About Our Department

The mission of the Oklahoma State University Physics Department is to advance the knowledge and understanding of Physics and the physical world through nationally and internationally prominent programs of graduate and undergraduate education, research and service.

The Physics program at OSU prepares students to be competitive in a wide variety of career opportunities, ranging from science and engineering to law and business. Opportunities exist for specialization in a wide range of topics, including practical study in state-of-the-art research laboratories. The programs aim is to prepare students for useful and worthwhile careers in their specialty of choice.

The major revolutions of the 20th century have been how we understand and control the physical universe. From Einstein's Relativity blossomed modern cosmology and satellite communications, and from Schroedinger's quantum mechanics came the worlds of computers, lasers and understanding DNA. In short, Physics, as the foundation of all science, has played the pivotal role in preparing us to embark on the 21st century.

Careers

• Science
• Engineering
• Business
• Law
• Medicine
• Computing
• Management
• Education
• Government
• Communication
• Biotechnology
• Meteorology
• ...and many more

Programs

Two baccalaureate degree programs -- the traditional Physics degree, and the Applied Physics degree -- offer a myriad of possibilities for tailoring a very personal program of study to your own career aspirations. The Applied Physics degree combines Physics with virtually any other subject, from accounting to zoology. Besides the theory and laboratory courses, Physics majors are given the opportunity to work with faculty members' research groups and so gain the real experience of "doing Physics." Such undergraduate research experience is sound preparation for the student who is either going on to graduate or professional school, or who is seeking employment in business or industry.

Preparation

An important character of Physics majors is an aptitude for problem solving. This takes a certain facility with mathematics, the diligence to absorb and reflect upon given facts, patience to carry out and interpret detailed experiments, and an openness to seek new ways to look at things, both on your own and in collaboration with others. Such skills can take a lifetime to develop, but early learning in these directions is important. The Physics department offers four year Daniel Stevens scholarships to qualifies incoming students.

For Further Information

For further information about our department, available scholarships, and specific degree options, please contact: