Undergraduate Programs in Physics and Astronomy
Earn a Degree in an Exciting and Dynamic Field
"During my final year in medical school, I served on the Admissions Council to help interview and select the candidates for admission into the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. I can directly attest that candidates with a background in physics were always highly regarded, as it generally implies a difficult undergraduate course load, a dedication to scientific principles, and a degree of analytical approach to problems that correlates well with the diagnostic approach to patients."
Dr. Davis Rogers
Orthopedic Surgeon, University of Alabama-Birmingham St. Vincent's Hospital
Understand the laws of the universe
A degree in physics provides the foundation for graduate study in experimental or theoretical physics, astronomy, astrophysics and many other sciences. It can also prepare students for a range of health professions.
Studying physics leads to a unique and effective approach to problem solving that many employers - across a range of career fields - value when looking for potential candidates. Our graduates are well prepared to enter the workforce or graduate/professional school, no matter their career goals.
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Student Success Resources and Scholarships
The Department has many different sources of support for the success of students in the courses and programs. Physics alumni and friends have given funding to support scholarships dedicated to students in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
Department Resources and Scholarships Physics Tutoring Schedule -
Accelerated Law (3+3)
In a partnership with the UM School of Law, students admitted to the Accelerated Law Program may earn baccalaureate and law degrees in 6 years instead of 7 by using first year law school courses to complete their undergraduate degree. They start law school during their senior year.
Accelerated Law -
Health Professions Advising Office
As the only full-service office of its kind in the state of Mississippi, HPAO's mission is to counsel all UM health professions students on available opportunities for a health care career, and advise students toward a competitive application. Many physics majors find successful careers in healthcare and utilize the services of HPAO during their journey at UM.
Connect with HPAO -
Careers and Alumni
See the top economic sectors for the employers of our physics undergraduate alumni. Meet a few alumni and how they view the value of their major in today's world.
Physics Careers and Alumni
Why is Physics a great major for Medical School?
"A Physics degree provides many advantages to students seeking careers in medicine and health professions. Physics students are valued for their creative approach to problem solving and critical thinking skills. Over the years our program has established a rich legacy in the medical field with over one hundred practicing M.D's holding undergraduate degrees in physics from UM. In addition to the standard curriculum, we offer courses in The Physics of Medical Imaging and Biophysics. Our BA program provides the flexibility to take the other courses necessary for MCAT preparation. This flexibility also leads to many of our students pursuing a second major in other STEM departments as well as the humanities."
Joel Mobley
Professor of Physics and Astronomy and Undergraduate Program Coordinator: Senior Scientist I at the National Center for Physical Acoustics
Beyond the Classroom
Department Research Opportunities
We encourage all our students to do research with our faculty and staff. In fact, all undergraduate majors complete at least one semester of research before graduation. They can talk with their favorite physics faculty member or their physics academic advisor about research opportunities in the department.
Summer Research Opportunities
There are opportunities to attend specialized summer schools such as the Belle II Summer School. There are also opportunities via the National Science Foundation's Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) programs held at other universities.
Society of Physics Students
SPS brings physics students closer together and educates the community about physics. We are a chapter of the National SPS Organization and received the 2020 national Blake Lilly Prize as the most outstanding chapter for outreach efforts and dedication to physics education. For more information, connect with faculty advisors Dr. Jake Bennett or Dr. Breese Quinn.
Women in Physics (UMWiP)
The Women in Physics (UMWiP) at the University of Mississippi encourages young people at the high school and university level to pursue a career in physics. For more information, contact faculty advisor, Dr. Cecille Labuda.
Oxford Science Café
Oxford Science Café hosts monthly conversations about the science we know and the science we don't know. Everyone is invited and children are welcome!
When: Tuesdays 6-7pm
Location: Heartbreak Coffee, 265 North Lamar Blvd, Oxford
Sponsors: Office of the Provost, Department of Physics and Astronomy, UM Women in Physics, and Heartbreak Coffee.
Astronomy Open House
We offer astronomy open houses that are centered around viewings with our telescopes at Kennon Observatory on campus. See our scheduled open house events and what might be visible on those days.
Physical Acoustics Research
I am an undergraduate researcher at the National Center for Physical Acoustics (NCPA) where I work within the Applied Acoustics Group. Some of my previous efforts have been radio communication for rover systems and construction of a 3D acoustic sensor array. Currently, I am working alongside another undergraduate student on taking acoustic measurements in the anechoic chamber at the NCPA. This current effort utilizes signal processing techniques to understand the effects of various aspects of the experimental system on the acoustic signal of interest.
Daniel Stewart
(B.A. in Physics, minors in Mathematics, Manufacturing)
Outstanding Physics Students
Sigma Pi Sigma is the Physics Honor Society. In addition to academics, it promotes the four dimensions of Honor, Encouragement, Service, and Fellowship. For more information, contact the faculty advisor, Dr. Breese Quinn.
- 2024 Graham Speedie, Lane Taylor
- 2023 Bryce Barrett, Cooper Crawley, Caroline Cuddy
- 2022 Hollie Danielle Arnsdorff, Paul Gebeline, Sakul Mahat, Matthew Mestayer, Wil Stacy, Jessica Swindol, Kaitlyn Thurmond
- 2020 Radhakrishna Adhikari, Santosh Bhandari, Taylor Cabrera, Nicholas Kruse, Ming Zern Ngoh, Samyak Shrestha
- 2019 John Phillips
- 2017 Jonathan Pittman, Daniel Pompa, Justin Ryan
- 2016 Mir Emad Aghili, Jeffrey Atkinson, Chandrima Chatterjee, Samyukta Krishnamurthy, Hector Okada da Silva, Shanmuka Shivashankara, Sumudu Tennakoon
- 2015 Piero Bracamonte, Ryan Chapman and Forrest Gamble, Davis Rogers, Emily Smith, Connor Tierney
- 2014 Hunter Gabbard, Harlee Harrison, Thomas Jamerson, Daniel Miller, Taylor Miller, Neetish Pradhan, Kenneth Scott, Jared Wofford
- 2013 Rachael Crim, Daniel Duddleston, Peshani Herath, Nettie Hines, Elyse Jensen, Zach Lewis, Thomas Skelton
- 2011 Ken Bader, Ahmed Rashed, Erik Shuttlesworth, Andrew Thurber, Michael Watson
- 2010 Chad Armstrong, Charlotte Skelton, Andrew Thurber, Chioma Udemgba, Lauren Vickers
- 2008 Najat Al-Sherri, Christian Barnes, Carl Dewitt, Erica Gillentine, Amanda Gamble, Bradley Goodwiller, Clint Loh, William Lancaster, George Lyons, Brentley Smith
- 2007 Evans Heithaus, Barney Kipapa, George Richardson
- 2006 John Brozovich, Chris Peters, Brooke Rankins, Sam Watson
- 2004 Briana Carstens, Nicholas Cook, Matthew McChesney, Robert Miller, Sarah Quilter, Celeste Sabatier, Gregory Spellman
- 2003 Adam Gray, Kelly Langford, Chris Westbrook, Andrew Taylor
- 2002 Robert Michael Angelo, Cecelia Fiorucci Necaise, James Robert Rigby, Stewart Rutledge
- 2001 Steve Hamric, Jaromy Kuhl, Tyler Marks, Jennifer McGuire, Pasquale Montanaro, David Robertson, Charles Sabatier
- 2000 Amber Massey, Vincent Tam Nguyen, Philip Tatum, Luca Bombelli (Assistant Professor), Robert Hiller (Assistant Professor)
- 1999 Leonidas McLean Coleman, Michael McGuire, Vera Sazonova, Cecille A. Pemberton, Kimberly D. Whicker
- 1984 Robin L. Myrick, Michael McGee, Manaf H. Ali, R. Jeffrey Cole, Jeffrey N. Evans, J. Brian Fowlkes, William C. Johnson, Bruce A. Layton, K. Todd Lee, Virgil R. Massey, Joe R. Mitchell, James. A. Jr. Moore, Garnett, A. Murphy, Michael W. Peaden, Devra K. Porter, Charles K. Jr. Pringle, Richard Reid, Susan M. Van Zandt
- 1981 Jean E. Ezell, Joseph K. Wong, C. Richard Jr. Rogers, Hal E. Fulton, Mary P. O’ Donnell, James Eugene Brosey, Marshall J. Bouldin, Rafat, K. Buhaisi, Dimitri N. Diliani
- 1980 James Aldridge, Carol Eaton, Gregory Eaton, Monica Gibson, Charles Herring, Ray Glynn Holt, Steven Horsburgh, Charles Jenkins, Michael Nicholas, Benny Sharp, Penny Sisler, Ann Branch Watson, Carter Watson, Richard Detsch
- 1979 A.B. Lewis (Dean Emeritus), Roy Arnold (Professor), Gordon Baird (Chairman), Henry Bass (Associate Professor), Harold Crater (Assistant Professor), Lawrence Crum (Associate Professor), Robert Kelly (Professor), James Reidy (Associate Professor), F. Douglas Shields (Professor), Gordon Wolfe (Assistant Professor), Stephen Addison (Graduate), John Gray (Graduate), Bruce Hellman (Graduate), Kerry Commander, Charles Daley, John Dilley, Thomas Feduccia, Keshararzi Firooz, William Ford, Rance Fortenberry, Thomas Heering, Leslie L. Jones, Matthew R. Phillips, Emilio Ramos, John Thomason, Laramie Triplett, William Walker, Karen West