Physics

Why Study Physics?

Major/Minor | Science/Engineering | CAS

Physics seeks to discover how the universe works. The UW-River Falls physics program ranks in the top 10% of undergraduate physics-producing schools in the country and will provide you with a lifetime of transferable skills. With multiple option areas including dual degree, physics education and pre-engineering programs, you’ll have access to personalized hands-on learning, extensive research opportunities, professional development and so much more.

Apply Request Information Degree Requirements Four Year Plan

76%

Of Students Completed at Least One High-Impact Practice Before Graduation

700+

Students in Honors Programs

Fortune 500 Companies Close to Campus

My favorite experience has been the opportunity to do undergraduate research with one of my physics professors. As a sophomore, I got my first grant from URSCA to build a fiber optic interferometer with fiber stretchers for use in the upper-level optics class on campus. I got to build something that students will use for years to come and learned a lot about fiber optics and interferometers in the process. I loved it so much that I am currently working on my second URSCA-funded project which involves building an ultrafast pulsed laser.

Ian Carter

physics@uwrf.edu // 715-425-3777

Your Degree:

Undergraduate

Area of Study:

Science/Engineering

Estimate Your Cost

Student looks through a viewfinder during an Astronomy class

Skills and Learning Outcomes

Understand and apply physics principles to solve problems, maintain a lab journal and assess and use data.
Gain experience with instrumentation and develop proficiency in collecting and interpreting data.
Develop and apply simulation techniques and experimental design principles.
Practice collaboration, oral presentation, scientific writing and laboratory safety skills.
Develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Types of Courses

Astrophysics
Calculus-Based Physics
Dynamics
Electronics: Circuits and Devices
Modern Physics
Nuclear and Particle Physics
Optics
Quantum Mechanics
Scientific Programming

A male student conducts an experiment with lasers

Two male students stand in front of a sign at the geographic south pole in Antarctica

Potential Careers

Physics majors can take many paths when selecting a career. A wide variety of specialty areas gives graduates lots of options in the workforce. Some examples of future careers include: