Bachelor of Science in Physics

Take a closer look at the forces that keep the world running.

If you’re curious about the inner workings of life, the universe and everything, physics may be just the field for you. Frostburg State University’s bachelor of Physics program opens doors into the exciting study of how and why things happen. Physicists have revolutionized our world so much, many of them became household names – Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking, Galileo, Schrödinger, Tesla. An education in physics can put you on the road to new technologies and a better understanding of the world around you.

Frostburg’s program features a hands-on, experiential approach to give you both the information you need to know and the confidence to put it into action. With research opportunities, creative projects and state-of-the-art facilities, the physics program can prepare you for graduate school, a research career or whatever you take on next!

Choose your physics track in Traditional Physics, recommended for students who plan to attend graduate school, or Engineering Physics.

Physics Highlights

Explore a field that underlies all the basic sciences – biology, chemistry, geology – and all applied sciences and engineering. Your knowledge will be valued wherever you go!
Gain skills with the technology tools you’ll use in your professional career. The Compton Science Center is full of specialized, modern labs, including a data-acquisition equipment and software that stores and analyzes your data so you can focus on finding the bigger picture.
Join in fun projects and adventures with the Physics & Engineering Club!
Get the most out of the resources available to you. FSU offers small classes and a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, meaning you’ll receive not just personalized attention but also more hands-on time in experiential lab projects.
Take part in an optional research opportunity, an invaluable experience and a great way to set your knowledge in stone with practice. Previous research areas include renewable energy, astrophysics, wireless sensors, acoustics, CCD astronomy and computer programming.
Prepare for the future with an up-to-date program that is constantly adapting to give you the skills you’ll need in the modern work world.

About Our Physics Faculty:

Flourish with passionate, caring faculty whose first priority is providing you with a quality education.
Delve into any of a number of topics in faculty-led research projects.

Sample Physics Courses:

Classical Mechanics – Development of particle and rigid body mechanics from Newton’s Laws using the notation and methods of vector calculus. Particle motion, central forces, conservation principles, rigid body dynamics and introduction to Lagrange’s equations.

Introduction to Engineering Design – Introduction to the engineering design process, computer software for word processing, spreadsheet, CAD and communication skills. Students work as teams to design and build a project.

Experimental Physics – Application of contemporary methods and instruments to the experimental observation and measurement of classical and modern physical phenomena. Experiments chosen from mechanics, heat, thermodynamics, acoustics, electricity, magnetism, optics and modern physics.

Find out more about Frostburg State University’s Physics program

Career Outlook for Physicists

Physicists are most likely to find work in research positions with a federal government agency, national laboratory or university, with postdoctoral fellowships that may lead to a faculty position. Most jobs require a Ph.D., although there are positions for those with a master’s in research and development positions. A background in physics can also help prepare you for a career in engineering, medicine, information technology, communications or other applied research and development field, as the math and analytical skills gained in physics programs translate well into other hard sciences. For more information, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ page on Physicists.