Learning Objectives
Physics students at the University of Mount Union experience a high degree of hands-on involvement which prepares graduates for careers in graduate education in physics, astronomy, astrophysics, engineering and others, along with careers in data science, industry, engineering and the government.
As a major in physics you will…
- Learn to Write
- Write scientifically, use graphs/tables/images appropriately and how to use various programs to generate professional looking materials.
- Learn to Speak
- Speak about science in front of your peers and professors through oral and poster presentations and leading classroom discussions.
- Learn to Think
- Think critically about the universe and how to apply simple concepts to complex situations.
- Learn to Solve
- Use hands on learning to develop your problem-solving skills in real-world and theoretical applications.
- Learn to Create
- Choose research projects related to your interests and aspirations and build things that are fun to play with and learn from.
- Learn to Learn
- Develop your study and time management skills as many majors found high school easy and never learned to study. The faculty are happy to help with this.
- Learn to Help
- Jobs are available in the department to be a teaching/learning assistant in our general physics, astronomy, how things work and electronics labs. Tutoring jobs also available.
Curriculum
As a physics major at the University of Mount Union, you will study general, classical and modern physics. Our physics degree program will provide you the opportunity to gain knowledge in modern physics, quantum mechanics, electronics, solid state physics, electronics, and astrophysics. In addition, you will be required to take courses in chemistry, calculus and advanced mathematics, which will help see the interdisciplinary nature of science, math, and engineering.
Flexibility exists within the courses that satisfy the major, which allows for the curriculum to conform to individual needs. The curriculum can prepare students for graduate study in physics, engineering, astrophysics, or astronomy, and prepare students for technical jobs in science and industry. Most students earn a simultaneous minor in mathematics through the completion of the required extra-departmental courses. Double majoring is also possible with recent students completing degrees in physics along with mechanical engineering, math, music, business, writing, computer science, and others.
Experiential Learning
Students who choose to major in physics at the University of Mount Union have ample opportunities to get “real-world” experience inside and outside the classroom and laboratory. Most students learn better by “doing” rather than listening to traditional lecture, which is why we encourage students to experience physics rather than just learn to complete a problem. By focusing on experiential learning, students have a more authentic experience while tackling the complexities of the physical world.
Careers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, growth in federal government spending for physics and astronomy research is likely to continue to drive the need for physicists and astronomers, as will additional federal funding for energy and advanced manufacturing research. In addition, the fields of engineering, data science, medicine, information technology, communications technology and semiconductor technology as well as other applied research and development fields, will continue to place a demand on those with a background in physics.
The American Institute of Physics (AIP) is a useful resource for statistics and information about physics and astronomy degrees as their mission is to “advances, promotes and serves the physical sciences for the benefit of humanity.” https://www.aip.org/
At Mount Union, you’ll experience a high degree of hands-on involvement in the program and gain invaluable preparation for a variety of careers in physics. Over the past decade, nearly all of our graduates are pursuing the career of their choice.
RECENT EMPLOYERS
Dalton Local Schools Enterprise Europe Network Thüringen Ball Aerospace & Technologies Inc. Southwest Research Otterbein College University of Florida
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RECENT GRAD SCHOOLS
Yale University University of Texas – San Antonio Case Western Reserve University Indiana University University of Kentucky University of Arizona University of California - Davis
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COMMON CAREER FIELDS
Astronomy Astrophysics Engineering Applied physics Education
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