Physics, the most basic of the sciences, has intellectual and usefu l aspects. The intellectual component resides in our innate desire to understand the physical characteristics of our universe. The usefulness is evident everywhere in high-tech products and computerized communications. Many of the technological advances in our modern society flow directly from physics laboratories, such as the many applications of lasers, or the possibility of high speed levitated trains relying on high temperature superconductors. Much of the equipment and technology used by other scientists and medical doctors were originally developed by physicists, including x-rays, lasers, and MRIs. These are just several examples of exciting applications which resulted from intellectual endeavors in physics. In addition, productive citizens in this technological age must have a basic understanding of physics. For example, congressmen and all citizens need an understanding of physics when they debate government appropriations for projects, such as the space program, the requirements for energy needs and energy conservation, and possible solutions to global warming.
A degree in physics provides opportunities for challenging and exciting careers in many professions, because physics teaches skills that are transferable to these professions. These skills include probl em solving, analytical abilities, mathematical modeling, design and interpretation of experiments, research experience, and communication skills. The physics major is also excellent preparation for students planning to enter science related businesses, MBA School, Medical School, or Law School. Medical Schools seek out students with majors in physics because of the high-tech nature of medical care. MBA schools consider a major in physics outstanding preparation for an understanding of manufacturing and the high-tech aspect of our economy. Just a few of the many careers that are open to you by pursuing a degree in physics are listed below.
Possible careers with a degree in physics:
- Medicine Astronomy
- Engineering Chemistry
- Biophysics Patent Law
- Management Financial Planning
- Education Actuarial Science
- Environmental Science Journalism
- Computer Science Technician
- Mathematics Imaging
- Radiology Meterology
There are four degree tracks for physics majors and one option for the physics minor:
The BS degree is for students planning careers in physics or related areas such as engineering. It provides rigorous, in-depth coverage in the areas of mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics. Students also acquire knowledge of electrical circuits and the laboratory skills necessary to succeed in experimental physics. With this degree students are well prepared for graduate studies in physics. Some of our BS majors have also gone on to study optics, medical physics, and engineering in graduate school.
The BA degree provides a broad exposure to physics without the rigorous detail offered in the BS degree. BA students are well prepared for careers in science education, technical writing or journalism, or for working in science-related businesses. The physics BA degree is also a popular major for students who plan to enter professional schools such as Medicine, Business, or Law or whose primary major is in another area such as mathematics or chemistry.
The BA degree with a Concentration in Biophysics and Biochemistry is a degree that is like the BS degree, but with a focus on the biosciences. Students obtain a BA in Physics which includes a core set of biophysics and biochemistry courses that provide a rigorous and quantitative training and focus, with application to the biosciences. Students obtain a knowledge base making them highly qualified to pursue research careers in the biotechnology industry or additional graduate education in biochemistry, biophysics, or the pharmaceutical sciences. Students who are pursuing the physics BA degree and following the pre-health professions curriculum would complete the requirements for this concentration, if specific selections for required physics elective courses were chosen.
The BA/MS degree is an alternative to the BS degree for students planning on graduate study. It provides the same rigorous and in-depth coverage of core physics subjects at the undergraduate level as the BS degree does. In this program, at the end of the third year, the physics requirements for the BA degree are complete, and thus, the student may receive graduate credit for courses taken in the fourth year. During the fourth year of the BA/MS program, the student finishes the University requirements for the BA degree and graduates with his/her class. In the fifth year the remaining course requirements and a thesis for the MS degree are completed. Students interested in the 5-year BA/MS degree should apply for admission to the Graduate School at the end of their junior year.
100 Olin Physical Laboratory
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC 27109-7507
Phone: (336) 758-5337, FAX: (336) 758-6142
E-mail: wfuphys@wfu.edu
Universities and Colleges offering Physics
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