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Physics Departmental Information
The University of Michigan has one of the country's premier programs for the training of undergraduate and graduate students in physics. The Physics Department has abundant facilities for instruction in physics and offers a wide variety of experimental and theoretical research programs open to undergraduate and graduate students.
Undergraduates concentrating in physics have several degree choices:
- Physics (B.S.)
- Interdisciplinary Physics (A.B. or B.S.)
- Honors Physics Program
- Physics Minor
Interested undergraduates may also want to look into work in medical physics (a promising path for pre-med students) in the Applied Physics program, or in the Engineering Physics program.
The analytical and quantitative thinking skills you will develop as you work toward any of these degrees will be of great value in many different careers. Most physics majors at U-M follow one (or more) of three paths after graduation:
- graduate work in physics or another field
- employment in industry, software development, or associated field
- professional school in medicine, business, law, or associated area.
Programs. The Department of Physics offers: (1) a Program of study in a major in Physics (Honors); (2) a Program of study in a major in Interdisciplinary Physics (Honors); (3) a minor in Physics.
A total of 60 credits of mathematics and natural science must be elected to receive the Bachelor of Science degree.
Teaching Certificate.
LSA students may earn an A.B. or B.S. in Interdisciplinary Physics with a focus on teacher certification through the College of LSA and School of Education. Students who wish to earn a secondary teaching certificate in physics should schedule a physics advising appointment before applying to the SOE certification program through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions website. (Note: Students are encouraged to apply their sophomore year. The application deadline is October 15.)