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Physics Degree
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)/Bachelor of Science in Physics (B.S.Phy.)
Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit Hours:
120
Study space, time, energy, and matter at all scales and unlock understanding from
subatomic particles through the evolution and structure of the universe as a whole,
The University of North Texas' undergraduate program in physics gives you the strong
math, problem solving and analytical skills needed to study the structure and interaction
of matter and energy and the way things work. From advancing state-of-the-art processes
in the semiconductor industry to developing computer software for simulating exotic
phenomena, physicists are helping to expand the frontiers of both basic science and
advanced technology. The diversity of work conducted by physicists occurs because
physical science and engineering disciplines are based, to a large extent, on physics
principles. A bachelor's degree in physics also prepares students for graduate work
in acoustics, astrophysics, biophysics, computational physics, medical physics and
other subfields and interdisciplinary fields in physics.
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Request More InfoWhy Earn a Physics Degree?
In the Department of Physics, we provide you the flexibility to pursue either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Physics. Each degree program explores:
- Laws of mechanics (how objects move)
- Mathematical methods of physics
- Physics of electrons, photons, atoms and nuclei
- Principles of electricity and magnetism
- Properties of heat and energy
- Quantum mechanics
- Statistical and thermal physics
- The physics of materials
These courses also will help hone your analytical, math and communication skills for careers working with students, clients and co-workers with backgrounds in other fields. As you progress toward your degree, you can specialize in condensed matter physics, optics, astrophysics or computer-based physics.
A bachelor’s degree in Physics from the University of North Texas can lead to careers investigating these and many other areas important to our daily lives and understanding the world and universe.
A Bachelor of Science in Physics prepares a student to begin a research career by providing the basis (a solid core of upper-level coursework with research hours) for advanced study in a graduate program and to acquire hands-on skills for a career in industry.
The Bachelor of Arts provides the same introductory physics coursework as the BSP degree but has more flexibility in its upper-level physics requirements for students wanting to obtain a 2nd degree or concentration. This option is ideal for liberal arts/science-minded students or the student planning on teaching high school.
Marketable Skills
- Problem solving skills - solve open-ended problems
- Critical thinking skills - apply structured scientific methods
- Analytical skills - analyze data for complex problems
- Communication skills - communicate complex information effectively
- Collaboration skills - work collaboratively and independently to meet deadlines
Physics Degree Highlights
UNT's experienced Physics faculty are actively involved in path-finding research.
Our undergraduate physics students often participate in pathfinding research projects.
Because of this research activity, undergraduates are often involved in groundbreaking
projects conducted in our state-of-the-art facilities.
The low student-to-faculty ratio in upper-level courses allows you to receive personal
attention from faculty members and to interact closely with your peers.
You can meet others who share your interest in physics through the Society of Physics
Students. The organization conducts field trips and invites guest speakers to meetings.
The department’s weekly Physics Colloquium presents research overviews and descriptions
of work by leading professionals in the field.
UNT Physics students have a wide range of available physics jobs while studying for
their undergraduate degree.
Career Outlook
Physicists use math, problem solving experience, analytical skills and their imaginations to study the structure and interaction of matter and energy — the way things work. This information is important in:
- Energy research such as the development of superbatteries and solar cells
- Medical diagnostics and therapy
- Science-enabled education, law practice, technology business and journalism
- Semiconductor and photonics technology
- Space and atmospheric sciences
Graduates are employed in various research and management careers in business, education, the armed forces, the government, national laboratories and NASA. For example, you may work for a company that develops new electronic devices, teach high school physics or work for a research laboratory furthering the exploration and use of space.
A major in Physics can also prepare you for medical school or a graduate program in Physics or a related field.
Physics Degree Courses You Could Take
Electricity and Magnetism (3 hrs)
Electric fields, dc and ac circuits, magnetic fields and magnetic induction. Electric
and magnetic properties of matter.
Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences (3 hrs)
Application of advanced mathematical techniques to the solution of problems in physics.
Vector spaces, complex analysis, matrices, linear transformations, vector calculus,
Fourier series and integrals, the Laplace transformation, and special functions.
Physical Optics (3 hrs)
Huygens’ principle and application to geometrical optics; interference phenomena;
Fraunhofer and Fresnel diffraction; polarization; electromagnetic theory of light
and interaction with matter. Part of the instruction will be in a laboratory setting.
Physics, Computation and Software Applications (3 hrs)
A basic survey of selected topics at the intersection of computer science, engineering
and physics. Student will learn computer programming for applications in physics as
well as the physics underlying computation and its physical implementation.
Quantum Mechanics (3 hrs)
Origins of the modern theory of atomic structure; Schroedinger’s formulation of non-relativistic,
single-particle quantum mechanics and application to simple systems; the one-electron
atom.
Modern Physics (3 hrs)
Relativity, quantum physics, atomic structure, properties of matter and nuclear physics.
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