Physics BS

  • Major
  • BS
Format
  • In-Person
Location
  • Greeley
Concentration
  • Astronomy
  • Engineering Physics
  • Licensure: Science (Grades 6-12)
Estimated Completion Time

4 Years

Tuition Rate

Tuition & Fees

Department(s)

Department of Physics and Astronomy

Credits

120

Area of Study
Apply Request Information

Program Overview

Physics shows you how the universe works. It reveals important links between natural and physical events. These include earthquakes, solar energy, lasers, black holes and magnetic fields. 

 If you’re curious about how the world works, Physics is for you. It’s perfect if you like solving problems and enjoy math. 

Our BS in Physics program is focused on students with small classes and attentive faculty.  You can customize your degree to fit your interests. Choose from three emphasis areas: astronomy, engineering or secondary teaching.

 You’ll learn the fundamentals of physics and develop strong math skills. You can work closely with Ph.D. faculty, both in and outside of the classroom. You’ll find many opportunities for you to take the initiative and be creative.

You can pursue your own research projects with guidance from faculty. Or, you can team up with senior researchers on their projects.  These hands-on experiences are essential to your professional career success and ensure you are ready to make an impact on your first day on the job. 

To earn a BS in Physics at UNC, you’ll complete 120 credits.

Liberal Arts Curriculum — 31 credits 

Written Communication — 6 credits 

 Mathematics — 3 credits 

Arts & Humanities, History, Social & Behavioral Sciences, U.S. Multicultural Studies, and International Studies — 15 credits 

Natural & Physical Sciences — 7 credits

Required Major courses — 80-84 credits

See the UNC Catalog for Physics degree requirements.

This four-year plan suggests a schedule to finish your bachelor’s degree and graduate on time.  

 Sample courses include: 

  • Thermodynamics 
  • Nuclear and Particle Physics 
  • Quantum Mechanics 
  • Optics 
  • Electricity and Magnetism 

 View sample four-year plan in the UNC Catalog. 

A Physics minor provides deep insights into the fundamental laws of physics. It explores how these principles shape our world and the universe. The minor supports other majors like chemistry, earth science, biology or mathematics. It adds physics knowledge beyond the basic course. 

  You will explore scientific methods. You’ll develop critical and quantitative thinking skills. Plus, you’ll grasp the experimental and theoretical methods in modern physics. 

 The minor requires 32-34 credits. Refer to the course catalog for a list of required and elective courses for the minor. 

Develop Skills Employers Value

Our physics program develops the analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and technical expertise that make you invaluable in today’s fastest-growing industries. 

A Physics education opens the door to many satisfying and diverse fields. Our graduates bring unique value to employers: 

  • Analytical mindset for solving complex problems 
  • Technical skills that adapt to new technologies 
  • Research experience driving innovation 
  • Quantitative expertise essential across industries 

Physics Graduate in Demand

Physics graduates are highly sought after for jobs. Our Physics program helps you build strong analytical and problem-solving skills. These skills are helpful in many areas. They include engineering, astronomy, theoretical physics, teaching, research, health care, data analysis and government.  

Career Paths

You’ll graduate with a solid foundation in physics and ready to pursue jobs in industry, research laboratories or graduate programs in physics, engineering, health or the environment.

Technology & Innovation: Transform how we live and work through information technology, telecommunications, and advanced manufacturing. 

Energy & Healthcare: Shape the future with renewable energy solutions, cutting-edge medical technology, and life-saving research. 

Education & Impact: Join the ranks of in-demand STEM educators preparing students for tomorrow’s careers. 

Concentrations

Choose from three specialized tracks to align your physics degree with your career goals and interests.

The Astronomy concentration offers a pathway into careers in astronomy, astrophysics and related areas. You’ll explore the cosmos while developing strong analytical skills applicable to research and industry. 

The Engineering concentration prepares you to succeed in one of the most dynamic segments of the job market. If your career interests lie in aerospace, computer science or industrial technology then this is the perfect option for you. 

Physics teachers are in demand! Recent graduates from this emphasis area have a 100% job placement rate as STEM educators. You’ll learn about principles of advanced physics while gaining direct teaching experience.

Alum Builds Star Wars Robots

Physics alum Adam Wilson, ’10, built the famous Star Wars BB-8 robots. Inspired by his undergraduate research at UNC, Wilson founded founder of Sphero, a leading STEM learning company.

Inspired by his undergraduate research at UNC, Wilson founded Sphero, a leading STEM learning company with interactive robotics and STEM education kits that teach kids to code at home and in school. 

BB-8 accompanied Poe Dameron on many missions for the Resistance, Click to play the video

Nationally Recognized Physics Research

Congratulations to Tyler Engstrom, a 2025 Cottrell Scholar, for being recognized as an innovator in physics and teaching!

Tyler Engstrom, UNC assistant professor of physics

Related Programs

Physics and Astronomy

Physics helps us understand how the world works, from the tiniest particles to the biggest parts of the universe. It gives us the tools to explore nature’s biggest questions and discover how things really work. If you’re curious about the world and love solving problems, come explore physics with us