Undergraduate Studies

      Is Physics For You?
      Physics at Bowling Green
      What Kind of Jobs Are There?
      Program Requirements
      Contact Us

Is Physics For You?

Do you...

  • Wonder what makes things work?

  • Marvel at the vastness of the Universe?

  • Derive pleasure from discovering something new?

  • Want a challenging career?

If so, consider the physics major at Bowling Green State University. Physicists work on problems that are connected with the real world that we see around us. From the sub-microscopic size of quarks and mesons, to the vast size of the Cosmos, and on all scales in between, physicists are working to better understand how it all works.

Physics at Bowling Green State University

The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers a program that will suit your needs. With a faculty of twelve and some thirty physics majors, the student-to-faculty ratio is excellent! At Bowling Green, you will...

  • Get personalized attention in small classes.

  • Receive the finest, up-to-date training available on modern equipment.

  • Be able to do research at an early stage in your academic studies.

  • Enjoy more informal learning and discussion with the Society of Physics Students.

The regular course of study in physics is designed to prepare our students for further postgraduate study. There are also specializations available in microcomputer systems and in applied physics for students who want to enter the job market immediately upon graduation, and an astronomy minor for students who wish to pursue study in that field.

A special program in the College of Education is designed to prepare future teachers in physics and other science fields. Students may major in Physics in the College of Education to receive secondary certification in physics, or choose an endorsement in Astronomy, providing a strong background in the field but without teacher certification.

What Kind of Jobs Are There?

Physicists are employed as researchers, teachers, and scientific managers. Almost every "high-tech" industry utilizes physicists - for the simple reason that these industries are firmly based on applying the principles of physics. Some examples of industrial fields where physicists are needed are: lasers, computer chips, satellite management, radar and microwaves. At the present time, job prospects for baccalaureate physicists are excellent - most graduates receive two or more job offers.

The American Institute of Physics reported a median salary of $65,000 in 1996 for its members with Ph.D.'s; with master's degrees, $55,000; and with bachelor's degrees, $50,000.

The following sites have useful information regarding job opportunities and job searching, especially in Physics and Astronomy.

Program Requirements

    Physics
    Astronomy


Contact Us

John B. Laird, Chair
104 Overman Hall
laird@bgsu.edu

Andrew Layden, Undergraduate Advisor
112 Overman Hall
laydena@bgsu.edu

Department of Physics and Astronomy
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, OH 43403
voice: 419-372-2421
FAX: 419-372-9938


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