Physics

Bachelor's Degree Program

As a physics major at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, you’ll have opportunities for research and hands-on learning you won’t find anywhere else on Earth.

Participate in projects at the largest land-based rocket research range in the world. Observe and research the aurora, or take part in numerous other scientific research activities through our world-renowned Geophysical Institute. Learn from and work alongside some of the world’s top research scientists. As a physics major at UAF, you’ll have real opportunities to contribute and guaranteed research experience.

With concentrations in computational physics, applied physics, atmospheric physics and technical management, this flexible bachelor’s program allows you to tailor a course of study based on your interests and career goals. If you’re interested in becoming a high school teacher, we also offer a learning assistant program.

What Is Physics?

Physics is the study of matter and energy, and how they interact. It explores fundamental questions such as how did the universe begin and what are the basic building blocks of matter. Together with mathematics and chemistry, physics provides the foundation for work in all fields of the physical sciences and engineering, and is a key contributor to other disciplines such as the biosciences and medicine.

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Quick Facts

Degree type:

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
  • Also available as a minor

Availability:

  • UAF's main campus in Fairbanks, Alaska

 

Why Study Physics at UAF?

UAF is one of the top research universities in the nation. We are America's northernmost Land, Sea and Space Grant institution. We are also home to the Geophysical Institute, and the Poker Flat Research Range — the largest land-based rocket research range in the world and the only high-latitude rocket range in the country. Here are more reasons to earn your degree in physics at UAF.

Engage in unique hands-on learning projects

  • Calibrate the instrument for a sounding rocket experiment to measure aurora properties. Model turbulence and turbulent transport in a fusion reactor. Analyze satellite data for the interaction of the solar wind with the near-Earth space environment. Or develop a computer code to simulate a spinning top.

Focus your degree in an area that interests you

Work closely with award-winning faculty

  • Our physics faculty are recognized nationally and internationally for their research and teaching. They are instrumental in NASA missions, leaders in research areas such as fusion and space plasma physics and glacier physics. Our faculty also participate in congressional briefings and advocate for physics through professional organizations such as the American Physical Society.

Conduct undergraduate research in physics

  • Our physics majors have a guaranteed research experience as part of the capstone project. You’ll have opportunities to present at international conferences, co-author peer-reviewed journal articles, present at UAF research day and take part in community and K-12 outreach. Research opportunities include space physics, complex systems, glacier physics and condensed matter physics.

Participate in student organizations

  • Our Society of Physics Students (SPS) chapter engages in numerous outreach activities, including star gazing parties for the community, demonstrations for school groups, science fair judging and more. They also attend undergraduate physics student conferences like PhysCon to network and get ideas.

Receive world-class advising and support

  • Every physics major has a faculty academic advisor. We offer a regular scheduled homework help program for undergraduates and a physics career module. We are also a member of the PhysTEC program designed to improve the education of future physics teachers.

 

What Can You Do With a Physics Degree?

Earning your bachelor’s degree in physics will prepare you for a variety of career and graduate study opportunities. Our students have gone on to top graduate programs such as Perimeter Institute, Dartmouth College and many others. Others go on to find jobs in scientific programming, software development, research and development, military service and more.

 

 

Physics Degree Requirements

The bachelor’s degree in physics provides a solid foundation in classical and modern physics, with emphasis on both its experimental and theoretical aspects. A computational physics course is integrated in the curriculum and the program offers a wide variety of advanced one credit modules ranging from biophysics to space physics.

View all required classes for the degree in physics

Bachelor’s Degree Programs Related to Physics

  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics

 

Get Started on Your Bachelor’s Degree in Physics

Take the next step toward earning your physics degree. We have the resources to help you get started.

Talk to an Advisor

Have questions? Our expert advisors are here to guide you every step of the way. Let us know how we can help.

Transfer to UAF

Transferring to UAF? We can walk you through the process and help make sure you get the most out of the credits you’ve earned.

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Earn your bachelor’s degree in physics at UAF. Submit your application online today.