Physics

Your Future in Physics

Are you curious about how the world works? Ever thought about exploring how electrons and photons enable cell phones, satellites, computers and the Internet or what black holes, dark matter and supernovae tell us about the universe?

A bachelor’s degree in Physics from the University of North Texas can lead to careers investigating these and many other areas important to our daily lives and to understanding the world and universe.

Physicists use math, problem solving experience, analytical skills and their imaginations to study the structure and interaction of matter and energy — the way things work. This information is important in:

• Energy research such as the development of superbatteries and solar cells
• Medical diagnostics and therapy
• Science-enabled education, law practice, technology business and journalism
• Semiconductor and photonics technology
• Space and atmospheric sciences

Their work often can lead to technological innovations and new basic knowledge that supports engineering and other sciences such as biology and chemistry.

Graduates are employed in various research and management careers in business, education, the armed forces, the government, national laboratories and NASA. For example, you may work for a company that develops new electronic devices, teach high school physics or work for a research laboratory furthering the exploration and use of space.

A major in Physics can also prepare you for medical school or a graduate program in Physics or a related field.

What we offer

In the Department of Physics, we provide you the flexibility to pursue either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Physics. Each degree program explores:

• Laws of mechanics (how objects move)
• Mathematical methods of physics
• Physics of electrons, photons, atoms and nuclei
• Principles of electricity and magnetism
• Properties of heat and energy
• Quantum mechanics
• Statistical and thermal physics
• The physics of materials

These courses also will help hone your analytical, math and communication skills for careers working with students, clients and co-workers with backgrounds in other fields. As you progress toward your degree, you can specialize in condensed matter physics, optics, astrophysics or computer-based physics.

The low student-to-faculty ratio in upper-level courses allows you to receive personal attention from faculty members and to interact closely with your peers.

gain new perspectives

Many faculty members are internationally known in their fields. Their expertise includes:

• Computational simulation of materials and their electronic, thermoelectric and optical properties
• Creation of novel, nanostructured optical materials
• Experimental and theoretical atomic physics
• Ion beam modification and analysis of technologically relevant and biological materials
• Modeling of the human brain and other types of networks
• Observation and modeling of active galactic nuclei
• Spectroscopy of semiconductors and biological materials to learn their function and create novel ones

Because of this research activity, undergraduates are often involved in groundbreaking projects conducted in our state-of-the-art facilities.

Research facilities include the:

• Atomic Scattering Physics Laboratory
• Center for Nonlinear Science
• Ion Beam Modification and Analysis Laboratory
• Monroe Robotic Observatory
• Nanoscale Materials Synthesis and Characterization Laboratory
• Polymer Gels and Hydrogels Research Laboratory
• Precision Atomic Physics Measurements Laboratory
• Scanning Tunneling Microscopy Laboratory
• Semiconductor Materials and Devices Characterization Laboratory
• 2-D and 3-D Photonic Materials Synthesis and Characterization Laboratory
• Ultrafast Spectroscopy and Nanophotonics Laboratory

You can meet others who share your interest in physics through the Society of Physics Students. The organization conducts field trips and invites guest speakers to meetings. The department’s weekly Physics Colloquium presents research overviews and descriptions of work by leading professionals in the field.

The Physics Instructional Center consists of a tutorial lab, testing center and laboratories for introductory experiments.

Scholarships are available to help you pursue your education. The scholarship application is at our website using the undergraduate studies and financial support links. Other financial assistance programs include working as an academic assistant in the instructional physics laboratories or at the Rafes Urban Astronomy Center and the Sky Theater planetarium.

What to expect

The degree requirements may vary depending on the bachelor’s degree you pursue. In addition to necessary physics courses, both degree programs require chemistry and math courses. The Bachelor of Science degree has two options that include an additional computer science course requirement.

HOW TO ENROLL AT UNT

High school students

Get detailed information on recognized high school graduation programs and SAT/ACT requirements.

In your senior year, apply for admission at ApplyTexas.org by the March 1 priority date and request that your high school transcript be sent to the UNT admissions office. Do you live out of state? For your convenience, you can apply through the Common Application.

Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses can count toward college credit at UNT.

Transfer students

If you're attending a Texas community college, you should consult our online transfer guides, the UNT Undergraduate Catalog and an academic counselor to review your degree plan. Proper planning will allow you to receive the maximum amount of transfer credits.

Our Transfer Center will help you make a successful transition to college life at UNT by connecting you with a peer mentor and other campus resources.

HELPFUL RESOURCES

The Career Center, Learning Center and professional academic advisors are among the many valuable resources available to you at UNT. The Career Center can provide advice about internships, future employment opportunities and getting hands-on experience in your major. The Learning Center offers workshops on speed reading, study skills and time management. Academic advisors will help you plan your class schedule each semester.