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Physics

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

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Explore the ever-expanding world of contemporary physics at UW

You loved your science classes in high school and now you're looking to dive deeper, learn more or research something new. The BA or BS in physics at UW could be perfect for you. This undergraduate program exists to produce well-trained scientists who are competitive for jobs in the technical sector and for admission to graduate study.

Our collaborative and tight-knit physics program also gives you personal access to a faculty of passionate scientists and scholars, plus plenty of research opportunities to help set you up for a successful career.

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Program Details

Tuition and Fees

Please visit our cost of attendance page

Department

Physics and Astronomy Department

Curriculum & Courses

Physics, B.A. Coursework
Physics, B.S. Coursework

About the Undergraduate Physics Program

Should you choose the B.A. or B.S.? It depends on your interests and career goals. 

The bachelor of arts (B.A.) in physics degree program provides a pathway for more students to major in physics, as a second major to physical chemistry, mathematics and engineering, for example.

The bachelor of science (B.S.) in physics program is intended for students who will pursue a career or a graduate degree in physics or related fields.

Our research efforts are broadly focused on condensed matter physics, materials science, and astronomy. Our physics faculty and students conduct interdisciplinary, collaborative and hands-on research in multiple cutting-edge laboratories.

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Students in class

Undergraduate students will develop the following capabilities during their studies in the physics department:

  • Conceptual and analytical understanding of the 4 major areas of physics: Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism, Quantum Mechanics and Statistical Physics
  • Understanding of scientific reasoning, i.e., the roles of theory, hypothesis and experiment in the scientific method
  • Demonstration of a working knowledge of laboratory & programming skills as they relate to gathering data and comparing data to the predictions of theoretical models
  • Ability to clearly communicate the results of scientific analysis in written and oral form

Physics students are encouraged to explore scholarships to help fund their education. Check out available scholarships, and don't hesitate to contact our department with questions!

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What Can You Do With a Physics Degree?

Students earning physics degrees are well-trained problem solvers who enjoy diverse challenging careers, and who earn salaries competitive with fields like engineering. Students can also earn a secondary teaching credential to teach high school physics, an occupation in high demand across the country.

Physics Careers

Here are just some of the fields you could work in with a degree in physics:

  • Private Sector STEM
  • Civilian Government & National Labs
  • Active Military 
  • High School Teacher
  • College or University Professor

 

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Here are just a few of the places where University of Wyoming physics alumni are working:

  • ITT Tech
  • Biomedicine 
  • U.S. Marine Corps
  • Bill Barrett Corp., Denver
  • Google
  • Lowell Observatory
  • U.S. Air Force
  • Computer software development
  • Graduate program across the U.S.

Graduate schools UW physics alumni have attended:

  • University of Wyoming
  • Penn State University
  • Florida State University
  • Montana State University
  • George Mason University
  • The George Washington University
  • Virginia Tech 
  • Georgia State University
  • Purdue University
  • Boise State U
  • University of Houston
  • Rice University
  • University Bonn Germany
  • ETH Zurich
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Physics Bachelors Degree Program Highlights

Students choose to major in physics at UW for a variety of reasons, but several stand out. If you join the program, you'll enjoy the following perks and much more:

Smaller Class Sizes

UW is the best blend of a large state university with many science resources and a small college with small classes sizes. A typical introductory physics class at a state university might be 400 students in a large lecture hall; here it is around 45 students in a collaborative small group class setting.

Paid Research Opportunities

Interested in physics research? The Wyoming Research Scholars Program is a university-wide UW Science Initiative program that pairs undergraduate students with faculty mentors to participate in cutting-edge research starting as early as their freshman year. Check out this video tour of our physics labs.

UW Observatories

The physics and astronomy program offers students access to a number of advanced observatories to take advantage of during their research. You don't want to miss those! Laramie offers a fantastic night sky.

Networking & Student Groups

Students participate in the Society of Physics Students organization that attends national conferences and tours regional physical laboratories to network with practicing scientists.

 

Undergraduate research is so accessible at UW because the student to faculty ratio is incredible. There are so many opportunities to grow and contribute to the Physics & Astronomy community at the University of Wyoming—take advantage of them.

- UW Physics & Astronomy Graduate

Related Programs

If you’re thinking about a bachelors degree in physics, these UW programs might also interest you:

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