If you are curious about the basic nature of the physical universe, you should consider becoming a Physics Major. Concerned with matter and energy, physics is a science based on precise measurements and broad generalizations. Freely translated, this means that physics is the study of what makes the universe tick -- a study encompassing the largest and smallest scales of the universe; a study that attempts to explain all observed phenomena in terms of the least number of rules. People who study physics often are called by the beauty of this way of looking at the world. The discoveries and laws that have resulted from experimental and theoretical research in physics are basic to many of the other sciences -- and to our way of life in the age of high technology. Physicists are employed by major industries to apply the recent advances and technology developed by basic research in physics. Few careers offer as much stimulation and challenge as a career in physics!

The physics faculty at Kent State University are internationally known for their productivity and creativity in research, particularly in liquid crystal physics, superconductivity, and nuclear physics. The faculty includes three award-winning teachers. Our Center for Nuclear Research and Liquid Crystal Institute provide special opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students. The total physics program at Kent State University is small enough to assure individualized student attention, yet large enough to offer the full spectrum of courses and opportunities that characterize a graduate research institution. Work-study and other student employment provide direct involvement in forefront research programs. It is also possible for students to complete a Minor in physics.

Undergraduate and graduate students also join forces in the activities of the Kent State Chapter of the Society of Physics Students.

The degree programs for physics majors are built around core courses that assure solid preparation in the fundamentals of mathematics and physics, but which allow some elective selections. These programs prepare students for a wide choice of careers in physics. Programs for physics majors at Kent State University each require 121 credit hours of study and include:

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE. The professionally oriented BS program serves as preparation either for graduate work in physics or for entrance into positions in a variety of industries or government service. Three options within the Physics Concentration help the physics major focus on various emphases:

• General Physics Option. This general option is the primary track toward graduate work in physics.
• Computer Hardware Systems Option. The emphasis of this option is on preparing physics majors who will have some special training in specifying, designing, implementing, and using computer systems for measurement and control processes.
• Applied Physics Option. This option emphasizes applications of physics, particularly in modern optics, including electro-optic devices and lasers.

New scientific and technological frontiers are developing rapidly which increasingly require persons trained to work in interdisciplinary areas. To meet this need, the Department of Physics at Kent State University will offer four new options under a new Physics Interdisciplinary Concentration beginning Fall 2001:

• Chemistry Option. This option is designed for students with a strong interest in both physics and chemistry who may wish to prepare for graduate study in chemical physics, or for work in a high-technology materials-related research and development laboratory. This program satisfies requirements for a Minor in Chemistry.
• Biological Sciences Option. This option is designed for students with a strong interest in both physics and biological sciences who may wish to prepare for graduate study in biophysics, or for work in a biotechnology company. This program satisfies requirements for a Minor in Biological Sciences.
• Applied Mathematics and Computer Science Option. The emphasis of this option is on preparing physics majors to become computer professionals in scientifically oriented organizations. This program satisfies requirements for both a Minor in Applied Mathematics and a Minor in Computer Science.
• Mathematics Option. Physics majors who wish to become part of a technical team in a research and development laboratory should consider the Mathematic Option. This program satisfies requirements for a Minor in Mathematics.

BACHELOR OF ARTS. The BA program can be used to prepare physics majors for such varied fields as secondary education, patent law, or interdisciplinary science careers. A large proportion of elective courses allows the student to complete a second major in such fields as biology, botany, chemistry, English, geography, geology, mathematics, philosophy, political science, or psychology, in preparation for an interdisciplinary career. It is also possible to enter graduate work in physics after completing this program.

Sample Schedules are available for the BA program and for each option in the BS program.

FOR FUTURE HIGH-SCHOOL TEACHERS. Students in the College of Arts and Sciences may pursue either the BS or BA degree programs described above. In addition, students in the College of Education who plan to teach high school physics and/or chemistry may major in physical science. This program licenses students for teaching adolescents and young adults in grades seven through twelve in both public and private schools in Ohio.