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Physics, BA/BS

We offer two undergraduate degree programs in Physics: the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of Science (BS). Both programs are designed for students interested in STEM careers, while also providing excellent preparation for non-STEM fields.

With the appropriate electives, you can open doors to a significantly wider range of careers, including law, journalism, teaching, healthcare, administration and business.

Both the BA and BS degrees also prepare you for academic and professional graduate programs.

Our Physics and Astronomy faculty members are world-renowned leaders in their fields. From cutting-edge astrophysics, quantum materials and laser experiments to space-based plasma physics experiments and theory, we offer unique learning experiences.

As a Physics student, you can begin hands-on research as early as your first semester. For example, through the RockSat program — a NASA-sponsored initiative — students design, build and fly experiments into space.

Your Degree Plan The 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Places and Spaces Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Two students work with a piece of equipment in a physics laboratory

How does the universe work? Where does gravity come from? How do cells communicate? What makes bridges support heavy loads? These are all questions that physicists explore.

Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in one of these areas:

  • Computational Physics

    Computational models sometimes help solve difficult problems in physics. Students in this area of emphasis learn statistical modeling and other related skills to help analyze various concepts in physics.

  • Medical Physics

    Students in the Medical Physics area of emphasis learn applications of physics that can lead to an exciting range of careers in the medical field. From researching and designing new medical equipment to helping plan radiation treatment for cancer patients, this area of physics is broad but important.

  • Physics Teaching

    For many of us, a love of physics developed from interacting with a motivational physics teacher. This area of emphasis allows students to earn a degree in physics while simultaneously preparing for a career in teaching at the middle or high school level. Students develop pedagogical skills to help others strengthen quantatitive reasoning and problem solving skills that are vital in physics -- and anywhere!

  • Space Physics

    Students in this area of emphasis learn skills that help address fundamental questions about our place in the universe, the history of our solar system and more. The challenges of understanding space exploration have led to fascinating expansions in technology, new industries and unprecedented relationships with other nations.

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ Honors College. Two programs are offered: for first- and second-year students and for third- and fourth-year students.

The 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • Hands-on participation in research at the undergraduate level and the ability to work with faculty members directly on experimental or theoretical studies — as early as your first semester.
  • Physics majors have discovered entirely new objects in the universe. One of these, the first fast radio burst, led to the Shaw Prize in Astronomy in 2023.
  • On-campus resources include 8 teaching labs; machine and electronics shops; a physics cleanroom; and facilities for high-performance computing, materials characterization, biological and health sciences, and computer science and electrical engineering.
  • Students travel to domestic and international conferences, often with funding, and enjoy regional trips to places like Coopers Rock and Ohiopyle State Parks for department events.
  • Earn academic credit through .
  • 500+ scholarships awarded annually by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
  • offers funding for activities that complement, extend and enhance your academic experience.
Scholarships

Over 92% of 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

Research Groups in Physics and Astronomy

  • Focuses on gravitational waves, pulsars, black holes, fast radio bursts, star formation, galaxy evolution and formation, theoretical astrophysics and our Milky Way Galaxy.
  • Studies materials, their interfaces and interactions to lay foundations for new physics applications.
  • Uses light as a probe to learn about the microscopic electromagnetic behavior of novel materials and the thermodynamics of plasma.
  • Analyzes physics courses at 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ to improve their effectiveness and inclusivity.
  • Examines plasma behavior to understand natural processes that occur in space plasmas and magnetically confined fusion plasmas.

Research Centers

  • Advances STEM learning in West Virginia through innovative programs and partnerships, and through networking opportunities for students and educators.
  • Studies astrophysical phenomena using electromagnetic and gravitational wave observatories.
  • Solves complex problems in magnetized plasmas while promoting public education and outreach.

Partnerships and Service Opportunities

  • Mountaineer Area Robotics: Partners with NASA, 4-H and the international FIRST robotics program to mentor middle and high school students in robotics.
  • Pulsar Science Collaboratory (PSC): An NSF-ITEST funded project run by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory and 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ Physics and Astronomy faculty that's allowed students to assist in the search for pulsars at the Green Bank Telescope since 2007.
  • Green Bank Observatory Partnership: 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ students and faculty use the 100-m Green Bank Telescope for research projects.
  • Science Public Outreach Team (SPOT): Recruits and trains student ambassadors to deliver STEM presentations to K-12 students across West Virginia.

Before graduating, all undergraduates in this major complete an academic project (or "capstone") to demonstrate their research, communication and critical thinking skills. Projects in 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ's Physics major have included:

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Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the you can join.

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

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

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.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $78,310

Possible job titles include: .

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Physical Scientists, All Other

All physical scientists not listed separately.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $112,280

Possible job titles include: .

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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.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $145,080

Possible job titles include: Computer Scientist, Control System Computer Scientist, Scientific Programmer Analyst.

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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.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $132,270

Possible job titles include: Software Architect, Software Developer, Software Engineer, Systems Engineer, Application Developoer, Network Engineer, Application Integration Engineer.

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Astronomers

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

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $127,930

Possible job titles include: Astronomer, Astronomy Professor, Professor, Research Scientist.

Explore Career

Physicists

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

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $155,680

Possible job titles include: Health Physicist, Physicist, Research Scientist, Scientist.

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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.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $145,760

Possible job titles include: Assistant Attorney General, Associate Attorney, Attorney, Lawyer.

Explore Career

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.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $98,020

Possible job titles include: Instructor, Physics Instructor, Physics Professor, Professor.

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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.

Median Salary: $65,220

Possible job titles include: English Teacher, Math Teacher (Mathematics Teacher), Social Studies Teacher, Teacher.

Explore Career

Where our grads are working

51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ Physics graduates have successful careers at a wide range of companies and organizations, such as:

  • Afiniti
  • Apple
  • Bristol Myers Squibb
  • Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center
  • Evolent Health
  • GCP Applied Technologies
  • Green Bank Observatory
  • Halliburton
  • Intel Corporation
  • IPG Photonics
  • L3Harris
  • Leidos
  • NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
  • National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL)
  • National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
  • Phase Four
  • Rogue Space Systems Corporation
  • Sandia National Laboratories
  • U.S. Army Research Laboratory
  • U.S. Department of Defense
  • U.S. Department of Energy

Places and Spaces

Learn about all of the places and spaces you'll learn in.

Featurette - Planetarium

51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ Planetarium and Observatory

Our student-led planetarium and observatory give students opportunities to create and host shows, conduct research and gain hands-on experience with telescope operation and maintenance, both on- and off-site.

Undergraduate Physics Lounge

This space is for our undergraduate students and their organizations (Society of Physics Students, Astronomy Club and Quantum Computing Club). With couches, a kitchenette, workspace, computers, chalkboards and games, it's a popular student hangout.

Flexible Space

The Department of Physics and Astronomy has several conference rooms that can be reserved for study space, group meetings or quiet time.


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Admission Requirements

To be admitted to 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ's Physics major, first-time freshmen must meet 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ's . Interested in transferring? Review the .

Tuition and Aid

How much does Physics at 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ System campus.

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ in addition to university scholarships.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Physics major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

Ohio Tuition Reciprocity

As the result of a special agreement, students from Ohio who are fully admitted to Physics can enroll at 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ.

Review the to see if your institution is listed.

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ family.

Want to know more about Physics at 51ÂÒÂ×»»ÆÞ? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

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