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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of South FloridaDiscover how the universe works from the ground up with the B.S. in Physics at the University of South Florida. This program is perfect for curious minds who want a solid foundation in physics and mathematics, plus the flexibility to dive into astronomy through specialised electives and even a minor.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Start your journey with PHY 2048 General Physics I – Calculus Based and PHY 2048L General Physics I Laboratory, followed by PHY 2049 General Physics II – Calculus Based and PHY 2049L General Physics II Laboratory. Alongside, you'll build your mathematical foundation with MAC 2311 Calculus I and MAC 2312 Calculus II.
Year 2: Advance to PHY 3101 Modern Physics, where quantum mechanics and relativity come alive, and continue with MAC 2313 Calculus III and MAP 2302 Differential Equations for deeper analytical skills. Intermediate laboratory work will help you hone your experimental technique.
Year 3: Delve into upper-level topics like PHY 3220 Classical Mechanics, PHY 3323 Electricity and Magnetism I, and PHY 3513 Thermal Physics. This year also features PHY 4802L Laboratory Physics I and PHY 4803L Laboratory Physics II, where you'll design and conduct your own experiments.
Year 4: Wrap up your degree with PHY 4604 Quantum Theory, PHY 4222 Mechanics II, PHY 4324 Electricity and Magnetism II, and PHY 4523 Statistical Physics. You'll also choose a 4000-level physics elective and can personalise your studies with astronomy courses such as AST 2002 Astronomy, AST 3044 Planetary Astronomy, AST 3110 Stellar Astronomy, AST 3402 Cosmology, or AST 3930 Selected Topics in Astronomy. Ambitious students can pursue an Astronomy Minor for even more focus.
Focus areas: Classical and modern physics, advanced mathematics, laboratory techniques, astronomy and cosmology (via electives and minor).
Learning outcomes: Apply physics concepts to real-world and theoretical problems; use mathematical and computational tools; conduct and interpret experiments; communicate scientific ideas effectively.
Professional alignment (accreditation): Meets standards for graduate programs in physics and related fields; aligns with professional and research expectations.
Reputation (employability rankings): Ranked #92 nationally for physics by College Factual and #3 in Florida, USF’s program is respected for its flexibility, strong scientific training, and opportunities for interdisciplinary study.
The B.S. in Physics with astronomy electives at the University of South Florida (USF) offers you the chance to develop research and technical skills using state-of-the-art laboratories, advanced computational resources, and direct faculty mentorship. While USF does not have a dedicated campus observatory, the department supports a broad range of experimental and theoretical research, including projects in astrophysics and planetary science.
Here’s what you can expect in terms of specific facilities and experiential learning:
Modern Physics Laboratories: Upper-level labs are continually updated to prepare students for modern research settings, providing hands-on experience with advanced measurement equipment, optics, electronics, and computational tools.
Materials Simulation Laboratory (MSL): Established in 2002, the MSL uses supercomputers to conduct quantum simulations under extreme conditions, such as those found in planetary interiors, offering opportunities for research relevant to astrophysics and planetary science.
4,000-CPU Computational Cluster: Students and faculty have access to a high-performance computing cluster for electronic, atomistic, and coarse-grained modelling, supporting projects in materials physics, computational astrophysics, and theoretical research.
Faculty-Led Astrophysics and Planetary Science Research: USF faculty conduct spectroscopy, interferometry, and imaging at optical, infrared, and millimetre wavelength telescopes, often in collaboration with leading atmospheric theorists and supported by NSF funding. Students can participate in these projects and gain experience with real astronomical data.
Interdisciplinary Research and National Collaborations: The department maintains strong links with major national and international research facilities, enabling students to engage in collaborative projects and access external resources for advanced research.
Undergraduate Research Requirement: All physics majors complete at least 2 credit hours of research, often resulting in co-authored publications or conference presentations. Students are encouraged to contact faculty directly to join research groups aligned with their interests.
Graduates of the University of South Florida’s B.S. in Physics with astronomy electives are well-prepared for exciting careers in research, technical analysis, education, and industry. USF alumni work as research technicians, science educators, data analysts, and technical specialists, using their strong analytical and problem-solving skills to make an impact across scientific and technical fields. Here’s how USF helps you achieve your goals:
USF Career Services: You’ll benefit from personalised advising, resume and interview workshops, and STEM-focused job fairs. USF’s Career Services connects physics majors with employers in research labs, tech companies, and educational institutions, and offers guidance on graduate school applications.
Employment Outcomes: The B.S. in Physics program includes five credit hours of physics electives—approved by your undergraduate advisor—allowing you to tailor your degree with astronomy courses that match your interests and career plans. This flexibility makes you highly employable in science and technology sectors, including opportunities for teacher certification through USF’s accelerated B.A./M.A.T. program.
University–Industry Partnerships: USF’s Department of Physics maintains strong relationships with local research organisations and offers undergraduate research opportunities, internships, and networking events to help you build professional connections and gain real-world experience.
Accreditation and Value: USF is regionally accredited, and its physics programs are designed to meet modern science and technology standards, ensuring your degree is respected by employers and graduate schools nationwide.
Graduation Outcomes: You’ll graduate with robust quantitative, analytical, and technical skills, preparing you for roles in industry, education, government, or for further study in graduate and professional programs.
Further Academic Progression: After completing your B.S. in Physics with astronomy electives at USF, you’ll be ready to pursue graduate study in physics, astronomy, astrophysics, or related fields, leading to advanced research, university teaching, or technical leadership roles at observatories, research institutions, and space agencies.
Official transcripts from Grade 9 to Grade 11th. For 12th Grade your school counselor should send the predictedEnglish test results: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 79USF requires freshman applicants to submit official results for at least one college entrance exam (SAT, ACT or CLT)March 15 - Submit all required documents (including STARS, application fee and test scores) to be considered for admission to USF.It is essential you provide your Social Security Number (SSN) on the Common App application when completing for relevant universities, like USF. If you do not, you will need to provide a copy of your Social Security card to the Office of Admissions to add to your account. Providing at a later date will also result in delayed application processingHighlight research experience, science competitions, or unique extracurriculars in your applicationPortfolio, project links, or YouTube channel to enhance your application (optional)Apply via the CommonApp or the USF Applicant PortalPhysicistAstronomerResearch ScientistData AnalystObservatory TechnicianScience CommunicatorPhysics TeacherTechnical WriterComputer ProgrammerPlanetarium Director
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