Undergraduate Programs
We offer three majors and two minors
- Physics B.S. - traditional core physics courses plus electives.
- Physics B.A. - a more flexible major, plus optional CS and business subplans.
- Engineering Physics (B.S.E.P.) - an interdisciplinary combination of physics, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. The degree is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
- Minor in Astronomy
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. Here are 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.
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.
Want to know where Physics education can take you? Just look at some of the examples of the career paths for our recent graduates.
Student Learning Outcomes
The Department strives for five broad program outcomes for our undergraduates (Physics B.S. and Physics B.A.):
- Comprehension: Students will know and be able to explain the core physics concepts and their mathematical expressions.
- Application: Students will be able to apply the laws of physics to new situations, both qualitatively and quantitatively.
- Execution: Students will be able to design, set-up, and carry out an experiment, using models, analytical techniques, or laboratory equipment.
- Communication: Students will be able to communicate scientific ideas to technical and non-technical audiences.
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.