B.S. Physics

Turn theory into practice with hands-on experiments and collaborative research from day one.
Degree Type Bachelor of Science
Careers & Salaries Career Outcomes
Delivery On Campus

Gain Momentum for Success.

UW-Stout's Bachelor of Science in Physics provides a comprehensive education merging theoretical foundations, with hands-on experimentation and computation. Our students engage in laboratory experiments, collaborative research projects, and real-world applications from day one. This approach ensures our graduates are prepared for careers in engineering, science, technology, and beyond.

Student engages with equipment in physics lab.

 

Graduation cap

100% of Graduates Are Employed or Continuing Education.


Curriculum & Program Overview

Our curriculum allows you to explore real research from day one, with no advanced math or physics required.  Intro-level physics students are paired with upper-level physics students to form a lab research group focused on mentorship and leadership. Together, this cohort navigates scientific inquiry, performing data analysis, experimental design, ethical considerations, and professional communication.

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Program Overview

View program plans, credit requirements and course descriptions.

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Program Highlights

  • Hands-on from Day One. Students in the program begin working in research from day one with seasoned upper-classmen offering mentorship and guidance.
     
  • Applied Learning in Advanced Labs. Our labs allow students to apply theory directly to experiments and computation.
     
  • Collaborative Research Community. Join an active research community where students of all levels collaborate, innovate, and lead.
     
  • Interdisciplinary Integration: Benefit from a curriculum that intersects with Engineering, Applied Math, and Computer Science, offering a multidisciplinary education.
     
  • Explore Key Fields. Our program exposes students to computational modeling, quantum computing, and quantum entanglement, providing foundational knowledge in pivotal scientific domains.

Use the Request Information form to receive a program summary and learn more about the Bachelor of Science degree in Physics.

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Current Research Topics

Our research agenda is driven by a commitment to deepen understanding and innovate within the field of physics. Our faculty and students engage in hands-on research across several focus areas:

  • Laser probing of atomic structure
  • Plasma processing and thin films
  • Modeling of molecular and gravitational systems

Labs & Instrumentation

The B.S. Physics program provides students with hands-on experiences in lab settings including a laser-focused lab and quantum entanglement lab. In addition to our lab spaces, students also receive applied learning with industry-standard instruments including:

  • Optical table and breadboards
  • Laser diodes
  • Helium Neon laser
  • Plasmon resonance reflective intensity monitor
  • Thin film vacuum coaters

STEM OPT Extension Advantage for International Students

International students STEM Opt Qualifying program.

Objectives & Outcomes

A Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics prepares students to work in a wide array of fields in the sciences and engineering.  Students develop a solid foundation in physics, computation, and mathematics that will allow them to become expert problem solvers.

Students will get hands-on experience with experiments in the fields of plasma physics, lasers and optical physics, quantum mechanics and quantum computing.  Students will also develop skills in computational modeling of various systems.

Learning Objectives:

Students who graduate from UW-Stout with a degree in Physics will be able to: 

  • Demonstrate an understanding of and ability to apply the principles of physics to solve real-world problems.
  • Be proficient in applying experimental design, analysis and interpretation of data, and application of computational modeling to solve problems.
  • Be able to work effectively as members of a team and communicate through writing and oral presentations in a professional manner.
Career Opportunities

The coursework, hands-on laboratories, instrumentation training, and research experiences will prepare you to work and be productive in a variety of fields including:

Engineering

  • Systems Engineer
  • Engineering Technician
  • Electrical Engineer
  • Project Engineer
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Test Engineer
  • Process Engineer
  • Production Engineer
  • Design Engineer
  • Manufacturing Engineer
  • Application Engineer
  • Scientist

Research and Technical

  • Research Assistant
  • Researcher
  • Research Technician 
  • Junior Specialist
  • Patent Examiner
  • Accelerator Operator
  • Physicist
  • Scientist

Programming/Software

  • Software Engineer
  • Software Developer
  • Application Developer
  • Data Engineer
  • Data Analyst
  • Data Scientist
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Consultant

Education

  • High School Physics Teacher 
  • High School Math Teacher
  • Middle School Science Teacher
  • Tutor

Finance/Business

  • Data Analyst
  • Research Analyst
  • Project Mnager
  • Investment Banker

Physics

All Physics News
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Inspiring Graduate: Gervase Thompson, B.S. Applied Science & B.S. Mechanical Engineering

‘My education here at UW-Stout has prepared me well to venture out into the world.’
Stout Scholar proud of dual STEM degrees, leadership and volunteering on campus Featured Image

Stout Scholar proud of dual STEM degrees, leadership and volunteering on campus

Follow Thompson’s senior year as the third-generation student graduates early
Stout Scholar gains hands-on experiences leading research, helping others on and off campus Featured Image

Stout Scholar gains hands-on experiences leading research, helping others on and off campus

Follow Thompson's third year as he serves as an ‘excellent Stout ambassador’