Bachelor of Science in Physics

This degree lays the foundation to begin your career or to continue your education for a higher degree in graduate school in physics or another field, such as law or medicine.

The program has a high fraction of electives so that in consultation with your advisor, you can tailor a special program that suits your needs. This makes it easy to minor in computer science, mathematics or another field.
Physics is the most fundamental of the sciences. It explains how the physical world works and lies at the foundation of nearly all technical fields. All natural phenomena obey the laws of physics. Physicists express these laws in mathematical form, so that they can be applied to predict the behavior of all forms of matter and energy, ranging from the subatomic physics of quarks, gluons, nuclei, and electrons, to the astrophysics of planets, stars, black holes, and galaxies. Physics forms the foundation for modern technologies ranging from advanced materials to lasers used in high-speed communications and surgery, modern electronics, quantum devices for sensors and cryptography, as well as the radiation detectors and optical elements used in space telescopes.

The Missouri S&T physics department provides numerous opportunities for students to participate in cutting-edge scientific research supervised by departmental faculty. Topics include collisions between electrons, atoms, and ions, exotic interactions between atoms and ultrafast lasers, the electronic, magnetic, optical, and mechanical properties of new materials, quantum phenomena at ultralow temperatures, dark energy and the large-scale structure of the universe, as well as gravitational wave astronomy. Missouri S&T physics students often present their work at research competitions throughout the state and at national scientific meetings.

Admission is selective and based on a combination of secondary school core curriculum (a set of required secondary school classes), ACT and/or SAT composite scores (if available), grade point average (GPA), and class rank percentile. (For non-ranking schools, GPA will be used to evaluate your application).
International students must fulfill the same admission requirements as domestic applicants, but standardized test scores (ACT or SAT) are not required but should be submitted if available. Meeting the minimum requirements, however, does not guarantee admission, nor does it guarantee admission to a particular program. Missouri S&T appreciates well-rounded students and evaluates each application individually.
Missouri S&T may request that you provide an official transcript evaluation from the World Education Services (WES). If this is required, it will be visible on your application checklist after submission of your application, or an admissions representative will contact you to request it.
Minimum English proficiency test score requirements are 80 for TOEFL, 6.5 for IELTS, 58 for PTE, or 105 for Duolingo. We also accept SAT ERW score minimum of 500.