Physics - North Dakota State University - Main Campus

Physics from North Dakota State University - Main Campus is a Campus Bachelor Physics degree that prepares you for a Science career. Physics is the most fundamental and exact of the physical sciences. Its laws are basic to deep understanding in all of technology, and in fields of learning such as astronomy, chemistry, engineering, photonics, biology, medicine, geology, environmental science and oceanography. Background Information The Department of Physics offers a wide range of curricula which prepares students for industrial, governmental, academic or graduate work in these fields. The physics education program prepares students for teaching in secondary schools. Graduate program activities, such as research projects and colloquia, offer undergraduate students many opportunities for learning experiences outside the classroom. Finally, the Tri-College University physics program offers a variety of courses in basic and applied physics usually found only at very large universities. This program involves neighboring Concordia College and Minnesota State University Moorhead. Curriculum Options The Department of Physics offers a major in physics with options in computational physics, and optical sciences and engineering. In the physics option , students take basic courses in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics and modern physics specialty areas such as optics, photonics, and condensed-matter physics. The physics option prepares students for graduate work in physics and eventual employment as college teachers, or as research physicists in government or industry. Students taking this option are in demand at many institutions for graduate studies in condensed matter, chemical physics , biophysics, mathematical physics, engineering, environmental science, meteorology, medicine, nuclear studies, oceanography and radiological physics . The computational physics option involves a higher concentration of computer-related courses, which prepares students for careers in both basic research and industry. This option responds to a growing demand for scientists with expertise in the application of computers to physical problems. In the optical science and engineering option , students substitute basic electrical engineering courses in the optics-physics curriculum to prepare them to pursue an industrial career or graduate school in photonics. There is a national shortage of scientists and engineers with the multidisciplinary background in optical engineering necessary to meet the fast growing needs of the photonics industry. Students choosing this option will be particularly attractive to high-tech employers. Career Opportunities A great variety of employment opportunities exist for physics majors who wish to pursue careers after obtaining the B.S. degree . Some find positions in industry or government. Many technical industries seek physics graduates for work in software development, engineering, science and lab technician positions, management and sales. The salaries for physicists with a Ph.D. vary greatly, depending on the type of employment and sector. Data for 2005-2006 degree recipients indicates that positions in the private sector earn considerably more ($72,000-$90,000) than those accepting non-postdoctoral employment in academia ($40,000-$50,000). For new recipients of a B.S. degree in physics , typical salary offers by campus recruiters during the 2008-2009 academic year were $40,000-$64,000. An education in physics is so fundamental that it provides an excellent preparation for graduate education in nearly every technical field, including engineering. Additionally, NDSU graduates in physics have entered medical schools and have studied law. One past graduate received a Ph.D. in biophysics and now works at the University of Minnesota Medical School; another is at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Some of our recent graduates worked on advanced degrees in biomedical engineering, chemical physics, electrical engineering, solid- state physics , meteorology and radiological science. A number of recent graduates are pursuing graduate studies at schools such as Michigan State University, the University of Minnesota, Carnegie Mellon University, Ohio State University and SUNY Stony Brook. A 2004 physics Ph.D is now an associate professor at State University of New York Canton. As technology continues to develop, there will be a need for skilled people to make new discoveries in the basic sciences. Because of this, talented physics majors are encouraged to pursue the Ph.D. degree . Outstanding Ph.D. graduates in physics find research and teaching positions in universities, or employment in government laboratories and research-oriented industries. If you have a technical career objective, examine it closely. You will find that a major in physics , with one of the options at NDSU, will give you the preparation you need to achieve your goals. View more details on North Dakota State University - Main Campus . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Physics courses.