Physics
About This Program
You’re curious about the world around you. You look at life through a scientific lens. You’re fascinated by questions about the Universe—and our place within it. Physics may be the major for you.
Department
Why Utica University
Utica University's physics major offers a robust introduction to the science of the physical world. From the basic structure of atoms and matter to the complex interactions of galaxies, our program provides students with an opportunity to explore the fundamental nature of the physical universe. With an accomplished faculty and an individualized learning environment, the Utica physics program is an excellent choice for students considering graduate school as well as careers in research, teaching, engineering, or other areas that demand a strong foundation in physical science.
The mission of the Physics Department is to serve the entire Utica University community. With a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum that offers several degree options, along with special transfer study opportunities, the Physics program prepares physics majors and pre-engineering students for fulfilling career opportunities. The Physics program prepares students in other majors, ranging from chemistry, biology, mathematics, computer science to health sciences, with the background in physics they need to be successful in their fields. The Physics Department is committed to providing provocative core courses that fulfill the general science requirements for non-science students.
If you would like to learn more about this program, check out the Physics Department webpage. The physics department has an active Society of Physics Students (SPS) and offers a variety of opportunities for research and outreach activities. Check out the website for SPS at UticaUniversity.
The 3 - 2 transfer option in engineering provides the basic courses typically found in the first years of engineering programs. Students have the advantages of small classes and close contact with the faculty as they master their foundation courses in science, mathematics, and introductory engineering at Utica University, along with core courses, for a total of at least 96 hours. With this coursework completed, students transfer to an engineering school where they take junior-level engineering courses. Upon the completion of 32 hours at the transfer college (and receipt of an official transcript), students will earn a B.A. in physics from Utica University. When the students have satisfied the requirements from the engineering school, typically after another year of study there, they will earn a second degree, in engineering. In effect, one year of college work counts for the degree at two institutions, and students will have a liberal arts degree in addition to the engineering degree. This degree should be considered by those seeking a career in technical management.
Physics at Utica
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better
Career Opportunities
Investing in the Future
Two Degree Options
What You'll Learn
Utica University’s flexible program fits a broad range of professional outcomes, with options for both bachelor of science and bachelor of arts degrees:
- Bachelor of Science degree - designed for students planning on attending graduate school and on careers in research or engineering;
- Student Learning Goals (B.S.)
- Demonstrate conceptual, theoretical, and practical knowledge of classical mechanics topics
- Demonstrate conceptual, theoretical, and practical knowledge of Electricity and Magnetism topics
- Demonstrate conceptual, theoretical, and practical knowledge in Quantum and Modern Physics
- Student Learning Goals (B.S.)
- Bachelor of Arts degree - designed for students planning to work in business or government in positions requiring a background in the physical sciences, and for students planning on teaching physics or physical science in primary or secondary school.
- Student Learning goals (B.A.):
- Demonstrate conceptual, theoretical, and practical knowledge, including hands-on experience, of classical mechanics topics
- Demonstrate conceptual, theoretical, and practical knowledge, including hands-on experience, of Electricity and Magnetism topics
- Demonstrate conceptual, theoretical, and practical knowledge, including hands-on experience, in Quantum and Modern Physics
- Student Learning goals (B.A.):
Physics Faculty
- Assistant Professor of Physics
- Assistant Professor of Physics
- Adjunct Professor of Physics
A Degree That Works
Recent graduates of the Utica University physics program have gone on to complete advanced degrees (in physics or engineering) at a number of nationally renowned universities including Syracuse University, the University of Pittsburgh, SUNY Albany, Clarkson, and others. Graduates of the physics program have taken leadership positions at:
- Air Force Research Lab
- Naval Surface Warfare Center
- James Madison University
- ConMed Corporation
- INFICON, Inc
Making Her Mark in the Research Universe
Brittany Vanderhoof loves tackling the big questions. And for a physics student who’s always been “obsessed with space,” those big questions go beyond planet Earth—and even beyond our solar system. Vanderhoof has spent most of her Utica career studying galaxy formation.
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In Memoriam: Professor William Pfeiffer
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