Physics Major, Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Physics majors are problem solvers, equipped with the inventive thinking and analytical skills that are valuable to a wide range of employers.

What courses will you take?

Student works with equipment in a С��Ƶ engineering physics lab

The B.S. in Physics at С��Ƶ is designed to introduce both fundamental and applied aspects of physics. In addition to general physics foundation courses, you can select from a range of technical electives and specialty courses.

At С��Ƶ, we offer three options, which lead to a wide range of career opportunities.

General Option provides a broad and solid grounding in physics. In addition to 60 credits of required physics courses, you can choose technical elective courses and non-physics electives in any of the engineering fields, computer science, mathematics, biology or chemistry. Courses for General Option
Astronomy and Astrophysics Option focuses on studies of celestial objects and phenomena beyond our planet earth. Specialty courses include optical system design, scientific computing, computerized data-acquisition, image processing and statistical data analysis. Courses for Astronomy and Astrophysics Option
Radiological Health Physics Option involves the study of the effects of radiation and radioactivity on life processes. Learn more about the Radiological Health Physics Option and courses

All physics majors complete a capstone research project before graduation, which often results in presentations at national professional meetings and/or publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Visit the Academic Catalog for a complete course listing and to learn about the Physics minor.

Visit the Academic Catalog for all degree pathways, including those from prior enrollment years.

Please review the following learning outcomes for Physics:

Why study physics at С��Ƶ?

A С��Ƶ physics student works with a large piece of lab equipment

Research Opportunities

Gain research experience through employment with the department’s research faculty or internships in national labs such as Los Alamos National Laboratory or in high-tech firms such as Draper Laboratory. Cutting-edge research programs include:

Subatomic physics
Astrophysics
Nanoscience
Photonics
Terahertz technology
Radiological and medical physics

Engineering student works on a device in a С��Ƶ lab.

World-class Facilities and Equipment

Gain access to numerous on-campus facilities, including:

An astronomical observatory
1-MW research reactor and a 5-MV particle accelerator for nuclear science and applications
Fabrication facilities for space-mission instrumentation
Optical and NMR spectroscopic and imaging equipment
Femtosecond pulsed lasers
Sophisticated terahertz imaging capabilities

A finger points to a string vibrating in a С��Ƶ physics classroom

Fun Outside the Classroom

Put your learning into practice by joining student-run like the Biophysics Club, Health Physics Society, River Hawk Racing and Society of Physics Students.

Physics students work with lab equipment at С��Ƶ

Bachelor’s-to-Master's Program

Get on the fast track to an advanced degree with our combined bachelor's-to-master's program.

Available to juniors and seniors with a grade point average of 3.000 or better
Offers a continuous, coordinated sequence of courses
Reduced credit-hour requirements can save you time and money

Career Outlook

$71,000

Median annual salary for bachelor's degree holders in New England
Source: Lightcast, 2025
+10.6%

Projected job growth in New England (2023–2035)
Source: Lightcast, 2025

What can you do with a degree in physics?

С��Ƶ physics graduates are prepared to continue to graduate school or to launch careers in educational institutions, small businesses, industrial firms, government laboratories and non-profit research centers.

Physics equipment glowing purple in a С��Ƶ laboratory

Alumni from our program have worked at:

Canberra Industries, Inc.
Draper Laboratory
Dupont
Los Alamos National Lab
MIT Lincoln Labs
MITRE Corporation
Oak Ridge National Lab
Raytheon
U.S. Department of Energy
U.S. Naval Research Lab

Meet Our Students

Alexis Day seated outdoors in front of a wall with a sign that says Boston Children's Hospital.

Alexis Day ’17, ’19

Radiological Sciences and Protection

Alexis Day ’17, ’19, a senior health physicist at Boston Children’s Hospital, followed in the footsteps of her grandmother Terry LaFrance ’90.

С��Ƶ makes it possible for people who are working full time to still get a master’s degree.

Julie Sage works with radio equipment at WUML, the С��Ƶ radio station.

Julie Sage '26

Physics

Physics major Julie Sage pursues her interests by acting in campus plays, joining the Astronomy Club and hosting her radio program at WUML.

There are a lot of opportunities here at UML to have fun, join clubs, make friends and really connect with people.

Francesca Kamwa on a spiral staircase in the nuclear reactor at С��Ƶ

Francesca Kamwa '22

Radiological Health Physics

Francesca Kamwa ’21 nearly dropped out when her father died. Thanks to support from UML faculty, she’s now applying to medical schools.

There have been a lot of ups and downs, but С��Ƶ has given me so many opportunities.

Take the Next Step

Visit С��Ƶ

Visit campus, meet our people and picture yourself here. Find in-person and virtual tours and events.

Life on Campus and Beyond

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Choose among 200+ clubs, intramural sports, outdoor adventures and events.
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At a Glance

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What courses will you take?

Visit the Academic Catalog for all degree pathways, including those from prior enrollment years.