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Physics

Physics is the foundation of almost all science and engineering disciplines. If you are a student in biological science, health science, engineering, mathematics and physical science, we have courses appropriate for you. Whether you are interested in a career in physics research, education, engineering, medicine, nuclear medicine, law, science journalism or alternatively many other choices, a bachelor of science degree in physics could be the choice for you. Others will find it more appropriate to combine the physics major, a minor in physics or a minor in nuclear engineering with another major (electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, computer science).


Who should major in Physics?

Are you curious how the world works? Congratulations. You’ve found us! We have three tracks and one specialization to meet your career needs.

Student doing math equations on white board while a teacher watches.

Advanced degree in engineering: Physics education provides rigorous curriculum, mathematical skills, laboratory techniques and undergraduate research opportunities for your success in master’s and Ph.D. degree programs.

Transparent skull of a brain in a display case

Pre-med, pre-law, pre-MBA students: Physics graduates score the second highest in MCAT, LSAT and GMAT tests among all disciplines.

Physics Classroom

Science or physics teachers: Physics offers an approved South Dakota Education Certification.

Who should double-major in Physics?

Engineering students

Engineering students double-majoring in physics will have not only the practical knowledge of respective engineering field, but also the fundamental understanding behind the technologies of tomorrow. The knowledge of modern physics and quantum mechanics will make you become a true leader in any engineering fields.

Computer Science

Physics built the hardware of the computers in the past. Physics invented the present internet. Physics will rule the future with quantum computing.


Alumni Profiles

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Physics News

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School of Performing Arts faculty members Immanuel Abraham, Xuan Kuang and David Reynolds perform at the 2024 Celebration of Faculty Excellence in Volstorff Ballroom at South Dakota State University.

SDSU faculty recognized for excellence

The annual South Dakota State University Celebration of Faculty Excellence recognized 30 faculty members, researchers and scientists Tuesday. The event honors faculty members in the university's colleges for outstanding research, teaching and service.
Doctoral student Albert Armoo performs Western blot to ensure specific genes are absent

Breakthrough study reveals insights into how cancer cells evade treatment

At South Dakota State University, Rachel Willand-Charnley, assistant professor in the Department Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, leads an interdisciplinary research lab—the RAWC Lab—whose work revolves around improving cancer treatments. Recently, their work has placed greater emphasis on gaining a better understanding of how cancer utilizes sugar residues and their associated genes to evade the immune system and participate in multidrug resistance.

Physics students make most of research opportunity

For South Dakota State University physics majors Gavin Baker and Jax Wysong, it is undergraduate research that has set them apart from their contemporaries. In March, they shared their undergraduate research with those gathered at the mass meeting of the American Physical Society in Las Vegas. It is an international gathering with more than 10,000 participants.