College of Engineering
Physics BS
Earn a physics degree through hands-on research, advanced laboratory work, and opportunities to explore fields from astrophysics to quantum science.
Program details
- Modality
- On-campus
- Duration
- 4 years
- Designated
- STEM, STEM-OPT
- Mean starting salary for physics majors:
- $73,949 Mean starting salary for physics majors. View career outcomes.
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Why study physics at UMass Dartmouth?
Physics gives you a foundation for understanding how the world works, from the behavior of matter and energy to the forces that shape our oceans, atmosphere, technology, and universe. At UMass Dartmouth, you’ll build that foundation while exploring the many ways physics can be applied, from computational science and quantum research to ocean physics and astronomy.
Your education extends beyond the classroom through hands-on laboratory work, faculty-led research, and opportunities to work with specialized equipment and technology. Study the universe using the Hirshfeld-Dowd Observatory, explore computational approaches to solving complex problems, or connect with research through UMass Dartmouth’s Quantum Research Initiative. With UMass Dartmouth’s strengths in ocean science, engineering, computing, and research, you’ll see how physics connects across disciplines and industries.
As you progress through the program, you can tailor your education with optional concentrations in astronomy and astrophysics or computational physics.
Launch your career
Salary range: $73,949What can I do with a Physics BS degree?
A physics degree gives you a strong foundation in mathematics, computation, experimentation, and analytical problem-solving — skills that can be applied across a wide range of careers, including:
- Physicist or research scientist
- Astrophysicist or astronomer
- Data scientist or analyst
- Medical physicist
- Educator
- Computational scientist
Top employers
Curriculum
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 learn the skills to:
- Apply principles of classical and quantum physics to solve complex problems
- Use mathematics, computation, and numerical modeling to analyze physical systems
- Design experiments and apply advanced laboratory techniques
- Use advanced computational tools to collect, analyze, and interpret data
- Conduct research and investigate open-ended questions in physics
During your senior year, you will complete a capstone project, engaging in research with a faculty member on a topic in frontier research.
Real-world experience
Physics majors at UMass Dartmouth have numerous opportunities to learn beyond the classroom. Work alongside faculty on research projects, gain hands-on experience using the campus observatory, and apply what you learn through laboratory and computational work. You can also pursue competitive National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF-REU) opportunities at universities and research institutions around the country, gaining experience in new research environments and exploring areas of physics that match your interests.
Course descriptions and requirements
Explore the official academic catalog for detailed curriculum requirements, course descriptions and program information.
Student Spotlight
- Hometown
- Wilmington, DE
- Major
- Physics
- Athletics
- Ice Hockey
- Leadership
- Society of Physics Students
- Research
- Quantum computing
Accelerated degree options
Explore accelerated pathways that may help you complete your bachelor’s degree sooner, begin graduate coursework early, or pursue a streamlined path to a master’s, teaching, or law degree. Available options vary by program and eligibility.
4+1 Accelerated bachelor’s to master’s option
Qualified students in this program may be eligible to pursue an accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s pathway at UMass Dartmouth. This option allows you to begin graduate coursework while completing your undergraduate degree and transition directly into a master's program.
Learn more about College of Engineering accelerated degrees
4+1 BA/BS-MAT: a fast track to teaching
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.
Learn more about the 4+1 Teacher Preparation program
Accolades
UMass Dartmouth is a nationally ranked R2 research university that combines the resources of a major university with a personalized educational experience. Ranked among the top 15 public research institutions with fewer than 10,000 students and in the top 17% nationally for return on investment, UMass Dartmouth is recognized for advancing research, social mobility, and career-ready education.
Nationally Ranked Engineering with ABET-Accredited Programs
The College of Engineering is home to ABET-accredited undergraduate programs and nationally-ranked graduate programs supported by significant research activity and industry partnerships. Students gain hands-on experience through advanced laboratories, faculty-led research, internships, and work addressing emerging challenges in engineering, computing, energy, healthcare, and technology.
Frequently asked questions
Have questions about the Physics BS program? Here you will find answers to common questions about admissions, curriculum, career outcomes, and student experience.
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 high-performance 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:
- astrophysics
- biophysics
- computational physics
- geophysics
- medical physics
- ocean physics
- quantum physics
Yes. Quantum mechanics is part of the physics curriculum, and students interested in quantum science can connect their studies with research taking place through UMass Dartmouth's Quantum Research Initiative.
The on-campus Hirshfeld-Dowd Observatory gives students hands-on opportunities to explore astronomy and astrophysics. It is equipped with a rotating dome and a computerized 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. It is operated in collaboration with the Astronomical Society of Southern New England.
Physics is also available as a minor. Contact your academic advisor for more information.
The Physics BS program is designated as a STEM degree and may qualify eligible F-1 international students for the 24-month STEM Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT) extension after completing standard post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Eligibility for STEM OPT is determined by U.S. immigration regulations and individual student circumstances. To learn about eligibility requirements and the application process, review the International Student & Scholar Center (ISSC) OPT page and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) STEM OPT guidance. F-1 students must work with the ISSC to apply for a STEM OPT extension.