Physics
BS

Major in physics

Physicists and astronomers conduct theoretical, experimental, and computational studies to explore the fundamental properties and laws that govern space, time, energy, and matter on scales ranging from atoms to the universe.

As a physicist, you can investigate the structure of the atom, design and program computers, solve environmental problems, and develop new manufacturing materials. Physicists lead some of the world's major technology companies and research institutes, paving the way for technological innovations such as lasers, solar cells, electric cars, medical diagnostics, and computers.

The powerful array of technical skills you'll acquire as a physics major will prepare you for a career in many areas of theoretical and applied science. You'll be ready to assume leadership roles in industry, business, and government or explore the fields of materials science, biophysics, geophysics, oceanography, and medical physics. Within a year of graduation, 95% of physics majors are either in graduate school or employed.

The Physics Department also offers a bachelor's of science degree in physics with a concentration in astronomy and astrophysics or a concentration in computational physics.

We also offer teacher preparation for students who are interested in teaching physics at the high school level. Learn more about teacher preparation

Our curriculum covers all of the core fields of physics: classical and quantum mechanics, electricity and magnetism, modern physics and relativity, optics, thermodynamics, and solid state physics.

As a physics major, you will:

apply critical thinking, computer, and electronic skills to solve problems
develop the mathematical analysis and technical writing skills potential sought by employers
train in advanced laboratory techniques, computer simulation, and numerical modeling

The bachelor of science degree requires a minimum of 45 credits in physics courses with 120 credits overall.

During your senior year, you will complete a capstone project, engaging in research with a faculty member on a topic in frontier research.

Astronomy/Astrophysics concentration: explore your interest in the universe by choosing the astronomy/astrophysics concentration. You'll learn the observational and analytical methods astronomers use to study the cosmos, as well as the physics behind celestial phenomena.

Computational physics concentration: earn a BS degree in physics with a concentration in computational physics, the study and implementation of numerical analysis to solve problems in physics. Students will take a three-course sequence at introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels on scientific computing and computational modeling as applied to physical systems.

Additional focus areas are available to suit a range of student interest, including computational physics, climate physics, and applied physics.

Establish the physics background you'll need to enter a variety of interdisciplinary fields. For the minor in physics, you must complete 20 credits.

Enrollment in the 4+1 Teacher Preparation program allows undergraduate students to begin the education coursework towards a master’s degree in teaching (MAT) as early as the sophomore year. Half of the degree is completed as an undergraduate, reducing the time and costs of earning a graduate degree.

Student success

Mckenzie Ferrari '23

Mckenzie Ferrari '23 won multiple scholarships and awards for her undergraduate research on exploding stars and the origins of the universe. She was selected for a highly competitive research opportunity at the Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, and saw her research published in scientific journals.

In addition to her academic achievements, Mckenzie was captain of the women's tennis team, and a mentor in the Women in Engineering community on campus.

After graduating from UMassD, Mckenzie went on to pursue a PhD in astrophysics at the University of Chicago.

Internship sites

Fermi National Accelerator Lab
Harvard Center for Astrophysics
Southern Light Solar
University of Washington at Seattle

Graduate school placements

Duke University
The George Washington University
University of California, Davis
University of Chicago
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Notre Dame

Career placements

Massachusetts General Hospital
MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Oracle
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Textron Systems

College of Engineering alumni starting salary range:
$72,109 - $74,137

NACE Data Collection of Class of 2022 Undergraduate Alumni

UMassD advantages

Experience: participate in internship programs to gain valuable experience with regional industries, often while also earning money for college
Community: join organizations such as the Physics Club, the Society of Women Engineers, the National Society of Black Engineers, and Engineers Without Borders
New initiatives: collaborate, create, and explore at the Center for Scientific Computing and Visualization Research
Capstone projects: students work on capstone projects, engaging with faculty members on research topics

International (F-1) students who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees may be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT). To learn about the eligibility criteria and detailed steps to apply, please review the International Student & Scholar Center (ISSC) OPT page and USCIS resources. F-1 students must consult with the ISSC to apply for STEM OPT.

UMass Dartmouth offers a great transfer experience for students who:

have graduated from an accredited community college, or
have earned college credits from an accredited college or university

Transfer Admissions

Expand your opportunities

Physics BS/MS accelerated program enables well-qualified BS degree students in Physics to complete both the BS and the MS with up to 15 fewer total credits
MS in Physics: expand your career options with a master's degree in physics.
PhD in Engineering and Applied Science: emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of modern research at the interfaces of engineering, the applied sciences, and technology.