The quest to understand the world around us is one of the noblest of mankind’s many adventures. By uncovering nature's laws, we satisfy our curiosity and improve life for future generations. Physics, as the most fundamental science, plays a crucial role in these efforts. From Einstein and Curie to Newton and Archimedes, physicists and astronomers have always been at the forefront of challenging questions and groundbreaking discoveries.
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Why Physics?
Understand the universe. Challenge your mind. Broaden your horizons. The thrill of physics lies in groundbreaking discoveries and innovative theories. Whether it's witnessing a new phenomenon or unraveling a long-standing mystery, the excitement of scientific breakthroughs is unparalleled. Physicists have always explored the entire universe to solve scientific mysteries. Using their imagination and logic, they've uncovered fundamental and unexpected theories of nature.
Questions about the speed of light led Albert Einstein to develop his theories of relativity. Questions sparked by the study of radioactivity led Marie Curie to discover the elements polonium and radium, pioneering the field of nuclear physics and shaping our understanding of atomic structure and the nature of matter. Questions arising from earlier failures to understand data from thermal radiation experiments led Max Planck to propose the first step toward the theory of quantum mechanics. Questions inspired by the interaction of light with electrons led Richard Feynman to construct a picture of these interactions which underpins our knowledge about elementary particles. Imagine the excitement of Niels Bohr when his theory of the hydrogen atom exactly predicted the unexplained spectral data which had been accumulating for years, or the exhilaration of Jocelyn Bell Burnell when she realized the "bit of scruff" in her data was the first detection of a pulsar, marking a significant breakthrough in understanding neutron stars.
This is our "why." Every physicist, no matter their level of recognition, plays a vital role in advancing our knowledge by identifying and answering these essential questions. Your unique perspectives and contributions can make a difference in physics, just as the great minds before you did.
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Why WVU?
A Bachelor's degree in physics from West Virginia University will give you the training necessary to answer the challenging questions faced by working scientists. Whether you join the workforce, attend graduate school, or specialize in another field, you will gain valuable, practical, and highly versatile experience.
Our state-of-the-art research laboratories, award-winning faculty, and dedicated staff are here to support you from your first day of classes to graduation and beyond. The faculty-to-student ratio in the Department of Physics and Astronomy provides significant opportunities for individualized attention. With active research projects and a strong graduate program, the Department is full of working scientists who are familiar with and passionate about doing physics. While still an undergraduate, many students also become working scientists through course-based research and/or employment in our research and teaching laboratories. Student-led organizations like the Society of Physics Students (SPS), Astronomy Club, and the Quantum Technology Club offer further opportunities to dig into research as early as your first semester on campus.
Whether you opt for the concentrated Bachelor of Science in Physics or the flexible Bachelor of Arts of Physics, you will gain a solid foundation in the basic principles and techniques of physics through courses in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and experimental physics, in addition to specialized electives in topics like astronomy, medicine, optics, and so much more.
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After the Degree?
After earning a Bachelor's degree in physics, students follow a number of different paths. The American Institute of Physics (AIP) reports that 54% pursue graduate study, 34% join the full-time workforce, and 7% join the part-time workforce, with just 5% remaining unemployed. Of the students who enter graduate programs, 59% studied physics or astronomy, 20% studied engineering, and 21% entered into a range of programs including medicine, mathematics, education, computer science, law, business, and more.
Industry continues to be a popular choice for new physics graduates. Both large and small companies actively recruit physics majors because of their strong problem-solving abilities. Also, the technological and mathematical skills acquired by physics majors make them attractive candidates for positions. The average starting salary for a physics Bachelor exceeds $62,500 per year, according to the AIP.
On the other hand, graduate school offers unique opportunities for advanced research and specialized knowledge, which can lead to higher-paying roles in the long term. Most graduate students receive a salary through an assistantship or fellowship in addition to tuition support.
Regardless of the path chosen, Bachelor's degree physicists have excellent career prospects. Further career information for professional physicists is available from the American Physical Society, and employment statistics are available from the American Institute of Physics.
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How to Prepare?
As a high school student, a strong foundation in algebra, trigonometry, and pre-calculus will set you up for success in calculus and introductory physics during your first year of college. While physics courses aren't a prerequisite for a physics major, taking them can give you a head start. Planning a visit to the Department is always a great way to get a feel for what we have to offer.
Extracurricular activities like science fairs, clubs, and robotics teams can also be valuable. Participating in programs like the Pulsar Science Collaboratory, where you can work with real astronomical data as a high school student, can provide hands-on experience.
Above all, curiosity is key! If you have a genuine interest in understanding how things work and why, you'll be well-prepared for a physics major.