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Physics (BA)

About

The concepts of physics are basic to matter, energy and all phenomena. They help us understand how the world around us works, from cell phones to tsunamis, anatomy to cathedrals and DNA to black holes. Physics is the basis for modern technology, and for the tools and instruments used in medicine, engineering, manufacturing and other sciences.

Students in Appalachian State University’s Bachelor of Arts in Physics degree receive the guidance and instruction to harness these concepts. Whether you choose to continue on to graduate school or pursue a career in industries such as computing, engineering, biotechnology, nanotechnology or statistics, you will be equipped with the necessary knowledge, technical training and problem-solving skills to handle many challenges. The BA’s language requirement also opens doors for high-demand positions in the global marketplace.

In addition to receiving a well-rounded course of study in pure physics, BA majors will have the opportunity to work with Department of Physics and Astronomy mentors on research and other creative projects beyond the classroom. Combine that with access to top-notch facilities including Dark Sky Observatory, millions of dollars’ worth of electron and optical microscopes, curated and regularly updated electronics laboratories, and an atmospheric physics research station funded by NASA, and Appalachian’s Department of Physics and Astronomy is an extraordinary place to learn and grow.

After Graduation

Employment: Students who graduate with a B.S. or a B.A. in physics from Appalachian State University have gone on to work for the American Physical Society, Clarkston Consulting, EcoGreen Energy Solutions, National Instruments, Halliburton, Campbell Scientific, BMW Manufacturing and Qorvo.

Graduate School: Students who graduate with a B.S. or a B.A. in physics from Appalachian State University have gone on to graduate programs at the following schools:

  • Appalachian State University – Engineering Physics
  • North Carolina State University – Materials Engineering, Electrical Engineering
  • Wake Forest University – Physics
  • Stanford University – Aerospace Engineering
  • Duke University – Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics
  • University of California-Los Angeles – Civil Engineering
  • Clemson University – Astrophysics
  • Indiana University-Bloomington – Astrophysics 
  • UNC-Charlotte – Physics, Optical Sciences
  • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – Nuclear Engineering
  • University of Maryland – Physics, Chemical Physics
  • Rochester Institute of Technology – Microelectronics Engineering
  • University of Colorado - Boulder - Physics
  • Colorado State University – Physics

Career Exploration website

People

  • Alumnus Profile: Austin Shaw ’17
    Alumnus Profile: Austin Shaw ’17

    Shaw has chosen to stay at Appalachian for a master’s degree and is getting practical know-how in engineering as a key member of the Team Sunergy solar car team.

  • Faculty Profile: Dr. Michael Briley
    Faculty Profile: Dr. Michael Briley

    Dr. Michael Briley describes this program as small enough to provide a more personal approach to instruction, yet with resources matching those of a much larger institution.

    Meet more faculty

  • Alumna Profile: Maggie Seeds ’12
    Alumna Profile: Maggie Seeds ’12

    “The department is an excellent place for anyone looking for challenges and relationships that inspire you.”

    – Maggie Seeds ’12, Clarkston Consulting in Durham

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide

    Click on the pdf for your major

  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Related Programs

  • Physics (BS) - Applied Physics
  • Physics (BS) - Secondary Education

Minors

A minor is required. The most popular choice is Mathematics.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

Research in Physics and Astronomy – The Department of Physics and Astronomy is committed to supporting its majors with undergraduate research opportunities. Professors value the research experience as one of the most instrumental for success beyond the undergraduate level. Contact Dr. Brooke Hester for more information.

The Physics and Astronomy Club – Members of the club are dedicated to educating the public on various topics of physics and astronomy and supporting their peers with access to resources and community. Throughout the academic year, they plan and take part in social activities, service-oriented projects and community outreach efforts.

Students for Inclusive Excellence in STEM – The primary focus of the club is to educate and promote inclusive excellence and diversity in all STEM departments through outreach and departmental involvement.

Appalachian State University Robotics Club – The group is designing and creating a prototype rover called “Marty” that serves as a tester for autonomous driving systems. The club plans to compete in the University Rover Challenge, an annual event featuring a "Mars-esque" environment in southern Utah.

Team Sunergy - The Appalachian State Solar Vehicle Team includes students from a diverse range of disciplines including physics, sustainable technology, business, music and computer science. Through this diverse compilation of skills, members represent Appalachian’s commitment to sustainable energy initiatives at international solar vehicle competitions.

Global Learning

Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.

Admission Requirements

There are no admission requirements beyond admission to Appalachian State University.

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Why Appalachian?

  • Graduates of this program receive excellent academic and technical preparation to enter the job market or graduate school.
  • Based on Fall 2018 American Institute of Physics data, Appalachian’s Department of Physics and Astronomy is listed as 2nd in the U.S. for the production of BA/BS degrees (among Masters Comprehensive Institutions) and is listed as having the 2nd largest number of graduating master’s students than any program in the nation.
  • Students have opportunities to work with faculty mentors whose research specialties include materials and surface physics, optics, microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, organic semiconductors, physics education, robotics, asteroids and the physics of stars.
  • Students can stay to earn a Master of Science degree in Engineering Physics after earning a bachelor’s degree or through Appalachian’s Accelerated Master’s Program. Through the Accelerated Master's program, undergraduate students with at least a 3.2 GPA can take graduate coursework during the senior year and earn a master’s degree in just one additional year.

Location

Boone campus only

Careers

Some of these jobs also require education beyond the bachelors’ degree.

  • Astronomer
  • Astrophysicist
  • Atomic Physicist
  • Biophysicist
  • Chemical Physicist
  • Computer System Engineer
  • Engineer
  • Geophysicist
  • Hydrologist
  • Physics Teacher
  • Medical Physicist
  • Meteorologist
  • Physicist
  • Physics Researcher
  • Research & Development Scientist
  • Research Assistant
  • Science Teacher

View more career possibilities

Contacts

Dr. Michael Briley
Interim Department Chair
828-262-2432
brileymm@appstate.edu

Department of Physics and Astronomy
College of Arts and Sciences

  • Department of Physics and Astronomy

    The Department of Physics and Astronomy’s curriculum has an applied nature that includes a core of fundamental physics courses and laboratory experiences. It prepares graduates for a variety of scientific, teaching or engineering professions, as well as future educational endeavors.

  • College of Arts and Sciences

    Appalachian’s Largest College

    The College of Arts and Sciences at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers and one residential college spanning the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. The college is dedicated to providing instruction and research essential to the university's mission and seeks to cultivate the habits of inquiry, learning and service among all its constituents.

    By the Numbers

    • 1/3 of the degrees awarded at Appalachian
    • More than 70% of general education courses are taught in the college
    • 93 majors offered
    • 53 minors offered
    • 6,411 undergraduate majors
    • More than 460 full-time faculty members
    • 41,203 living alumni
    • $8,754,800 awarded to the college in external grants during the 2020–21 academic year
    • $236,914 awarded to students through 6 collegewide scholarships and 98 departmental scholarships for the 2020–21 academic year

    Graduate Programs

    Accelerated Master’s program opportunities are available in pursuing a master's degree in 12 selected areas: Appalachian Studies, Biology, Computer Science, Engineering Physics, English, Geography and Planning, History, Mathematics, Romance Languages (French/Spanish), Political Science, Psychology (Experimental Science) and Public Administration. Other master’s degrees, graduate certificates and specialist degrees are listed on Appalachian’s School of Graduate Studies website.

    Top Employment Sectors

    • Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools
    • Federal, State and Local Government
    • Justice, Public Order and Safety Activities
    • Computer Systems Design and Related Services
    • Legal Services
    • Health Care
    • Biotech/Engineering
    • Elementary and Secondary Schools
    • Nonprofit Organizations

Appalachian Cares

It's up to me|us

Appalachian Cares is a place to find resources and support available for our students faculty and staff regarding student health and safety.

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