Program Overview

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Physics (Interdisciplinary)

The Physics program at Montana State University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental ideas and concepts related to the physical universe. This interdisciplinary program allows students to study physics in conjunction with additional subject matter such as chemistry, computer science, engineering, optics, material science, and more.

Program Overview

Students in the Physics program work closely with faculty on cutting-edge research projects that range from subjects as varied as astrophysics, biophysics, optics, solar physics, and space science. The Interdisciplinary option in the Physics program enables students to gain a solid foundation in mathematics and the physical sciences while also specializing in another subject.

Career Opportunities

The Physics major at Montana State University offers a broad base of knowledge, allowing students to enter into careers as diverse as education, business administration, journalism, education, or technical writing. Interdisciplinary Physics students at Montana State University go into careers such as:

• Biophysics
• Space Science
• Lasers & Optics
• Technical Writing

Research Opportunities

Students have the opportunity to intern with the Montana Space Grant Consortium, working within a national network to advance aerospace research and education. The eXtreme Gravity Institute at Montana State University brings together physicists and astronomers to study phenomena where the forces of gravity are so strong they blur the separation between space and time.

Sample Course Plan

The following sample course plan illustrates a possible schedule for students in the Physics program:

Year One

• Fall:
  • PHSX 240 - Honors Gen & Mod Phys I*
  • M 181Q - Honors Calculus I (Recommended) or M 171Q - Calculus I
  • University Core
  • Minor Specific Courses
• Spring:
  • PHSX 242 - Honors Gen & Mod Phys II*
  • M 182 - Honors Calculus II (Recommended) or M 172 - Calculus II
  • Minor Specific Courses
  • University Core

Year Two

• Fall:
  • PHSX 224 - Physics III
  • M 283 - Honors Multivariable Calculus (Recommended) or M 273 - Multivariable Calculus
  • PHSX 261 - Laboratory Electronics I
  • Minor Specific Courses
  • University Core
• Spring:
  • PHSX 200 - Research Programs in Physics
  • PHSX 262 - Laboratory Electronics II
  • PHSX 301 - Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences
  • M 284 - Honors Introduction to Differential Equations (Recommended) or M 274 - Introduction to Differential Equation
  • Minor Specific Courses
  • University Core

Year Three

• Fall:
  • PHSX 320 - Classical Mechanics
  • PHSX 343 - Modern Physics
  • Physics Electives
  • Minor Specific Courses
  • University Core
• Spring:
  • PHSX 423 - Electricity and Magnetism I
  • PHSX 490R - Undergraduate Research
  • Minor Specific Courses
  • Electives
  • University Core

Year Four

• Fall:
  • PHSX 461 - Quantum Mechanics I
  • PHSX 490R - Undergraduate Research
  • Physics Electives
  • Minor Specific Courses
  • Electives
• Spring:
  • PHSX 499R - Senior Capstone Seminar
  • Electives
  • Minor Specific Courses
  • University Core Total Program Credits: 120

Additional Options

The Physics major at Montana State University offers one additional Option Within the Major: Professional. Students may also be interested in the following options:

• Physics (Professional)
• Optics & Photonics (Minor)
• Physics Teaching (Option Within Physics (B.S.), Minor)