Acquire a broad understanding of the physical principles of the universe.
"Physics is a lot more than the physics you might see in high school. Physics expands into quantum mechanics, astrophysics, acoustics, and other areas. It is so multifaceted that there is something for everyone. If you are at all interested in Physics, take a few classes, and see which are you like best and go from there!"
Ally Watrous ('24)
B.A. in Physics and German, B.S. in Chemistry
The Department of Physics and Astronomy in the College of Liberal Arts offers the B.A. in Physics. Our physics majors acquire a broad understanding of the physical principles of nature, develop critical thinking and quantitative reasoning skills and become creative scientific thinkers.
Students have the opportunity to become involved in cutting edge research projects with faculty in the fields of acoustics, atmospheric physics, condensed-matter physics, high-energy physics, gravitational physics and astrophysics.
Students can choose between the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science in Physics.
Physics teaches you to use fundamental laws of nature underlying the interaction of matter and energy to discover new ideas in technology and new solutions to age-old problems. Studying physics provides the foundation for graduate study in experimental or theoretical physics, astronomy, astrophysics, and many other sciences such as chemistry, oceanography, seismology, and astronomy. It can also be applied to health professions such as medicine and dentistry.
Our course of study leads to a unique and effective approach to problem-solving which many employers value when looking for potential candidates. This makes our majors well prepared to enter the workforce in a wide variety of areas upon graduation. Related careers in physics include education, medicine, business, quality assurance, systems safety, military, energy resources, and law.
B.A. in Physics
120
Major
4 Years
Here are some of the classes you may take while earning your Bachelor of Arts in Physics. See all Physics courses.
UG
3 credits
This course is a study of the motion of systems of particles and rigid bodies in inertial and non-inertial reference frames, using the Newtonian, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of classical mechanics. Topics include harmonic motion, drag forces, conservative forces and energy, and the Coriolis and centrifugal forces.
UG
4 credits
This course is an introduction to applications in electronics for scientists. The course will use microcontroller and/or microprocessor- based single board systems to teach, design, and illustrate topics including passive components, AC circuit theory, semiconductors, amplifiers, and sensors. Standard laboratory practices and procedures will be emphasized throughout, including the use and interpretation of standard test equipment, hand tools, and safety.
UG
3 credits
This course is an introduction to the general theory and applications of thermodynamics, kinetic theory, and statistical mechanics.
UG
4 credits
Basic application of theories of measurement, instrumentation and error to laboratory research. Experiments in classical and modern physics including measurements of fundamental constants, vacuum technology, Mossbauer effect, EST and Hall effect and advanced experiments in nuclear and particle physics.
UG
3 credits
This course covers physics principles applied to biomedicine, cellular biology and physiology, including the applications of magnetic resonance and X-ray physics to medical imaging, and the physics of sub-cellular processes.
UG
3 credits
This is an introductory course in modern cosmology, covering the observational evidence for the current standard model of cosmology and its modeling in terms of the theory of gravity and spacetime. Topics covered include the current status of observational cosmology, homogeneous and isotropic spacetime models and their evolution starting from the Big Bang, the cosmic microwave background, dark matter and dark energy, and structure formation in the universe.
Hear firsthand from students, faculty, and staff about the Physics program.
"Physics taught me how to be an abstract thinker and to use science as a tool to unlock my full potential as a learner. It has so many applications in the real world, including the field of medicine and renewable energy. It prepared me well for my path in medicine and can open the door to any career you choose to pursue."
Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Resident at Tulane University
As Coordinator of Student Recruitment for the College of Liberal Arts, I work with students, and their parents, who are interested in attending UM for their undergraduate degrees. I coordinate personalized visits to our departments, answer questions about the majors and programs in the CLA and handle all recruitment communications from the CLA. Please feel free to send me any questions you may have. It is my job to make sure you have everything you need to make an informed decision on where to spend your college career, and I hope it will be with the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Mississippi!
CLA Coordinator of Student Recruitment
We invite future undergraduates to learn about the College of Liberal Arts, the value of the liberal arts education, our programs, career opportunities, and resources to help you succeed. You can also request a personalized degree sheet.
We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.
Are you ready to take the next step toward building your legacy?
