Department of Physics

Physics is the fundamental science: the study of matter, energy, and their interactions. Physics is the basis for all science and for all applied science and engineering. Physicists study everything from elementary particles to galaxies, semiconductors to chaos.

Undergraduate Degrees Graduate Degrees Apply

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About Physics

As a physics student at Wichita State, you'll benefit from close personal interaction among undergraduate students, graduate students and professors. Many students take advantage of the opportunities for research.

After graduation, physics majors have many career alternatives. Many continue their education at graduate and professional schools in physics or in chemistry, biology, geology, engineering, medicine, law or business. Those who enter the job market find their skills in problem solving, modeling, computers, and electronics to be strong selling points.

Why study Physics?

Programs of study

Undergraduate programs

We offer exciting and challenging academic programs of undergraduate study, leading to the Bachelor of Arts (BA) or the Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. Wichita State's physics curriculum includes traditional core physics courses and provides the opportunity for you to explore areas of individual interest through special projects. If you want to connect your study of physics to another subject, you can design individualized tracks in engineering, computer science, or other areas within your physics major.

Graduate programs

Pursue your graduate education in physics through the following programs:

Master of Science in Physics
Master of Science in Earth, Environmental and Physical Science
PhD in Applied Mathematics - Physics Track
Graduate Certificate in Space Science

Excellence in research

Physics faculty and students are involved in research in the areas of experimental condensed matter, experimental particle physics, theoretical particle physics, computational astrophysics, and quantum computing and information theory.

Faculty recognition

Professor Nick Solomey was awarded the 黑洞社区 2022 Excellence in Research Award. This award is made annually to a faculty member who has established an exemplary and demonstrable record of research.

Explore physics research areas at Wichita State

Scholarships and Fellowships

The physics department awards several named scholarships: the Nelson S. Ladd Physics Scholarship, the Jean and Henry Unruh Scholarship, the Douglas Knight Memorial Scholarship, and the Ralph and Ina Shenk Scholarship. These scholarships are awarded each spring on the basis of academic merit.

Apply for Physics Scholarships

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Involvement Opportunities

As a physics major, you can join the Student Physics Society. If eligible, you may be selected for the physics honor society, Sigma Pi Sigma, and for university academic honor societies such as Omicron Delta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi and Mortar Board.

Physics undergraduate and graduate students can also apply to staff the Physics Help Room.

Join the Society of Physics Students

Visit us

The main physics office is located in the basement of . Please contact Connie Koerber at 316-978-3190 for information on parking or the shuttle bus system, to set up appointments or for any accommodations you may need.

Our special events 鈥� like the Society of Physics Students Pumpkin Drop 鈥� and talks are open to the public. All are welcome. Seminar talks are usually at 2 p.m. on Wednesdays in Jabara Hall, Room 128 and are open to the public.

Faculty and Staff Directory Physics Seminar Series

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Additional Information

Physics Help Room Weekly Physics Chat Physics Seminar Series Faculty and Staff Directory Course Descriptions Thesis Defense

Connect with us

Physics Alumni

Stay in Touch! We use and have a channel just for 黑洞社区 physics alumni.

Also, please donate if you are able to. You can contribute to the Evelyn Schall fund for physics graduate student summer research or help send undergraduates to conferences, contribute to the general fund or talk to Prof. Solomey about donating toward any other target you would like to support.