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Department of Physics

Who should major in Physics?

Physics minor

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.

Are you interested in an 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: SDSU Department of Physics offers an approved South Dakota Education Certification.

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 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.

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Department of Physics Events

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Apr 14

Physics Banquet

Department of Physics News

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McTaggart in physics lab

Society of Physics Students names McTaggart Outstanding Chapter Advisor

South Dakota State University associate professor Robert McTaggart was selected as the Society of Physics Students’ Outstanding Chapter Advisor for 2019-20.

NSF grant puts spin in semiconductor materials

Associate physics professor Parashu Kharel received a three-year, nearly $160,000 National Science Foundation grant to develop and test new semiconductor materials.

Society of Physics Students chapter honored for fourth-straight year

For the second-straight year, South Dakota State University’s Society of Physics Students chapter was named an outstanding chapter by the Society of Physics Students.