Explore modern physics concepts and learn how to apply computational techniques to real problems as you gain solid skills in experimental design and quantitative reasoning.
As a physics major at USD you will satisfy your curiosity about the natural world. Physics is the foundation of all sciences—it provides a framework for understanding the world at its most fundamental level, from the smallest particles to the universe itself. In pursuing a degree in physics, you will gain more than just a classroom understanding. Our physics program enables you to address today’s hottest physics challenges and provides a strong foundation for a variety of options upon graduation.
Understand nature at its deepest level and prepare yourself for a future in research, academia and in industries such as energy, electronics, medical instrumentation and aerospace.
Students majoring in physics take a traditional undergraduate physics curriculum that includes courses in classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, optics and electronics. Students can also choose to specialize in applied physics.
The applied physics specialization gives students practical experience with the department’s germanium crystal growth lab.
For a teaching major in physics, complete the physics degree along with the appropriate teaching certification courses.
Earn both your bachelor's and master's degrees in five years instead of six and acquire an important, marketable skill in analyzing large amounts of data in addition to your in-depth instruction in physics.
A minor in physics will help you develop critical thinking skills and explore the relationship between matter and energy. This program is a great complement to a variety of majors, engineering and computer science.
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As a student at USD, the opportunities available to you extend beyond the classroom. Explore your interests, find your community and experience your education to the fullest extent through the following opportunities.
The Physics Club is USD's chapter of the Society for Physics Students and sponsors guest speakers, social events, a physics fair and astronomy sky watching.
The club is open to all students with an interest in physics or astronomy. The club meets about once a month. The club assists with the Science Olympiad each spring, and usually sponsors a physics fair in conjunction with the Science Olympiad.
USD physics students can spend a summer studying internationally while receiving a stipend and having much of their travel costs paid for.
The research students conduct abroad creates valuable connections and prepares them for world-changing careers in a variety of fields.
About 95 percent of physics bachelor degree graduates are employed or in graduate or professional school one year after degree completion, and physics majors entering the workforce receive some of the highest starting salaries of any undergraduate major.
Many of our graduates also go on to graduate school, professional school and careers in a variety of fields. Physics majors interested in law school are encouraged as our students are the highest scoring demographic on the LSAT.
In our comprehensive curriculum, students find interest in unique classes such as Modern Physics and Numerical Methods of Physicists. For example, the former delivers a foundation for the “cool” topics in physics such as relativity, quantum mechanics and nuclear physics. The latter allows students to apply computational techniques to real problems in physics and along the way develop useful expertise in data analytics that serves them well in a variety of careers. The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation estimates jobs for big data and analytics workers to grow up to 35 percent over the next 10 years.
In addition, our applied physics specialization provides hands-on work with germanium detectors – both their production and application. These detectors play an important role in experiments that seek to further our understanding of both dark matter and neutrinos. Germanium detectors are also used to measure radiation in a variety of applications including personnel and environmental monitoring for radioactive contamination, medical applications and nuclear security.
Physics at USD is a community of faculty and students dedicated to excellent teaching and to performing research at the forefront of the field, including the search for dark matter.
Learn more about tuition and fees for undergraduate students and see how your out-of-pocket costs at USD compare to those at other colleges and universities. Visit the Undergraduate Tuition & Costs Detailed page for program specific costs and fees.
Navigating options for how to pay for college can be challenging, but you are not alone. The Office of Financial Aid will work with you and your family to explore how you can make your college education even more affordable.
USD awards nearly $9.5 million in scholarships each year. View our scholarships to see which ones you may qualify for and how you can apply.
In the physics department at USD, there is so much opportunity for students to be part of research. It’s a smaller department so it’s nice to get so much interaction with advisors and mentors.
Abbie Woodard
