When you major in physics at Nebraska, you’ll learn fundamental physics principles and acquire problem-solving skills that can be applied across a wide range of careers in science, engineering, medicine, data science and finance, to name a few. Physics seeks to describe complex systems using simplified models that capture the underlying fundamental principles that govern them. You will learn how to create mathematical models that make accurate predictions, and gain experience both in theory and experiment.
  • College

  • Hours Required

    120
  • Minors Available

    Physics

  • Areas of Focus

    Professional, Computational Physics, Materials Physics, Optics and Lasers

The Nebraska Difference

Curiosity

Discover what moves you as you engage with our diverse mix of academic disciplines.

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Flexibility and Choice

Customize your degree with course choices and add a minor or even 2nd major.

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Academics + Experience

Build knowledge, skills, and experience in and out of the classroom.

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Limitless Career Paths

Develop interests and goals in any field and learn how your major connects to it.

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Program Features

Focus and Range 

Dive deep into your physics major while taking a wide variety of courses across all areas in CAS. Graduate academically well-rounded and eager to keep learning. Use your collaboration and communication skills to address complex problems and make a positive impact professionally and personally. 

1-1 Academic Advising and Career Coaching 

Along with your faculty, professional academic advisors and career coaches will help you make a one-of-a-kind degree plan. We are focused on your success, while at Nebraska and after graduation, whether your goal is employment or graduate/professional school. 

Learn from the Experts 

Physics faculty specialize in all areas of Physics and are active leaders and contributors to research projects worldwide. 

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Notable Courses

PHYS 231: Electrical and Electronic Circuits

Diode, transistor, and operational amplifier circuits and analog applications; gates, flip-flops, and elementary digital electronics.

PHYS 343: Physics of Lasers and Modern Optics

Physical principles and techniques of lasers and modern optics. Emphasis on practical experience with state-of-the-art techniques and applications.

PHYS 431: Thermal Physics

Thermal phenomena from the point of view of thermodynamics, kinetic theory, and statistical mechanics.

PHYS 451: Electromagnetic Theory

Theory of electric and magnetic fields and their interaction with charges and currents, Maxwell's equations, electric and magnetic properties of matter.

PHYS 462: Atoms, Nuclei, and Elementary Particles

Basic concepts and experimental foundation for an understanding of the physics of atoms, nuclei, and elementary particles.

Huskers Do Big Things

Internships

  • Research Intern, UNL Holland Computing

Careers

  • Battery Technician, Duncan Aviation
  • Plant Operator, Nebraska Public Power District
  • Science Teacher, Lincoln Public Schools
  • Process Engineer I, Garmin
  • Systems Programmer, Bryan Health

Graduate Schools

  • Master's Degree, Science Teaching, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • Ph. D., Condensed Matter Physics, Rutgers University
  • Ph. D., Space Science Instrumentation, University of Michigan
  • Ph. D., Geophysics, California Institute of Technology
  • Ph. D., Astronomy, University of California-Berkeley

Outside the Classroom

Depending on your major, interests, and goals, you’ll choose to do research, work as an intern, study abroad, become a leader, and serve your community. The University’s Experiential Learning requirement ensures you have at least one of these transformative learning experiences, but CAS students typically do at least two.

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Academics & Experiential Learning

  • In CAS, our motto is Academics + Experience = Opportunities. Employers and graduate/professional schools are looking for students who have a strong academic background and hands on experience.
  • Physics majors regularly engage in research or internships, along with studying abroad, and getting involved in service or leadership on campus and beyond.
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Career Preparedness

  • PHYS 201: Modern Topics in Physics and Astronomy. Meet fellow students and gain an understanding of how the major relates to current progress and career paths of the field.
  • CASC 200: Career Development in Arts and Sciences. Explore your interests, abilities, and values while identifying career options and preparing to apply for internships, jobs, or graduate/professional school.
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Community

  • Join the UNL Society of Physics Students to connect with faculty, fellow students, alumni, and guest speakers.
  • Become a learning assistant and help your peers in introductory physics courses.

Have Questions? We're Here to Help

If you have questions about the Physics major or navigating the application process, contact us.

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Contact Name
Nicholas Gordon
Contact Title
Director of Recruitment
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