Physics

Physics

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Bachelor of Science in Physics

Concentrations Offered

Pre-medical curriculum, Applied physics curriculum

Top 5 Reasons to Study

01

Physics is the basis for other sciences, covering scales from subatomic particles to galaxies.

02

Physics can be a basis for a wide range of careers, not only in physics, but engineering, medicine, and other fields.

03

Studying physics develops problem solving skills. Physics teaches you how to break down complex problems and find quantitative answers.

04

Many new technologies, such as Quantum Computing, are based on physics discoveries.

05

Skills learned in studying physics (critical thinking, quantitative analysis, and hands-on technical skills) are valued by many employers.

Core
Skills

  • Critical Thinking
  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Design of Experiments
  • Technical Writing and Presentations

Sample
Jobs

  • Engineer
  • Data Analyst
  • Scientist
  • High School Teacher
  • Medical Physicist

Successful Career Outcomes

Average salary with bachelor's degree in physics: $61,000
Physics majors have some of the highest scores on the MCAT medical admissions exam
93% employed or in graduate school one year after graduation (American Institute of Physics 2024 data)

Top
Employment
Industries

  • Materials Science
  • Medical Technology
  • Biological Research
  • Education
  • Astronomy and Space Exploration

Brag
Points

  • MSU Physics grads have gone on to graduate study at MIT, Univ. of Southern California, Univ. of California Davis, Michigan State Univ., Duke Univ. Medical Physics, Univ. of Arizona, Univ. of Mississippi Medical Center, among other schools.
  • Job placements include Los Alamos National Lab, the Naval Oceanographic Office at Stennis Space Center, US Navy, US Air Force, US Space Force, ERDC Vicksburg.
  • Prestigious scholarships awarded to Physics grads include three Goldwater Scholarships, two Astronaut Scholarships, and a US Dept. of Energy Computational Sciences graduate fellowship.

Physics

2025-2026 Major Map

Bachelor of Science in Physics

Get the Courses You Need

1st Year

In addition to the math and science courses listed here, Physics majors must complete the Arts & Sciences' core: English Composition, Fine Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Public Speaking, and two semesters of a foreign language.

 

Fall

  CH 1213/1211 Chemistry 1 and Lab 

  PH 1001 Intro to Physics, PH 1063 Descriptive Astronomy

  MA 1713 Calculus I

Spring

  PH 2213 Physics I

  MA 1723 Calculus II

  CH 1223/1221 Chemistry II and Lab

2nd Year

Fall

PH 2223 Physics II

MA 2733 Calculus III

MA 3113 Intro to Linear Algebra

Computer Programming

Spring

 PH 2233 Physics III

 MA 2743 Calculus IV

 MA 3253 Differential Equations I

3rd Year

Fall

PH 3613 Modern Physics

PH 4113 Electronic Circuits

PH 4213 Intermediate Mechanics

MA 3353 Differential Equations II

Spring

PH 4143 Intermediate Lab

GE 3513 Prof. Communications for Engineers

PH 4513 Intermediate Optics

Upper-level Physics Elective

4th Year

Fall

PH 4713 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics

PH 4323 Electromagnetic Fields I

Upper-level Physics Elective

Spring

PH 4152 Modern Physics Lab

PH 4413 Thermal Physics

Hands-On Learning

1st Year

Learn about research opportunities and careers in PH 1001 Intro to Physics.

2nd Year

Participate in research with a faculty member.

3rd Year

Participate in research during the summer at MSU or in a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program.

4th Year

Present your research at the MSU Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Connect with Community

1st Year

Join the Society of Physics Students (SPS), Women in Physics Club, and Astronomy Club.

2nd Year

Attend department events to meet other majors and physics faculty.

3rd Year

Volunteer at public outreach events like Science Night at the Museums.

4th Year

Attend department colloquiums to learn about current physics research and job opportunities.

Explore the World

1st Year

Begin studying a foreign language. 

2nd Year

Explore study abroad opportunities and scholarships.

3rd Year

Study abroad. Physics is an international science.

4th Year

Consider international careers in physics or other sciences.

Launch Your Career

1st Year

Plan your curriculum based on your career goals. For example, if you're interested in medical fields, you will probably take biology during your freshman year and organic chemistry during your sophomore year.

2nd Year

Seek out more information about careers in physics and other sciences from upperclassmen, faculty, and graduate students.

3rd Year

If you are interested in attending graduate school in physics or another science, begin searching for graduate schools with programs matching your goals. If going into the workforce, begin searching for industries that appeal to you.

4th Year

Apply to graduate schools and job openings. Resources at the MSU Career Center can help you.

Learn More

BS in Physics degree requirementsFlowchart for Pre-Med *Not an official concentrationFlowchart for Applied Physics *Not an official concentrationAmerican Physical Society Physics CareersWho's hiring Physics BachelorsApply to MSU