Southern Illinois University - Major in Physics
Discover the science of how things work. Major in Physics.
Physics is the most practical of the sciences.
SIU is classified as a Higher Research Activity university. This means you have opportunities to get in on research projects -- grant-funded, ground-breaking, industry-changing -- not just as a junior or senior, but right away.
You’ll be in the classroom with faculty and with dedicated students. You won’t get lost in our program. You’ll be part of something, but you’ll still be able to do your own thing.
See what SIU can do for you
Opportunities
Our students are in the habit of snagging top internships and even paid research experiences. Our placement rate for the past three years is 100% for graduate school, career workforce and research science.
SIU physics researcher Dipanjan Mazumdar and a student team will spend the next five years developing and testing new magnetic materials for futuristic computers. He earned a $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation for his work.
Specializations
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Traditional Physics – This specialization is developed with a focus on fundamental physics --combining physics with mathematics to unlock the physical world around us. It is recommended for students considering an advanced degree, such as Ph.D. in physics or other STEM-related areas. Courses include Classical Mechanics, Mathematical Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Optics, and Statistical & Thermodynamics.
- Biomedical Physics – Medical physicists are scientists who work in healthcare to develop new medical technologies and radiation-based treatments. They might help beat cancer, or they might develop a better MRI and other medical devices. They may deal directly with patients, or they may test and maintain equipment. Students learn the physics behind the techniques and devices used in the life and medical sciences. The curriculum for this specialization includes courses in physics, chemistry and biology.
- Computational Physics – Physicists with a solid knowledge of computing are in high demand for various jobs, such as quantitative analyst and data scientist. The curriculum develops critical thinking, problem-solving, and programming skills through physics and computer science classes. You might create a flight simulator program, or make computational models to study the ocean floor or stock market.
- Materials & Nanophysics – Materials science and nanophysics lead to well-paying careers in the high-tech industry and energy fields. Our faculty study semiconductors, magnets, superconductors, nanosensors, magnetic/photonic devices, and biomaterials – which means you have expert advice readily available when you launch your own career-focused research. Courses include Quantum Mechanics and Electricity and Magnetism, Materials Science and NanoPhysics, Modern Optics and Lasers.
What you can expect:
- A quality, well-rounded education
- Small classes taught by physics faculty
- Generous scholarships and financial aid
- Paid research positions
- Physics seminars
- Inclusive, collegial atmosphere
- Physics outreach volunteer opportunities
- Timely graduation and career preparation
Facilities
Don’t let the lab names intimidate you. You’ll be working with professors and teachers, alongside graduate students and in the company of your classmates, many of whom will become friends.
- High performance Computing
- Carbon Nanomaterials Lab
- Quantum Materials & Heterostructures Lab
- Optical Physics and Laser Spectroscopy Lab
- Photonics and Quantum Optics Lab
- Quantum Information and AMO Physics
- Magnetic Properties Lab
- Electronics Shop
- Physics computer & 3D printing labs
Careers
- High-tech (Semiconductor, Aerospace, Energy)
- Research and Development
- Education
- Healthcare
- Government
- Banking, Finance, Law, Data Science
Student Groups
- Society of Physics Students / Physics Club
- Materials Research Society student chapter
- Rocketeers of Southern Illinois
