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Physics B.A.

Develop skills in logic, quantitative reasoning and computation that open the doors to many possible careers, such as law, journalism, medicine, finance, teaching and computational science.
A student using lab equipment
You’ll use instruments like this spinning disk confocal microscope to explore phenomena such as how microtubules react to changes in their environment.

About this Program

  • Strengthen your quantitative reasoning skills and solve problems through experimentation, simulation and analytical tools.
  • Work within one of our active and exciting research groups featuring state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with advanced instrumentation.
  • Enjoy small-group instruction with distinguished faculty.
  • Get involved with the Society of Physics Students, a student-run organization that provides a community for our students to engage with their peers both academically and socially.
  • Become a peer coach to gain education skills while helping us teach General Physics I & II.

Program Information

Degree Type

Major

Outcome

B.A.

Modality

In-person

College or School

Career Path

Exterior of Hall of languages building

College of Arts and Sciences

The College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) is Syracuse University’s first and largest college. As the home of the liberal arts, our internationally recognized programs provide the cornerstone of a Syracuse University education with 50+ majors in the natural sciences and mathematics, the humanities and the social sciences (in partnership with the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs).
Explore the College

Curriculum

Undergraduate courses provide a background in fundamental physics, computation and laboratory techniques as a platform for exploring exciting topics, including black holes, stars, quantum systems, astrophysics and biological physics.

  • Explain phenomena occurring from subatomic to cosmological distance scales, using qualitative physical principles.
  • Apply mathematics and logic to solve problems associated with natural phenomena.
  • Assess and explain arguments for physical laws based on experimental and theoretical evidence.
  • Employ basic laboratory and technical skills to solve physics problems as a result of formal laboratory coursework and research opportunities with faculty.

The physics department offers coursework leading to either a B.A. or a B.S. degree. The B.A. degree program requires fewer credit hours in the major than the B.S. program. It provides a flexible and broad education in many topics in physics that prepare students for a diverse array of STEM or STEM-adjacent career options.

The B.S. prepares you for graduate study in STEM and science and engineering careers requiring a deeper set of quantitative and problem-solving tools.

  • Our Corner of the Universe
  • Quantum Computing Demystified
  • Biological and Medical Physics
  • Nuclear Physics in Our Lives
  • Introduction to Astrobiology

Extracurricular Opportunities

Campus facilities

Physics Help Center and Study Lounge

The Physics Clinic is a help center and study lounge located in the Physics Building. It is staffed by teaching assistants and available throughout the academic year. Undergraduate students are encouraged to use the clinic for consultations on topics covered in physics and astronomy courses or as a community space to work on assignments together.

Two people working at a blackboard
Student organization

Syracuse University Society of Physics Students

Members of the Syracuse University Society of Physics Students chapter organize academic and social events, including group study sessions and review sessions for first-year physics courses. They also make several visits to local high schools to talk about the value and versatility of an undergraduate degree in physics. The organization is open to all students with an interest in physics, regardless of their major.

Hands-on learning opportunities

Physics Research

Many physics majors work in research labs, performing new experiments and theory in the areas of biophysics, gravitational waves, experimental particle physics, mechanical metamaterials, quantum information science and more.

Hands-on learning opportunities

Peer Coaching

Many physics majors help faculty teach courses as peer instructors, called coaches, giving students access to faculty, the opportunity to learn physics deeper through teaching it and the ability to build their resumes through real-world experiences.

Learn more about this program

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