Undergraduate Programs

Undergraduate Programs

We offer three majors and two minors

 

The major degrees allow for plenty of extra electives to pursue your other interests. Many students complete double majors or minors. Minors in Math, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Energy Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Astronomy require five or fewer additional courses.

Courses and Sample Plans

We offer undergraduate and graduate courses in Physics and Astronomy. Sample major plans show some of the paths you can take through your major. Minor plans show some of the ideas of completing a minor. 

Multiple career paths

Physics is a gateway to a wide variety of careers in science and technology. With quantitative problem solving and instrumentation skills, our graduates are in demand across all sciences and economies. They work at companies, national labs, and research and teaching institutions. They work as data scientists, lead engineering teams, design software solutions, and pursue advanced degrees in physics and other fields. 

Education at our department offers multiple other opportunities. Our courses provide you with conceptual and quantitative skills that are easily transferable to a multitude of highly demanding occupations, while practical laboratory courses deal with real world problems, advanced instrumentation, and data analysis techniques. Multiple opportunities exist for engaging in real-world research projects, as 60% of our students do. Our professors work on both theoretical and experimental aspects of physics and technology, and also engage students in interdisciplinary projects in Biogeochemistry, Biophysics, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science. Funding during the summer or academic year is available for most projects. In an atmosphere of a medium-size department similar to a small college, we are providing research opportunities comparable to larger research institutions: cutting-edge, world-class, and well funded. Among our recent graduates, 60% did a research project or an internship; 25% were double-majors; 65% graduated in four years or less (90% in five); and 50% started their career with their Bachelor’s degree. After graduation, half our students start their careers, a quarter go to a graduate program in physics, and another quarter go to graduate programs in Oceanography, Geology, Data Science, Biology, Materials Science, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Radiological Health, and Math.

Here are some of the examples of the next career steps for our recent graduates:

  • Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, working for a vaccine maker.
  • Data Scientist for a global consulting agency 
  • Postdoctoral researcher in oceanography at an Ivy League school 
  • Medical Physicist, radiation oncology and diagnostic Imaging
  • Software engineer for a regional supercomputer company
  • Quality engineer for a regional medical device company 
  • Software, GIS, and analytics for regional electric utility
  • Nuclear power plant operator 
  • Lead Engineer for a regional engineering company
  • Electrical Engineer for a regional environmental consulting company
  • Postdoctoral researcher in Machine Learning 
  • Software engineer for a global internet company
  • Back-end analyst for a patent law firm
  • High tech small business owner

Student Learning Outcomes

The Department strives for five broad program outcomes for our undergraduates (Physics B.S. and Physics B.A.):

  1. Comprehension: Students will know and be able to explain the core physics concepts and their mathematical expressions. 
  2. Application: Students will be able to apply the laws of physics to new situations, both qualitatively and quantitatively.
  3. Execution: Students will be able to design, set-up, and carry out an experiment, using models, analytical techniques, or laboratory equipment.
  4. Communication: Students will be able to communicate scientific ideas to technical and non-technical audiences.

  5. Presentation: Students can effectively communicate physics ideas in the form of a presentation.

     

As required by Title IX, the University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any of its education programs or activities, including in admissions and employment.  Inquiries about the application of Title IX can be directed to the University’s Title IX Coordinators or to the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights.  Please see the University of Minnesota’s Title IX Statement and the University’s policy for information about: (1) how to contact the Title IX Coordinators on the University’s campuses; (2) how to report or file a formal complaint of sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, sexual assault, stalking or relationship violence; and (3) the University’s procedures for responding to reports and formal complaints.