Physics—BS

Unlock the Secrets of the Universe: Study Physics

Are you interested in how the universe works? Then a BS in Physics just might be the degree for you. You’ll examine the theories around energy and matter. You’ll become familiar with the smallest subatomic particles, atoms, molecules, and the largest stars and galaxies. Explore optics and photonics or the physics behind music.

You’ll learn in a close-knit and vibrant community of scholars working together to find answers to questions like:

Where do the highest-energy cosmic rays come from?
Can nanotubes of boron nitride be used to make new electronic devices?
Why do some clouds rain while others don’t?
How can we build a better battery?

The Bachelor of Science in Physics is intended for students who want to take a traditional approach to the study of physics. Undergraduate physics training provides excellent preparation for a career in STEM or to pursue an advanced degree in many different fields.

Colliding Minds, Exploding Ideas: A Collaborative Approach to Physics

Learning the principles of physics should not be the domain of a single department. Physics is all around us and applications abound. At Tech you will benefit from strong collaborations with other departments and institutes on campus, further strengthening your learning. Materials science and engineering; electrical and computer engineering; mechanical engineering–engineering mechanics; and the Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences Institute all have strong interdisciplinary connections with our department.

100%

of physics BS students conduct undergraduate research
#3
best college in Michigan
20

maximum class size in advanced level major courses

Tomorrow Needs Talented Physicists

Demand is high for individuals with a strong, quantitative education in physics, including high-level laboratory experience from undergraduate research. A Bachelor of Science in Physics prepares you for a successful career. You’ll graduate thoroughly prepared to find success in graduate school in physics or another STEM field, law or medical school, research labs, or a career in industries such as aeronautics, electronics, engineering, finance, or transportation.

Career Opportunities for Physics Majors

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 5% growth in physics jobs. Your future career options are unlimited with a Bachelor of Science in Physics. Career opportunities can be found as:

Aerospace Engineer
Applications Developer
Business Analyst
Clinical Technologist
Computer Animation Specialist
Consultant
Data Analyst
Dentist
Electronics Technician
Energy Modeling Analyst
Medical Physicist
Programmer
Program Manager
Project Manager
Patent Attorney
Physician
Power Modeling Analyst
Radar Algorithms Engineer/Scientist
Research Assistant
Marine/Oceanographic Scientist
Nuclear Instructor
Scientific and Computational Manager
Software Test Engineer
Systems Engineer
Teacher/Professor
Technical Writer
Water Engineer
Veterinarian

Companies Hiring Physics Majors

The growing list of companies hiring Michigan Tech physics majors includes:

Argonne National Lab Chicago
Aurora Energy Research
Dow Corning
General Motors
IR Telemetrics
KBR, Inc.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Lab
Maxar Technologies
Naval Surface Warfare Center
Northrop Grumman
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
RWE
Stabilux Technologies
US Navy

Graduate Schools Accepting Tech Physics Majors

The growing list of colleges and universities accepting physics majors includes:

Duke University
Eastern Michigan University
Georgia Tech
Michigan State University
Montana State University
Oregon Health and Science University
Pennsylvania State University
University of Arizona
University of Central Florida
University of Chicago
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Idaho
University of Minnesota Duluth
University of Notre Dame

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about studying physics at Michigan's flagship technological university.

Preview image for Physics at Michigan Tech video

"Unlike other colleges, the class size of physics is small. So you get one-on-one time with the professor."Noah Wilson '23, BS Physics

My time at MTU was a great experience for me. I gained many practical skills—both from the classroom material and college life—as well as met some amazing people. Professors were generally supportive and genuinely cared about your success, the lounge provided a great place for me and my peers to work together on studying and homework, and research opportunities were always easily accessible.

Read Full Article

Daniel Koshar '23

BS Physics

Study Physics at a Technological University

Gain foundational knowledge and understand the behavior of matter and energy. Develop analytical and quantitative skills required to succeed in graduate school or the job market.

Get personalized attention: With an average incoming class of 20 physics majors, your professors know you individually and understand your interests and needs. You receive the one-to-one guidance you need in a timely fashion.
Customize your physics education: With a BS in Applied Physics you can design your own educational pathway. Acquire additional specialization through undergraduate research or by adding a minor. You can add minors in astrophysics or nanoscale physics to further your specialization. Or add any of the other 80+ minors offered at Michigan Tech.
Get paid for summer research: A commitment to undergraduate research experience gives you an edge. As soon as the summer after your first year, join one of many research groups and turn your growing knowledge into practical experience under the guidance of a faculty member in our state-of-the-art labs. One of the factors that gives our students an edge is the opportunity to engage in research as an undergraduate student and gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art research instrumentation.
Physics study abroad: Visit international research labs like CERN, home of the Large Hadron Collider, the most powerful particle accelerator ever built.
Get involved: Utilize your interest in physics by getting involved with the Enterprise Program—teams of undergraduate students working on real-world products and research for industry. Or get involved with any number of student or professional organizations—Society of Physics Students; Women in Physics; Keweenaw Rocket Range; Pre-Health Association; and more.

Undergraduate Majors

Not sure which major is the right fit? No problem. Just declare the General Sciences and Arts major, give yourself time, and decide when you arrive on campus. To learn more speak to an academic advisor.

Further Customize Your Degree With A Minor

You may choose to pursue one of 80+ other minors or certificates. With a BS in Applied Physics you can design your own educational pathway. Although you can declare a minor anytime, we recommend that you begin your minor studies as early as possible in your academic career. To learn more speak to an academic advisor.

Astrophysics
Nanoscale Sciences and Engineering (Nanotechnology)
Physics

Tomorrow Needs You

Supercharge your physics skills to meet the demands of a technology-driven society at a flagship public research university powered by science, technology, engineering, and math. Graduate with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to solve real-world problems and succeed in academia, research, and tomorrow's high-tech business landscape.

"I chose to study physics at Tech because I was excited about the research opportunities and personal connections available within the department."Austin West '23, BS Physics