Physics

Program Overview

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Physics

Cultivates skills in experimental physics and applying physical principles. High focus in mathematics and chemistry, with an emphasis in preparing students for potential careers in engineering, physics, mathematics, or teaching.

Types

• Bachelor
• Minor

Location

• On-Campus

Credits

• 54*

Cost

• $9,875

Overview

The universe is vast and mysterious, but it makes more sense when you understand physics.

If you have a propensity for working with numbers, a curious mind, creativity to think outside the box, and the tenacity it takes to work through problems until you discover a solution, then you're just the kind of person who could do well in the world of physics. Though physics is a complex field, it's a worthwhile one, and it influences a multitude of industries worldwide. By pursuing a bachelor's degree in physics at University of the Cumberlands, you will develop cognitive skills in critical thinking and problem solving, gain a wealth of mathematical knowledge, and explore the professional and ethical responsibilities physicists have toward society.

By the Numbers

• $147,450: Average Salary
• 8%: Industry Growth
• 1 in 5: Students Make the Dean's List
• 96%: Receive Financial Aid

Programs & Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Physics

Through a Bachelor of Science in Physics, you will cultivate critical-thinking skills, apply physical principles, develop skills in experimental physics, and extend your math knowledge. As you develop these cognitive skills, you’ll also explore professional and ethical responsibilities to society. Upon graduation, you'll be prepared for entry level positions in a variety of fields, from astronomy, to engineering, to education, and more.

Course Requirements

• Required Courses (17 hours)
  • PHYS 241 - Physics I
  • PHYS 242 - Physics II
  • PHYS 335 - Quantum Physics
  • PHYS 340 - Classical Physics
  • PHYS 410 - Ethics in Science
  • PHYS 419 - Physics Capstone
• Physics Theory (Choose 12 hours)
  • PHYS 430 - Classical Mechanics
  • PHYS 431 - Electromagnetism
  • PHYS 435 - Quantum Mechanics
  • PHYS 439 - Applications of Nuclear Physics
  • PHYS 490 - Selected Topics in Physics
• Physics Experiment (7 hours)
  • PHYS 312 - Experimental Design and Analysis
  • PHYS 332 - Experimental Physics I
  • PHYS 432 - Experimental Physics II
• Math & IT Science (18 hours)
  • MATH 140 - Calculus I
  • MATH 240 - Calculus II
  • MATH 241 - Calculus III
  • MATH 430 - Differential Equations
  • ITSS 131 - Introduction to Object Oriented Programming

Bachelor of Arts Option

A Bachelor of Arts degree requires completing the same courses as a Bachelor of Science with the addition of completing one foreign language sequence through the intermediate level.

• FREN 131 Elementary French I
• FREN 132 Elementary French II
• FREN 231 Intermediate French I
• FREN 232 Intermediate French II
• SPAN 131 Elementary Spanish I
• SPAN 132 Elementary Spanish II
• SPAN 231 Intermediate Spanish I
• SPAN 232 Intermediate Spanish II

Minor in Physics

The physics minor is for students to complement their major field of study. Students in mathematics and chemistry will find that physics will strengthen and broaden their understanding of these disciplines and will bolster their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

Course Requirements

• Required Courses (16 hours)
  • PHYS 241 - Physics I
  • PHYS 242 - Physics II
  • PHYS 335 - Quantum Physics
  • PHYS 340 - Classical Physics
  • PHYS 410 - Ethics in Science
• Mathematics (12 hours)
  • MATH 140 - Calculus I
  • MATH 240 - Calculus II
  • MATH 241 - Calculus III
• Elective (minimum 6 hours)
  • PHYS 332 - Experimental Physics I
  • PHYS 430 - Classical Mechanics
  • PHYS 431 - Electromagnetism
  • PHYS 435 - Quantum Mechanics
  • PHYS 439 - Applications of Nuclear Physics
  • PHYS 490 - Selected Topics in Physics

3+2 Pre-Engineering Partnership with UK

Cumberlands students have the option to pursue the dual-degree (3+2) engineering option, which leads to two bachelor’s degrees through a formal agreement between University of the Cumberlands and the University of Kentucky (UK). Other ABET-accredited engineering schools may be acceptable on a case- by-case basis. Different engineering schools and individual branches of engineering may require different core courses; you, as the student, are responsible for being familiar with these specific requirements and tailoring your class schedule at Cumberlands (and potentially your engineering school of choice during summer semesters) as best you can to meet your goals.

Program Mission

The mission of the physics degree program at Cumberlands is to provide a solid foundation for students to pursue successful careers in physics, engineering, mathematics, secondary education, and other related fields.

Career Outcomes

• Physicist or Astronomer: $147,450
• Physics Professor: $86,550
• Mechanical Engineer: $95,330
• Nuclear Engineer: $120,380
• High School Teacher: $61,820
• Radiologist: $170,060

Faculty Experts in Physics

• Amy Bowman
• Debbie Pierce
• Kenny Siler

Common Questions

• What is a physics degree?
• How long does a physics degree take?
• Can I get a physics degree online?
• Is a physics degree worth it?
• What can I do with a physics degree?
• How to get a physics degree?
• Do physics degrees pay well?
• How many credits for a physics degree?
• What is studied in physics?

Program Outline

Outline:

• Bachelor of Science in Physics: Cultivates critical-thinking skills, applies physical principles, develops skills in experimental physics, and extends mathematical knowledge.
Prepares students for entry-level positions in astronomy, engineering, education, and more.
• Course Requirements:
• Core Courses (17 hours):
• Physics I
• Physics II
• Quantum Physics
• Classical Physics
• Ethics in Science
• Physics Capstone
• Theory (minimum 12 hours):
• Classical Mechanics
• Electromagnetism
• Lasers
• Applications of Nuclear Physics
• Selected Topics in Physics
• Experiment (7 hours):
• Experimental Design and Analysis
• Experimental Physics I
• Experimental Physics II
• Math & Programming (18 hours):
• Calculus I
• Calculus II
• Calculus III
• Differential Equations
• Introduction to Object Oriented Programming
• Bachelor of Arts option (12 hours):
• Foreign language sequence through the intermediate level (e.g., French, Spanish)
• Minor in Physics: Complements students' major field of study (e.g., mathematics, chemistry) by strengthening their understanding of physics, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Course Requirements:
• Core Courses (16 hours):
• Physics I
• Physics II
• Quantum Physics
• Classical Physics
• Ethics in Science
• Elective (minimum 6 hours):
• Experimental Physics I
• Classical Mechanics
• Electromagnetism
• Lasers
• Applications of Nuclear Physics
• Selected Topics in Physics
• Mathematics (12 hours):
• Calculus I
• Calculus II
• Calculus III
• 3+2 Pre-Engineering Partnership with UK: Students have the option to pursue a dual-degree program leading to two bachelor's degrees (e.g., Applied Physics and Engineering).

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Teaching:

• Faculty members committed to providing a solid foundation for students' success
• Access to high-quality equipment for problem-solving, computation, and data acquisition
• Mathematics tutoring laboratory
• Physics laboratories equipped for introductory and advanced level learning
• Free tutoring resources through The Learning Commons

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Careers:

• Physicist or Astronomer: $147,450
• Physics Professor: $86,550
• Mechanical Engineer: $95,330
• Nuclear Engineer: $120,380
• High School Teacher: $61,820
• Radiologist: $170,060
• Biophysicist
• Research Scientist
• Science Teacher
• Laboratory Manager
• Natural Sciences Manager
• Environmental Program Manager
• Health Sciences Manager