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Eberly College of Arts & Sciences Department of Physics and Astronomy
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Major in Physics

The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers two undergraduate degree programs, the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Physics.

Physics is crucial to understanding the world around us, the world inside us, and the world beyond us. It is the basis of many other sciences, including chemistry, oceanography, seismology and astronomy (and can be applied to biology or medical science), and engineering. All are easily accessible with a bachelor’s degree in physics.

You can find physicists in industrial and government labs, on college campuses, in the astronaut corps, changing lives in high school classrooms and consulting on TV shows. In addition, many physics grads work at newspapers and magazines, in government and even on Wall Street — places where their ability to think analytically is a great asset.

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Program Overview

Program Delivery: On-campus

The quest to understand the world around us is one of the noblest of mankind’s many adventures. By discovering the basic laws of nature, the inherent desire to learn is satisfied, and the quality of life for all generations to follow may be enhanced.

Because Physics is the most fundamental of the sciences, it plays the central role in these efforts. Whether Albert Einstein in the 20th century or Isaac Newton in the 17th century is considered, physicists have always asked difficult questions and provided unique, unexpected and intellectually challenging answers. As a Physics major, you're offered the opportunity to join this small but dedicated group of professional scientists.

With about 100 Physics majors and 27 permanent faculty members and several visiting professors in residence, our student-faculty ratio is excellent and is one of the greatest strengths of the program.

All faculty are expected to maintain active research programs, and through such activity, professors are able to effectively convey state-of-the-art knowledge that prepares you to fully participate in today’s working environments.

Advanced courses include modern physics, advanced laboratory, optics, theoretical mechanics, quantum mechanics, astrophysics, solid state physics, electromagnetic theory, plasma physics and many other topics. This variety allows flexibility in designing a plan of study.

All BS students complete an area of emphasis.

Areas of Emphasis

  • Applied Physics

    Capstone research/senior design project must emphasize an applied physics topic. Students interested in completing this area of emphasis are encouraged to consider these courses as general electives: EE 311 Junior Instrumentation Lab; CPE 310 and CPE 311 Microprocessor Systems and Microprocessor Laboratory.

  • Astro/Space Physics

    Capstone research must emphasize a space physics topic. Students completing this area of emphasis are encouraged to consider the following courses as elective choices: PHYS 340 Experimental Space Physics; EE 223 Electrical Circuits and EE 224 Electrical Circuits Laboratory.

  • Biophysics

    Capstone research must emphasize a biophysics topic. Students interested in this area of emphasis are encouraged to consider these courses as electives: BIOL 117 Introductory Physiology; BIOL 219 The Living Cell; PHYS 225 Medical Imaging Physics. Students considering medical school are encouraged to take CHEM 233 Organic Chemistry and CHEM 235 Organic Chemistry Laboratory in place of CHEM 231, and follow with CHEM 234 Organic Chemistry and CHEM 236 Organic Chemistry Laboratory as elective courses.

  • Computational Physics

    Capstone research must emphasize a computational physics topic. Students interested in this area of emphasis are encouraged to consider these courses as electives: CS 221 Analysis of Algorithms; STAT 215 Introduction to Probability and Statistics.

  • Materials Science

    Capstone research must emphasize a materials science topic. Students interested in this area of emphasis are encouraged to consider these courses as electives: PHYS 321 Optics; CHEM 233 Organic Chemistry and CHEM 235 Organic Chemistry Laboratory. CHEM 233 and 235 are highly recommended for students interested in studying polymers.

  • Medical Physics

    Capstone research must emphasize a medical physics topic. Students interested in this area of emphasis are encouraged to consider these courses as electives: BIOL 219 The Living Cell; BIOL 310 Advanced Cellular/Molecular Biology. Students considering medical school are encouraged to take CHEM 233 Organic Chemistry and CHEM 235 Organic Chemistry Laboratory in place of CHEM 231, and follow with CHEM 234 Organic Chemistry and CHEM 236 Organic Chemistry Laboratory as elective courses

  • Physics Teaching

    Capstone research must emphasize a physics or physics education topic. Students interested in this area of emphasis are encouraged to consider these courses as electives to complete the requirements to be recommended to the state for teaching licensure: ARSC 120 Inquiry Approaches to Teaching (1 credit, satisfies service learning requirements); ARSC 220 Inquiry – Based Lesson Design (1 credit, satisfies service learning requirements); UTCH 221 Knowing and Learning in Science and Mathematics (3 credits, satisfied GEF 4); UTCH 222 Classroom Interactions (3 credits); UTCH 420 Project-Based Instruction in Science and Mathematics Classrooms (3 credits); MATH 318 Perspectives on Mathematics and Science (3 credits, satisfied GEF 5); and UTCH 430 Apprentice Teaching (10 credits).

  • Professional Preparation

    This is the typical plan of study for students who want to do graduate study in physics.

Opportunities

Explore the WVU Difference through this program's academic, research, and student life opportunities.

  • Opportunities to participate in research off-campus at top scientific facilities.
  • Actively participate in research with world-renowned faculty.
  • Student travel grants to attend scientific conferences.
  • The Pulsar Search Collaboratory.
  • On-campus resources include 4 milliKelvin scanning tunneling microscope, space simulation plasma physics facility, supercomputer and pulsed laser deposition facilities and the WVU Planetarium.
  • Faculty conduct research sponsored by NASA, the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Energy, DARPA, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and the U.S. Department of Defense.
  • The Physics and Astronomy Department has access to the Green Bank Telescope, the most accurate, versatile, large dish radio telescope in the world.
  • Earn academic credit through Eberly internship courses.
  • 500+ scholarships awarded annually by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
  • Academic Enrichment Program offers funding for activities that complement, extend and enhance your academic experience.

Living Learning Communities

Find a community where you can live with others who share your interests. You will have opportunities to connect with faculty, staff and professionals in areas aligned with your LLC's emphasis. Learn more about WVU Living Learning Communities.

Student Organizations

To explore more organizations, visit WVUEngage where you can browse and manage organizations, find events, and showcase your involvement.

Professional Organizations

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Research and Opportunities

Physics students complete capstone projects in all areas of Physics and Astronomy. From discovering new pulsars to developing new diagnostic tools to measure the temperature of 10,000 degree plasmas, Physics students work directly on research projects with faculty for the majority of capstone projects.

Explore Career Paths

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

  1. Physics Teachers, Postsecondary

    Teach courses pertaining to the laws of matter and energy. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

    Also called: Instructor, Physics Instructor, Physics Professor, Professor

  2. Astronomers

    Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.

    Also called: Astronomer, Astronomy Professor, Professor, Research Scientist

  3. Computer and Information Research Scientists

    Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

    Also called: Computer Scientist, Control System Computer Scientist, Scientific Programmer Analyst

  4. Physicists

    Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

    Also called: Health Physicist, Physicist, Research Scientist, Scientist

  5. Secondary School Teachers

    Teach students in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics or social studies, at the secondary level in public or private schools. May be designated according to subject matter specialty.

    Also called: English Teacher, Math Teacher (Mathematics Teacher), Social Studies Teacher, Teacher

  6. Software Developers

    Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

    Also called: Software Architect, Software Developer, Software Engineer, Systems Engineer, Application Developoer, Network Engineer, Application Integration Engineer

  7. Financial Quantitative Analysts

    Develop quantitative financial products used to inform individuals or financial institutions engaged in saving, lending, investing, borrowing, or managing risk. Investigate methods for financial analysis to create mathematical models used to develop improved analytical tools or advanced financial investment instruments.

  8. Lawyers

    Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.

    Also called: Assistant Attorney General, Associate Attorney, Attorney, Lawyer

  9. Physical Scientists, All Other

    All physical scientists not listed separately.