Physics (B.S.)

The research concentration provides a strong foundation for graduate work.

The industrial physics concentration prepares students for careers in industry that require a strong background in physics. The first three years of the industrial physics track mirrors the first three years of the engineering transfer concentration.

The Earth and space science concentration provides a strong base for future study in one or more of the Earth and space sciences (astronomy, geology, meteorology and oceanography).

The engineering transfer concentration provides a strong base for those wishing to transfer after three years to a school with an engineering program. Upon completion of an ABET-certified engineering degree (engineering technology degrees are excluded), the student may also be eligible for the ESU degree (contingent upon certain requirements).

The secondary education concentration provides a background in physics and secondary science education. Students completing the secondary education concentration may be eligible for PA 7-12 teacher certification in physic upon completion of some additional coursework in secondary education (PSED420, 421, 430, 431 and PHYS499).

The business and physics concentration prepares graduates for positions that require technical knowledge and an ability to solve technical problems but also a basic familiarity with business concepts like cost benefit analysis (how companies balance resources with product cost to ensure they continue earning a profit) and an ability to explain the technical aspects of their company's products to people who many not have a scientific or technical background.

The physics minor provides options for students who want a physics background in addition to their principal major.

While it is typically paired with science majors like chemistry, mathematics and computer science, it can also be used with any major to strengthen one’s problem-solving skills, a trait sought by employers, or to simply address one’s curiosity about how the universe works.

The Earth and Space Science minor provides a broad overview of the Earth and space sciences (astronomy, meteorology, geology, or oceanography) that both satisfies a student's curiosity about the physical world and supplements their major program of study.

The minor also allows students who have a secondary education concentration in one of the sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, or general science) to add Earth and space science to their eligible certification areas.