B.S. Physics
Whether you want to explore the mysteries of antimatter, aid in the development of laser technologies or discover new energy sources, Concordia University, Nebraska’s physics program can prepare you to pursue a career or graduate degree in a variety of disciplines, from astronomy to engineering to computer science. You will gain a scientific foundation through a variety of interactive labs, lectures and classwork to make you a professional in the field of physics. Research programs and internship experience help you develop real-world skills and find the specialized field in which you will excel. If you choose to earn your major in physics, you will be equipped to work on the forefront of science and technology, in academia, the government or the private sector.
Discover how the universe works!
Program Highlights
WHY STUDY PHYSICS AT CONCORDIA?
Physics lies at the core of all scientific and technical disciplines. The physics program at Concordia University, Nebraska provides students who make a wide range of career choices with an outstanding learning experience in which they develop strong analytical, quantitative and problem-solving skills with a deep appreciation of the role physics plays in technical innovations and fosters cutting-edge research that expands the horizons of our knowledge of God’s universe.
MEET OUR EXPERT FACULTY
As experts in physics, our faculty and instructors bring years of experience to the classroom.
Meet our students
“Physics is such an interesting field, and there is so much that is known but not understood. The professors at Concordia encourage students to think about these things, not just memorize facts.”
Ryan Gross
Riverside, California
Accreditation
Concordia University, Nebraska is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Micah Scholars Pre-Health Scholars Program
Micah Pre-Health Scholars is designed to help students be successful in their healthcare vocations through hands-on experiences, community support and graduate or professional school preparation.
Degree Goals
A physics program graduate from Concordia University, Nebraska will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of physics and science on society.
- Develop, implement and refine a plan to acquire new knowledge for specific scientific goals and in pursuit of new intellectual interests.
- Communicate effectively via oral, visual and written formats to diverse STEM audiences.
- Use the appropriate tools and requisite media literacy to acquire, assess and analyze data and information from diverse sources.
- Articulate how their own developing skills in science and technology can be increasingly used in constructive community service or engagement that recognizes the potential impact on local and global issues, including environmental impact and sustainability.
Natural Sciences Minors
- Agricultural Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Environmental Studies
- Physics
Career Outcomes
Physicist
- Research everything from the most fundamental laws of nature to the practical development of devices and instruments
- Research, teach and write scientific articles
High School Physics Teacher
- Provide instruction and guidance to help students explore and understand important concepts in physics, such as thermodynamics, fundamental parts of the physical universe and upper-level mathematics
- Create daily instruction outlines, classroom assignments, homework and tests
FAQs
Is physics a good degree?
Physics is an international enterprise which plays a key role in the future progress of humankind. The study of physics is an exciting intellectual adventure that expands the frontiers of our knowledge about nature and generates fundamental knowledge needed for the technological advances that drive the economic engines of the world. It improves our quality of life by providing the basic understanding necessary for developing new instrumentation and techniques for medial applications and earth, agricultural, chemical, biological and environmental sciences.
By studying physics, you can be an essential part of advancing scientific knowledge, whether you find a career as a teacher or researcher. Plus, there is a wide variety of careers available if you choose to major in physics, so you can follow your passion.
What kind of opportunities are available at Concordia University, Nebraska for physics majors?
Concordia Nebraska has many resources available on campus for those studying physics.
- The Dunklau Center for Science, Math and Business includes state-of-the art classrooms and laboratories, including a dedicated space for student research in physics.
- Osten Observatory on Concordia’s campus houses a 16-inch computer-controlled telescope with solar system and deep space cameras that allow you to view and study the planets and stars.
- All physics students can either develop and complete a research project with a faculty mentor or participate in a physics-related internship.
- Each spring, Concordia Nebraska hosts the Concordia University Research Symposium on campus, where you can present your personal physics research. Recent physics research projects have involved building and using sensors to analyze soil temperature and pH, modelling the motion of a pole vaulter and measuring the temperatures of various stars.
I’m interested in teaching high school physics. Is a physics degree all I need?
To teach physics in a public and most private schools, you will need course work in the education program to become fully certified. Some private schools are willing to hire those with a physics bachelor degree directly, and you can also participate in Teach for America, VISTA or the Peace Corp with your physics B.S. to get experience communicating physics to students.
Also, there are very few high schools that offer careers teaching only physics, so increasing your teaching portfolio to include other subjects such as math, chemistry, earth science and/or computer science will make you more marketable.
Related Programs
Chemistry
A degree in chemistry from Concordia University, Nebraska expands your understanding of general chemistry and gives you the practical, hands-on experience you need to continue a career in chemistry after graduation. Your classroom and chemistry lab experience will help you on your journey to use your passion for chemistry to serve in healthcare, industry, research and more.
Mathematics
Studying mathematics can help you develop basic skills such as arguing logically and rigorously, thinking abstractly, formulating and solving problems, analyzing data and creating and analyzing mathematical models. As a math major, you will find yourself in demand by employers for careers in a wide spectrum of fields.
Physical Science
A degree in physical science from Concordia University, Nebraska will give you an interdisciplinary background in the physical sciences including physics, chemistry and math. Many students choose a physical science major as a broad-based education because they want to teach high school science, chemistry or physics, and a bachelor’s degree in physical science can help equip you with the comprehensive physical science skills you need to educate your future students.
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