Estimated Completion
120 credit hours (4 years)
Application Process
Cost
Locations Available
Department
College
B.S. in Physics
Overview
This degree program is one of the best-equipped, compelling, and most active physics programs of any undergraduate institution in the nation. Our program is extremely flexible with 13 hours of general elective along with 18 hours of support field electives. This flexibility enables students to tailor their degree to pursue various interests, or pursue professional goals using one of our six specialty tracks, which are:
- Astronomy
- Classical (Double Major)
- Medical Physics/Pre-Professional
- 9-12 Math/Physics Teacher
- 9-12 Physics/Chemistry
- Nuclear Engineering
Designed With You in Mind
In addition to outstanding facilities and academic support, the Tarleton State University Physics Program also offers:
- Unique research opportunities
- Unique physics and nuclear engineering courses
- Freshman academic scholarships of up to $9,000 a year
Accreditations
Related Programs
Not what you were looking for? Tarleton State University offers over 100 different degrees and certifications that may be of interest to you, including:
Plan Your Future
Career Opportunities
A B.S. in Physics can lead to careers such as:
- Physicist
- Bioengineer
- Medical Technician
- Nuclear Engineer
- Physics Teacher
- Astronomer
And much more!
Graduates
Graduates of our program have gone on to work in places such as:
- Wolverine Trading
- The Texas Department of Health Services
- Teaching positions at universities
- Scott & White Hospital
Graduate School Opportunities
Previous program graduates have completed Masters and Doctoral programs at institutions such as:
- Duke
- Purdue
- Rice
- Texas A&M
- University of Texas
- Baylor
- MIT
- Stanford
Career Services
Career Services offers a variety of professional development opportunities that can translate into careers. A few of these programs include:
- Career counseling and My Plan
- Handshake
- Mock interviews
- Resume assistance
- Texan Shadow
And many more!
Program Objectives
Our department strives to emphasize the personal bond between students and faculty. Through personalized counseling, we strongly encourage our students to identify their preferences by choosing a track that will prepare them for both professional and academic challenges. Tarleton's faculty members are dedicated to meet the needs of all students, and will be consistent in making every effort to be responsive and progressive.
Coursework Highlights
| Class | Number | Class Name |
|---|---|---|
| PHYS | 1403 | Stars and Galaxies |
| PHYS | 3332 | Electromagnetic Field Theory |
| PHYS | 3350 | Medical Physics I |
| PHYS | 4303 | Astronomy and Astrophysics |
| PHYS | 4330 | Mathematical Methods for Physicists and Engineers |
| PHYS | 4337 | Nuclear Physics and Techniques |
| MATH | 3306 | Differential Equations |
| MATH | 3332 | Linear Algebra |
For more information on courses, please refer to the university catalog.
Facilities and Features
Accelerator Facility
This facility is specific to our program, and serves as a means of research for students; it is also one of only six undergraduate tandem facilities in the United States. Some of our previous students have been selected for summer Research Experience for Undergrads (REU) programs at institutions such as:
- California Institute of Technology
- University of North Texas
- Texas Christian University
Dr. Marble's accelerator group performs a wide range of research over topics such as basic ion-atom collision and the use of nuclear techniques for analyzing electronics.
Observatory
Our Astronomy Education and Research program at Tarleton provide students with the opportunity to complete significant astronomical research using a state-of-the-art 32" telescope. The Tarleton State University observatory is located on Hunewell Ranch, which is East of Stephenville. It features a Ritchey-Chretien reflecting telescope that was designed by Astronomical Consultants and Equipment of Tucson, AZ. The computer-controlled and high-resolution CCD imaging system ensures the accurate capture of images for both research or projection.
Society of Physics Students
The Society of Physics Students (SPS) is a national organization that gives students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, meet like-minded peers, and expand their knowledge of physics and related subjects. The Tarleton State University SPS chapter has been recognized for excellence on several occasions, and includes Sigma Pi Sigma, which is a National Physics Honor Society chapter that honors students who achieve academic distinction through their coursework.
Electron Microscopy Lab
This lab is a multi-user, interdisciplinary facility that supports student and faculty research across the Tarleton campus. The lab's equipment includes a computer-controlled JEOL scanning electron microscope (SEM) with a 3.5 nanometer resolution. Researchers can combine lab capabilities with additional analysis tools or at the Texas A&M Agricultural Extension Center, including:
- Particle induced x-ray emission
- X-ray fluorescence
- Rutherford backscattering spectrometry
- Atomic absorption spectroscopy
- Nuclear reaction analysis
And many more.
Planetarium
The Planetarium is an integral part of the Lamar Johnson Science Building, which opened in April 2001. It features:
- A Digistar II digital starfield projector
- 18 photographic slide projectors
- 2 video projectors
- Surround sound under a 40' (12.192m) dome
- A 56-seat theatre
This facility is truly a wondrous environment in which to explore the wonders of the universe.