Degree Programs

There are a wide variety of things you can do with a Physics degree.  Have a look at our Why Physics? page (it includes some employment and salary information), then look at the possible degree programs below. 
(* Requires Acrobat Reader)

Physics Major
        Course Requirements    

        Suggested 4-year Schedule (* .pdf) 

This standard undergraduate major provides a broad background in physics and is the ideal choice if you're planning to continue your study of physics in areas such as acoustics, astronomy, nuclear physics, optics, particle physics, plasma physics or solid-state physics.  It's also perfect for those whose career advancement could be enhanced through an understanding of technology and the physical world. 

 

Distributive Major
        Course Requirements

The emphasis of the distributive physics major is applied physics and interdisciplinary fields.  The program can be tailored to the student who would like to move directly into the workforce, or for one who would like top pursue graduate study in an applied field.  Concentrations already exist in Computational Methods, Optoelectronics, and Professional Management.

     

Computational Methods (4-Year Schedule * .pdf )

Offered by only a handful of universities across the country, this unique concentration combines numerical methods, models and algorithms to solve problems that are intractable by traditional methods.  Distinct from the computer science and mathematics studies from which it sprang, the study of computational methods seeks answers through the analysis of mathematical models.  This concentration will prepare you for a career in industry, a government agency like NASA or graduate studies in fields such as structural analysis, molecular models, network modeling or computational fluid dynamics. 
       

Professional Management (4-Year Schedule * .pdf  )

American business is facing a critical shortage of managers with a solid grounding in the hard sciences.  This concentration will prepare you to fill the void.  You learn the basics of business administration while gaining a thorough understanding of computers and lasers, as well as experimental and computational techniques.  Perfect for those whose plans include a leadership role in industry, this option also satisfies the requirement for acceptance in most MBA programs.

      

Optoelectronics (4-Year Schedule * .pdf )

Developed in collaboration with industry and Austin Peay's computer science department, this major prepares you to work with lasers, optical discs, image sensors, optical fibers and other optoelectronic components.  A $20 billion industry, optoelectronics offers one of the brightest pictures on the employment horizon, with thousands of jobs in business, research labs, universities and other settings.  If you want a degree that lands you in the middle of a high-demand field, this is it.

         

Distributive Teaching Major (Course Requirements )

High schools everywhere are experiencing a serious shortage of qualified physics teachers, and the problem is expected to worsen in the next two decades.  If you have an interest in science, plus the desire to teach, to change young people's lives for the better and to leave a lasting legacy, this option could be perfect for you.
     

Physics Minor (Course Requirements)

Designed for students who find the subject fascinating but do not wish to major in it.  Requires a major.

 

Astronomy Minor (Course Requirements)

Designed for students who find the subject fascinating and desire a non-mathematical minor.  Requires a major.