Physics (B.S.)
Unlock the secrets of the universe with our bachelor’s degree in physics, and build the analytical, computational, and experimental skills to launch your career.
Experience Physics Beyond the Textbook with Ï㽶´«Ã½â€™s B.S. in Physics
Studying physics is about so much more than simply trying to just understand the universe. It is about building the technical, quantitative, analytical, and computational skills that are relevant in industry and academia to answer fundamental questions such as the nature of matter and forces at scales ranging from subatomic particles to galaxies and from temperatures near absolute zero to billions of degrees. In Ï㽶´«Ã½â€™s Bachelor of Science in Physics, you’ll blend coursework, hands-on laboratory experience, and opportunities for research at world-class facilities such as Fermi National Lab and Argonne National Lab to prepare you for the next step that you want to take.
Program Overview
Our bachelor’s degree program in physics prepares you for careers across a broad range of fields, from scientific research and engineering to finance, law, and technology. It is delivered in-person, giving students access to hands-on laboratory experiences and faculty research projects.
Plus, you can:
- Begin your studies in either the fall or spring semester and can typically complete the program in four years of full-time study
- Supplement your degree with a minor in quantum science or astrophysics and can connect with peers through our chapter of the Society of Physics Students
- Receive individualized attention from faculty
Career Opportunities
Graduates of bachelor’s program in physics are well prepared for positions such as:
- Junior Process Engineer
- Operations Accelerator Engineer
- System Engineer
Here are a few of our students’ favorite courses:
- PHYS 240 Computational Science In this course, you will explore introductory general physics in a computer laboratory setting. Among the topics that will explore include the Euler-Newton method for solving differential equations, the trapezoidal rule for numerical quadrature, and simple applications of random number generators.
- PHYS 300 Instrumentation Laboratory You will study the basic electronic skills for scientific research in this course, including electrical measurements; basic circuit analysis; diode and transistor circuits; transistor and integrated amplifiers, filters, and power circuits; and the basics of digital circuits, including Boolean algebra and design of logic circuits.
- PHYS 405 Fundamentals of Quantum Theory I This course provides you with a review of modern physics including topics such as blackbody radiation, the photoelectric effect, the Compton effect, the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom, the correspondence principle, and the DeBroglie hypothesis.
Admission to all undergraduate programs at Ï㽶´«Ã½ is evaluated via a holistic approach that takes various factors under consideration, including your high school performance and essays. Your choice of major will impact this process as well, because each major has its own criteria for admission.
To learn more about our admission selection process, recommended high school coursework, and our admitted student profile, please visit our admission website.
Joshua C. Says...
“I think one thing we’ve learned in the last two years is that when it comes to science being collaborative, our national borders play a big role in hindering things. I think being able to break down those barriers matters. Having a fundamental knowledge of physics will be really important in me stating my case as to why those things should happen.â€
Joshua Campbell (PHYS ’22)
Featured Faculty
Todd Springer
Bhoopesh Mishra
Carlo U. Segre
Inspired by his passion for physics, Will Limestall is working to develop clean energy sources.
Will Limestall (PHYS, ASPY ’18, M.S. HP ’18, Ph.D. PHYS Candidate)
Lexi Detweiler’s job is critical, to put mildly. At the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, she works on a team whose job it is to fuel the nuclear-powered United States Navy, to help maintain its nuclear stockpile, and to conduct nuclear non-proliferation work.
Lexi Detweiler (PHYS, ASPY, M.S. HP ’21)
Jonte’ Williams says one of the best things about Ï㽶´«Ã½ and hands-on experiences is expanding on what he knows—and, most importantly, what he doesn’t know.
Jonte’ Williams (ASPY/PHYS 3rd Year)Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the benefits of studying physics at a tech focused university?
We don’t just read about physics, we do it! Training in physics and astrophysics involves problem solving, analytical thinking, and hands-on practical skills like building electronic circuits or developing computer simulations. The class sizes in our department are small, allowing students the opportunity to receive individualized attention from faculty. At the same time, our department’s strong connections to world-class research facilities provide students with opportunities to get involved in research at nearby national laboratories.
What are some of the real-world projects I’ll work on in this program?
Ï㽶´«Ã½ physics and astrophysics faculty are developing nanoelectrofuel battery technology, exploring advanced materials for nuclear reactors particle accelerators, developing dark matter detectors that use superconducting qubits, examining binary star interactions using the Hubble telescope, studying using biophysics to study the molecular basis for muscle physiology, leading computational studies of DNA-protein interactions, and doing work on the particle accelerator component design and beam dynamics.
What can I do with a Physics degree?
Many of our graduates are admitted to master’s and Ph.D. programs in physics, positioning them for a career as a scientific researcher. Others choose to pursue a career in the industry. Because physics majors are broadly trained, a variety of career paths are possible—but a career in engineering is quite common.
How do I know which is better for me: Physics vs. Engineering?
Physics and engineering are similar fields, and both majors may teach many of the same skills. However, the context and the goal of each major is what makes them different. Engineering majors have a well-defined but narrower career path. Physics majors are more broadly trained and have a wider variety of career options in academia or industry after graduation. Physics students study exciting natural phenomena (e.g. quantum physics) in smaller classes and with more direct access to professors than in an engineering department.
Get In Touch
To learn more about Ï㽶´«Ã½â€™s B.S. in Physics, please contact Associate Teaching Professor Todd Springer at gspringer@illinoistech.edu.