physics, medical school, teacher licensure in physics, or careers in business or law. Students are encouraged to speak with a Department advisor early in order to select the most appropriate advanced coursework for their career goals.
This minor provides a foundation in classical and modern physics together with enhanced skills in electronics or computational physics. It is not available to majors in physics. Courses may not be taken on a credit/no-credit basis.
Physics is a natural science investigating observable phenomena at a fundamental level. While we might identify disciplines like astrophysics, biophysics, optical, computational, or condensed matter physics, the value of an education in physics lies in its versatility. Physicists not only find careers in government laboratories, universities, and private industries, but work in a broad range of sectors—from economics, business, and law; to biology and medicine; to technology and engineering—wherever quantitative-modeling and problem-solving skills are needed.
The physics faculty recognizes high achievement by students through awarding departmental honors. Students receiving this distinction will have an excellent record of course work and significant experience. Please note that departmental honors are separate from university honors, and students do not have to be in the University Honors Program to be eligible for departmental honors.
Students must have senior standing before registering for honors credit, and the application is usually done late in the junior year. Students may apply during the senior year, but must do so at least one semester before graduation. The minimum grade point average for all courses taken for the bachelor's degree will be 3.20. Evidence that the student is able to carry out a scientific investigation requires completion of a research project that exhibits originality and has significant physics content. While working in the project, the student must have senior standing and register for at least four credit hours of PHY 480, Departmental Honors.
For full details contact our Chief Departmental Advisor, Dr. Steve Alexander.