Physics
Do you ever wonder about the fundamental laws of nature, about space and time, black holes or the origin of the universe? Would you like to learn about crazy new materials, or get involved in cutting-edge research that may open the doors to entirely new technologies? If so, then you should consider majoring in Physics & Astronomy.
UTSA’s Physics Program
UTSA offers two pathways to a Physics degree, a B.A. or B.S. You can also earn a Minor in Physics and/or in Astronomy. The programs offer a complete curriculum of advanced courses such as Classical Mechanics and Statistical Thermodynamics, Electrodynamics, Quantum Mechanics, Mathematical Physics, Astrophysics and Space Physics, as well as advanced electives in a variety of topics. The degrees provide opportunities for several career fields, but the B.S. is recommended if you’re planning to pursue graduate studies in physics or related subjects.
Academic Information:
College
College of SciencesDepartment
Department of Physics & AstronomyDegrees Offered
Careers in Physics
Top job titles for Physics graduates include:
• Financial Quantitative Analyst
• Optical Laser Engineer
• Physicist
• Physical Science
• Physical Geoscience Technician
Physics and its related career pathways are currently in average demand in San Antonio in the 2018-2019 financial year. US States/Regions with high demand for related jobs include San Francisco, CA, Boston, MA and Washington D.C. More than 144,000 Physics-related job opportunities existed nationwide in 2018-19.
Career Resources
UTSA’s University Career Center offers several resources to help students identify and develop the global skills necessary to successfully pursue and achieve lifelong career goals.
Industries for Physics Graduates
Physics is a widely applicable major as businesses and organizations across several industries require staff and services related to this major. The industries that posted the largest number of physics-related positions over 2018-19 included:
• Depository Credit Intermediation
• National Security
• Scientific Research
• Employment Services
• Insurance Carriers
• Government
• Higher Education
Salaries for Physics Graduates
The salary range for open physics-related positions in the US between November 2018 and October 2019 were:
| lowest 10% | $54,603 |
| median | $95,213 |
| top 10% | $124,122 |
Source: Burning Glass
Skills and Interests for Physics Majors
While many skills and interests translate to potential careers as a Physics graduate, some are more commonly sought after than others. Physics may be a good fit for you if:
• You enjoy working with others
• You like solving puzzles and problems
• You like being challenged
• You are a good planner
• You are detail oriented
Scholarships Offered:
- Dr. B. Thyagarajan Endowed Scholarship
- Incoming Freshmen: 860+ SAT or 18+ ACT, and Top 50% Rank in graduating class
- Minimum cumulative 2.6+ GPA
- Major: Chemistry, Geology, Physics
- Dr. Harold G. Longbotham Endowed Scholarship
- Major: Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics
- GPA: cumulative 3.2+
- Merle and Helen Converse Endowed Scholarship
- Major: Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering
- GPA: cumulative 3.0+
Student Life
UTSA offers two pathways to a Physics degree, a B.A. or B.S. You can also earn a Minor in Physics and/or in Astronomy. The programs offer a complete curriculum of advanced courses such as Classical Mechanics and Statistical Thermodynamics, Electrodynamics, Quantum Mechanics, Mathematical Physics, Astrophysics and Space Physics, as well as advanced electives in a variety of topics. Students studying Physics may consider becoming involved in:
- Graduate Society of Physics Students
- The Society of Physics Students at UTSA
- Rowdy Women in Physics
- Hawking Mathematical Physics Club