Physics
Academic programs
Undergraduate programs
Physics
Undergrad major Undergrad minorUWL's Physics Department is a nationally-recognized leader in physics education and one of the largest undergraduate physics programs in Wisconsin.
Emphasis
Applied
Undergrad majorThe applied emphasis gives you theoretical background to focus on the experimental aspect of physics. While not an engineering degree, this emphasis requires the same basic classes as the Bachelor of Science in Physics & Bachelor of Science in Engineering Dual Degree Program.
Emphasis
Astronomy
Undergrad major Undergrad minorThe science of astronomy applies principles of physics to everything beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Students use what they learn in core classical and modern physics courses to study the properties of stars, planets and exoplanets, white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes, other galaxies, dark matter, dark energy, and cosmology.
Concentration
Biomedical
Undergrad majorDo you like physics, mathematics, chemistry, and biology? Are you struggling to choose just one for a major? You don’t have to with the biomedical concentration! This physics concentration combines all of these subjects by providing a set of core courses and allowing you to choose the advanced courses you will take to prepare for your future. Whether you are looking ahead to the rigors of medical school, a program in medical physics, a future in biomedical engineering or other options, a biomedical concentration could be the perfect path for you.
Concentration
Business
Undergrad majorCombine physics with business to grow your problem-solving skills while expanding your background in business including economics, accounting, finance and marketing. This concentration requires the physics core courses and provides the flexibility to choose from 12 additional physics classes from a catalog of classes. The rest of the classes are taught in the College of Business Administration.
Emphasis
Computational Physics
Undergrad majorComputational physics employs mathematics, computer science and physics to solve complex problems using computational methods.
Science Education
Undergrad major Teacher licenseCompletion of the physics: science education concentration program and associated benchmark assessments will lead to endorsement for the Wisconsin teaching license in middle and high school science, grades 4-12 (2600). Students in all teacher education programs must satisfy the School of Education (SOE) core requirements.
Emphasis
Optics
Undergrad majorFrom lasers and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to fiberoptics, microscopes, spectrometers and telescopes, optical instruments play a key role in how we live and study the universe around us. In this emphasis, students take specialized optics courses where they learn about the fundamental properties of light and how modern optical instruments work.
Engineering Physics
Undergrad majorEngineering Physics combines science, mathematics, and engineering to equip graduates with skills to address complex, interdisciplinary challenges.
General Science for Teachers
Undergrad minorImprove your ability to teach science in elementary and middle school settings with the General Science for Teachers Minor.
Dual degree programs
Physics & Engineering
Receive a degree from UWL and a degree from UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, UW-Platteville, UW-Stout, the University of Minnesota Duluth, or Winona State University.
Catalogfor Bachelor of Science in Physics & Bachelor of Science in Engineering Dual Degree ProgramPhysics & Physical Therapy
UWL offers a dual degree program for qualified students, combining an undergraduate Physics degree with a graduate Physical Therapy degree.