Bachelor of Science in Physics
Our physics degree offers a liberal arts education that’s designed for a technological society.
Oakland University’s Bachelor of Science in Physics pairs the broad education of a liberal arts degree with the career-focused training of a top-notch scientific program. In addition to providing a comprehensive background in theoretical and applied physics, our physics degree offers strong instruction in writing, research methods, verbal communication and project-oriented collaboration. You’ll also acquire extensive research experience that’s rarely available in an undergraduate physics degree, collaborating with senior faculty on relevant, cutting-edge studies. Whether you’re planning for graduate school or intend to go straight into the workforce, our physics degree equips you with important advantages over your peers.
Oakland University’s Bachelor of Science in Physics pairs the broad education of a liberal arts degree with the career-focused training of a top-notch scientific program. In addition to providing a comprehensive background in theoretical and applied physics, our physics degree offers strong instruction in writing, research methods, verbal communication and project-oriented collaboration. You’ll also acquire extensive research experience that’s rarely available in an undergraduate physics degree, collaborating with senior faculty on relevant, cutting-edge studies. Whether you’re planning for graduate school or intend to go straight into the workforce, our physics degree equips you with important advantages over your peers.
Physics Degree: The Oakland University Advantage
Our physics degree combines the research opportunities of a major university with the personalized attention of a small liberal arts college. You’ll get graduate-style training, learning directly from innovative faculty who are working at the frontiers of physics.
Oakland’s physics degree enables you to:
- Gain advanced experience in research. Undergraduate physics majors routinely assist senior professors in significant research projects. You can earn authorship credit on published papers and present at academic conferences, developing impressive credentials for your resume or grad school application.
- Connect with scientific leaders. Oakland’s physics program is led by superior faculty who are involved in well-funded, nationally recognized research. You’ll get extensive one-on-one instruction from senior professors both in the classroom and in the lab, building relationships that support your professional development as well as your education. This level of faculty interaction is unusually high for an undergraduate physics degree.
- Develop versatile skills. In addition to providing you with a high-caliber scientific background, our physics degree equips you with well-rounded skills that are relatively uncommon within STEM fields—and extremely valuable in the job market. You’ll write well, think independently, use digital technology efficiently and collaborate effectively on interdisciplinary teams.
- Belong to a diverse, tight-knit community. With small classes and engaged instructors, Oakland University’s physics department stands out for its welcoming atmosphere. You’ll meet faculty and peers from around the world, with opportunities to build relationships in class, in the lab and through extracurricular activities such as the Committee for Women in Physics and Society of Physics Students.
What Can You Do With a Physics Degree?
Physics career opportunities are extremely varied. If you’re considering graduate school, a physics degree provides excellent preparation for advanced degrees in physics, astronomy and other science-related fields. It also provides a solid foundation for graduate study in professions such as computer science, medicine, dentistry or engineering.
If you choose to enter the workforce immediately, you’ll be qualified for physics careers in a broad range of scientific and technical industries, including:
- Aerospace
- Manufacturing
- Information technology
- Energy
- Defense
- Data science
- Software
- Lasers and optics
- Materials science
- Robotics
Bachelor of Science in Physics: What You’ll Learn
Oakland’s physics degree includes four core physics courses and three physics labs, as well as four required courses in mathematics (three calculus, one algebra). You’ll also take 10 credits (including labs) of chemistry, along with a senior capstone course that involves self-directed study or independent research.
Finally, the physics degree includes at least 22 credits of elective courses in physics. Elective options vary widely, with courses in subjects such as:
- Physics in medicine
- Astrophysics
- Geophysics
- Astronomy
- Optics
- Nuclear physics
- Biological physics
- Mechanics
- Quantum mechanics
- Electricity and magnetism
- Relativity
- Lasers and applications
- Thermodynamics
Physics Degree Resources
Programs Related to the Physics Degree
Not sure if the bachelor’s degree in physics is right for you ? Check out these other undergraduate programs at Oakland, and contact our admissions team to discuss your options.
- Bachelor of Science in Medical Physics
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Mathematics