Physics B.A. Custom Emphasis Major
Every day, physicists are making life-changing discoveries
If you have a passion for discovery and want to be part of an exciting and innovative field, you should consider majoring in physics.
The Physics B.A. Custom Emphasis major provides strong problem-solving skills for students with interdisciplinary interests. This major is an excellent choice for students double majoring in an area such as computer science, chemistry, or biology.
This major requires fewer courses than the Physics B.S. degree, and all physics requirements can be completed in five semesters. Because students can choose coursework in other departments to complement their degree, they gain a custom set of skills that helps them stand out, and prepares them for jobs in high-demand industries.
Top ranked
The Physics program at UNI ranks in the top 15% nationally for students graduating from a bachelor's only department.
Paid research
Our department offers paid summer research fellowships each year, providing a $4,000 stipend for up to 16 physics majors to conduct research.
$60,000
Average starting salary in the private sector for Physics bachelor's degree recipients nationwide. (American Institute of Physics Statistical Research Center.)
Find out More About Physics B.A. Custom Emphasis
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Contact us directly at:
UNI Department of Physics
University of Northern Iowa
215 Begeman Hall
Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0150
Phone: 319-273-2420
Email: physics@uni.edu
Doing undergraduate research was an amazing experience. It allowed me to explore my strengths and see physics in a real-world setting, as opposed to just the classroom.
Preparing you for careers of the future
The workforce is changing. More than ever, employers are seeking workers with cross-training and a diverse set of skills. That’s why we’ve crafted our curriculum to meet the needs of the future workplaces.
Our graduates are equipped to do many things: code, build and troubleshoot electronics, analyze data, implement modeling systems, and more. This kind of cross-training builds resilient workers, who can quickly change focus when their job requires it.
In addition, our Physics Seminar class – required for everyone in our department – prepares students for life after graduation. Students participate in physics colloquia; prepare an oral report on a research topic or internship, draft their resume/CV, participate in interviews, and perform job and graduate school searches.
Hands-on Learning
Our department prides itself on the close interaction between faculty and students both inside and outside the classroom. Personalized attention, combined with research opportunities and independent laboratory projects, allows students to work with sophisticated equipment and to gain research experience at the undergraduate level.
Students have opportunities to work with faculty in such research areas as magnetic properties of materials, computational materials science, biological physics, statistical physics, optical spectroscopy, low-dimensional structures and surfaces, and physics education.