Our Undergraduate Program
How stars are born, cells divide, and electricity works isn’t random. Natural laws such as gravity govern these phenomena. Physicists develop theories and models to understand how those principles show up in our world and beyond. Fundamental research like this revealed the atom, its structure and component particles (including electrons), and how those particles interact. The tools physicists develop often evolve into technologies that end up in everyday life, from medical imaging to touch screens. A physics degree from UT equips students with the problem-solving skills they need to adapt to the ever-changing nature of science and technology and shows them how to translate those skills into broad career opportunities.
With two bachelor’s degree tracks our students can prepare for graduate studies in physics or astronomy or combine their physics education with other fields like chemistry, math, education, or journalism. We also offer minors in both physics and astronomy.
Our students also have multiple opportunities to perform cutting-edge research with our expert faculty for both credit and pay. We have current opportunities in astrophysics, biophysics, condensed matter physics (including quantum materials), elementary particle/high energy physics, and nuclear physics—leading to hands-on experience and student co-authorship on scientific publications. Students work on campus (including at the Center for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing—CAMM) as well as at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Fermilab, CERN, and RIKEN in Japan. The department’s Summer Research Fellowship program gives outstanding undergraduates the opportunity to gain experience by spending 10 weeks working on a paid full-time research project supervised by a physics faculty member.
With multiple student organizations, physics students have the chance to socialize, study, and pursue professional development while making lifelong friends.
If you want a degree—and a career—in physics, there’s no better place to get started than UT!