Physics Degree Programs in University of Minnesota

School of Physics & Astronomy at University of Minnesota, Twin Cities:
The School of Physics & Astronomy is one of the sixteen schools and colleges at the University of Minnesota, located in Minneapolis, offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs including the B.S. and B.A. in physics. Physics at the University of Minnesota offers a world-class education and cutting edge research to its 120-130 graduate students and growing undergraduate major population. We have 43 faculty members who teach over 3000 undergraduate students per year in their core courses for the Institute of Technology and other colleges of the University.

Physics Degree Program:
The undergraduate physics program at the University of Minnesota School of Physics and Astronomy offers a flexible, real-world approach to the physics major. We recognize that there are many reasons to pursue a physics degree. We offer physics major programs that prepare you for careers in engineering and applied physics, computer applications, secondary school teaching, or biomedical sciences as well as one that gives an excellent preparation of physics graduate work.

Students can focus in one of six areas of emphasis: professional physics, physics for engineering, physics for biology, physics for teaching, physics for computation or materials. All of these degree tracks include a strong core curriculum which is combined with more advanced physics courses and courses from other disciplines. Each program leads to a Bachelor of Science Physics degree, and each of these tracks includes options to help you select courses tailored to your specific needs by the careful choice of technical electives chosen in consultation with your physics advisor.

We also offer a Bachelor of Arts in Physics in the College of Liberal Arts, an even more flexible degree, which provides students with a chance to study physics in a liberal arts context. All physics degrees require 120 credits including all requirements and electives.

Astrophysics Degree Program:
Students in the Astrophysics Undergraduate Program at the University of Minnesota find a challenging, yet personal environment, where they can prepare themselves for careers in research, teaching, and other scientific areas. They receive a rigorous foundation in astronomy and physics, while working closely with internationally respected faculty on the most important astrophysical research problems of the day. Students and faculty make use of the excellent observational, laboratory, and computational facilities in the department as well as national and international observatories.

University Honors Programs:
Physics majors have the option of graduating with Latin honors. To do so they must join the University honors program by the fall of their junior year at the latest.