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Bachelor of Science in Physics

Department of Physics, Geosciences & Astronomy

College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Bachelor of Science in Physics

Department of Physics, Geosciences & Astronomy

College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

On-Campus

Program

120 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Full-Time, In-State Tutition

$5,010 Per Semester

Free Books

for All Students

Work at the Forefront of Science and Technology

Strengthen your reasoning and problem solving skills

Physics affects every aspect of our daily lives. From medicine to engineering physicists are tackling the most demanding challenges facing society. A degree in physics develops the quantitative and analytical skills needed to enter some of the most exciting and rewarding career fields. EKU’s bachelor’s in physics program emphasizes hands-on experience focused on real-world problems, preparing students to enter the workforce, pursue graduate studies and assume leadership roles.

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Career Outlook


There are numerous careers for students who study physics. Examples include atomics; computations; condensed matter; health and medicine; nuclear, plasma, quantum information, and education.

Physicists may study theory, design and perform experiments, or develop materials or equipment.

Many physicists work in applied research, developing technology or solving problems in energy storage, electronics, communications, and navigation. Other physicists develop theories to explain such concepts as what gravity is or how the universe was formed.

Physicists also work in interdisciplinary fields such as biophysics, chemical physics, and geophysics, and become teachers or professors.

The federal government employs physicists in many different agencies: the Air Force, the Navy, the Army, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the FAA, and more.

Overall employment of physicists and astronomers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Physics teaches inventive thinking and problem-solving – making physicists desirable in fields as diverse as astronomy, computer science, law, medicine, and biophysics.

Job Titles Include:

  • Atomic, molecular, or optical physicist
  • Computational physicist
  • Condensed matter and materials physicist
  • Health physicist
  • Medical physicist
  • Particle and nuclear physicist
  • Plasma physicist
  • Quantum information physicist
  • Cosmologists and extragalactic/galactic, planetary, and stellar astronomer
  • Optical and radio astronomer

EKU physics graduates work in a variety of fields and positions.

Employers Include:

  • NASA
  • Rockwell International
  • Clark County, KY Public Schools
  • Danville Independent Schools

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Curriculum & Enrollment


Learn essential skills for today’s physics careers. Our programs are made up of high-quality courses and taught by experienced professors. EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation through course topics such as: theoretical methods in physics; electricity and magnetism; chemistry, calculus; electrical circuits; engineering thermodynamics; programmable logic controllers, laser physics and optics; stars, galaxies, and cosmology; biology; and curriculum and instructional design.

A minimum of 120 credits are required to graduate with a bachelor’s degree, including 40 hours of general concentration credits, 41 hours of engineering physics concentration credits, or 54 hours of physics teaching concentration credits.

View the degree requirements:

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students may transfer up to 90 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 30 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

All applicants must provide an application and evidence of appropriate scholastic achievement through prior educational experience.

Please note that certain degree programs have special admission requirements. Admission to the University does not mean automatic admission to all degree programs.

The completed application and all required supporting documentation must be received by the University no later than:

• August 1 for fall enrollment
• December 1 for spring enrollment
• May 1 for summer enrollment

To apply for undergraduate admission to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), submit an application at apply.eku.edu and submit your materials noted below electronically or by mail to:

Office of Admissions
Eastern Kentucky University
Whitlock Bldg. 112, CPO 54
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475-3154.

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • Fast-track opportunities for students with 80 or more credit hours
  • Generous credit transfer policy
  • Apply for departmental scholarships, plus other financial aid
  • Optics lab and nuclear and particle physics lab with the type of equipment more commonly found at R1 universities (designated with very high research activity)
  • EKU’s Smith Park Observatory and telescope deck
  • Guided school-embedded clinical experiences that support individual, small group, and whole class teaching opportunities
  • Supervised, sustained practice teaching experiences
  • Full-time assignment in an accredited school to observe, participate, and teach in classroom settings
  • Preparation for the required PRAXIS Exam for educators

Program Options

Choose between three specialty concentrations that offer the opportunity to tailor the degree to specific career goals and give you a competitive edge in the job market. Options include:

Students will be prepared for employment in physics or a related field in the public or private sector or for admission to a graduate program in physics or a related field.

Description paragraph

Students will be prepared to pass the Praxis exam in physics and teach physics in a secondary school.

Minors & Certificates

Select from a wide range of minors, allowing you to explore interests or make use of prior credits. Suggested minors available for this program include:

You can also choose from numerous undergraduate certificates in specialty areas that complement and enhance your major as you work toward your degree. Suggested certificates for this program include:

View the full list of certificates available for completion as you earn your degree.

Enrolling & Advising Information


EKU’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to our college enrollment counselor today.

Photo of Aida Bermudez

Aida Bermudez

College Enrollment Counselor

859-622-2902
aida.bermudez@eku.edu


Student Stories & Features

Madeline Bentsen

EKU Forensic Science Graduate
The faculty was tough and fair, they wanted me to succeed and they pushed me to think critically and logically. However, they were very understanding and cared deeply for their students. They helped to prepare me for the field of forensics and helped me strengthen my weaknesses.
photo of Brad Rich

Brad Rich

EKU Forensic Science Graduate
The thing that I feel like many people, including myself, find surprising about the program is how encompassing it is. It’s not all chemistry or biology but also public speaking and critical thinking incorporated with mock trial and capstone that truly prepare you for the field of forensic science. After graduating I realized just how well I was prepared by the faculty in my program, making the transition from education to career seamless.

Madison High

EKU Environmental and Applied Geology Graduate
My degree provided me with the knowledge I needed to get a solid start to my career. I was able to get a job with the Kentucky Geological Survey within a few months of graduating and I am thrilled to be working for them. I also took the ASBOG Fundamentals of Geology exam shortly after graduating and passed it on my first try.

Upcoming Events

Halls Open

Residence Halls Open for the Spring 2025 semester. Front desks begin normal operating hours.

Check-In Deadline

Check-in deadline for all returning and new students for spring 2025. For late return/check-in, contact our office at 859-622-1515.

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Contact Information

Department of Physics, Geosciences & Astronomy

Science Building
Room 3140

859-622-1521
pgas@eku.edu