The Physics and Engineering Physics programs prepare students to tackle real-world challenges with a deep understanding of the laws of nature, strong analytical skills, and practical experience.
The Physics Program offers two degree options leading to a Bachelor of Science as well as a Physics Minor and an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Physics to Masters Arts of Teaching (AB2M).
This flexible and rigorous degree provides a strong foundation in classical and modern physics, mathematics, and laboratory skills. Students can tailor their experience with elective choices that support a wide range of career goals. The curriculum is designed to allow for stacking additional credentials, such as:
Whether your goal is graduate school, industry, teaching, or a professional health career, the BS in Physics at ATU provides the versatility to get you there.
This interdisciplinary degree combines the core principles of physics with applied engineering concepts. It’s designed for students who want to bridge theory and application, preparing them for roles in high-tech industries, advanced engineering, or graduate programs in applied physics and engineering.
The minor in physics is an excellent complement for engineering students, or students majoring in other STEM fields, providing a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles that underpin many engineering/STEM concepts.
The AB2M program, offered in collaboration between the Physics Program and the Department of Teaching and Educational Leadership, provides a pathway for students interested in secondary physics education to complete a BS in Physics and a MAT in five years. Undergraduate students accepted into the program will be allowed to complete up to 12 graduate level credit hours as undergraduates and receive dual credit toward both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Graduates of the Physics Program are prepared to excel in diverse professional fields
by leveraging their analytical and problem-solving skills rooted in understanding
various
physical systems. Our alumni pursue successful careers in industry, graduate studies,
and research across disciplines such as physics, astronomy, medical physics, meteorology,
and data science. This curriculum fosters a budding physicist’s curiosity and creativity
by combining an understanding of natural laws with suitable mathematical rigor and
computational skills to address complex, real-world challenges and explore new scientific
frontiers. Within a few years of graduation, physics alumni will:
Graduates of the Engineering Physics Program are prepared to excel in diverse professional
fields by leveraging their analytical, problem-solving, and design skills grounded
in a rigorous foundation of physics and engineering principles. This interdisciplinary
curriculum integrates advanced mathematical modeling, computational techniques, and
hands-on experimentation with the engineering design process, equipping students to
tackle complex, real-world challenges. Our alumni pursue successful careers in industry,
graduate studies, and research across disciplines such as applied physics, engineering,
renewable energy, materials science, and emerging technologies. This program fosters
creativity and technical proficiency, enabling graduates to contribute meaningfully
to
science, engineering, and technology advancements. Within a few years of graduation,
Engineering Physics alumni will:
Job opportunities for an engineering physics graduate can include employment in industries such as: McDonnell Douglas/Boeing, Texas Instruments, Honeywell, Microsoft, Polaroid, Union Carbide, National Institute of Standards & Technology, Entergy, Tennessee Valley Authority, and Dow Chemical, etc. Also, government agencies such as NASA, National Bureau of Standards, Office of Naval Research, Department of Energy, etc., provide additional employment opportunities for engineering physics graduates.
The Physics Club meets bi-weekly for phun and engaging activities like attending physics lectures, planetarium visits, hiking, and more. All are welcome—come explore the universe with us!
For more information contact the Physics Club Faculty Advisor, Dr. Young: jyoung35@atu.edu
Arkansas Tech University
Department of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
1701 N. Boulder Avenue
Russellville, AR 72801-2222
Phone: (479)356 -2114
Fax: (479) 964-0837
Email: cmp@atu.edu
