BS in Physics

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Brigham Young University Provo

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Physics at Brigham Young University provides a rigorous foundation in the fundamental laws of nature, combining theoretical physics, mathematical analysis, computational methods and hands-on experimentation. Designed for students interested in understanding physical systems and developing solutions to scientific and technological challenges, the program prepares graduates for research, technical careers and further study in physics and related disciplines.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students establish a strong foundation in mathematics, programming and core physics through courses such as Introduction to Newtonian Mechanics, Introduction to Computer Science and Calculus 2. The course Introduction to Physics Careers & Research 1 introduces students to research and professional pathways, helping them connect foundational knowledge with future academic and career goals.

Second Year: Students expand their understanding of physical phenomena through Introduction to Waves, Optics, Thermodynamics, Introduction to Electricity & Magnetism and Modern Physics. Practical experience begins through Introduction to Experimental Physics and Computational Physics Lab 1, where students develop skills in experimental investigation, computational analysis and scientific problem-solving.

Third Year: Students advance into more demanding theoretical and practical subjects, including Mechanics, Introduction to Mathematical Physics, Statistical & Thermal Physics and Electricity & Magnetism. Courses such as Design, Fabrication, Scientific Apparatus and Experiments in Contemporary Physics help students develop equipment-design skills and gain experience conducting experiments, interpreting results and communicating scientific findings.

Fourth Year: Students complete advanced studies through Quantum Mechanics and selected upper-level courses such as Electrodynamics, Applied Quantum Mechanics, Principles of Optics, Computational Physics or Solid State Physics. A required senior thesis, developed with guidance from a research mentor, enables students to investigate a specific scientific question and demonstrate their research, analytical and communication skills.

Focus Areas

Classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, optics, mathematical physics, computational physics, experimental physics, scientific instrumentation, materials physics and research methods.

Learning Outcomes

Physics Theory and Application: Apply classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics and electromagnetism to solve problems analytically and computationally.
Experimental and Computational Skills: Design and conduct experiments, build scientific equipment, write scientific programs and analyse data.
Effective Communication: Present scientific ideas clearly in written and oral formats and interpret scientific books and journal articles.
Professional Ethics: Understand and apply ethical principles in scientific research.
Research and Professional Preparation: Conduct experimental, theoretical or computational research under the guidance of a mentor.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program develops transferable scientific, mathematical, computational and experimental skills applicable to research and technical industries. The official program information does not specify a separate professional accreditation for the B.S. in Physics.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

BYU provides a research-oriented academic environment through its Physics and Astronomy department, with opportunities for supervised research and a required senior thesis. The official program information does not publish a specific physics-program employability ranking, graduate employment rate or salary figure.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Brigham Young University integrates practical investigation and faculty-guided research into its Physics program. Students develop hands-on skills in experimental design, scientific equipment construction, computational modelling and data analysis. The required senior thesis gives students the opportunity to investigate a research question with a faculty mentor and contribute to scientific work beyond classroom learning.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

Experimental Physics Laboratories: Apply theoretical concepts through experiments, scientific measurements and analysis in courses such as Introduction to Experimental Physics and Experiments in Contemporary Physics.
Computational Physics Labs: Develop computational problem-solving skills and learn to simulate physical systems through Computational Physics Lab 1, 2 and 3.
Scientific Equipment Design: Gain practical experience designing and fabricating scientific apparatus through Design, Fabrication, Scientific Apparatus.
Faculty-Guided Research: Join research groups in acoustics, astronomy, biophysics, data science, laser science, materials, quantum physics or theoretical physics. Students are encouraged to begin exploring research early in their degree.
Senior Thesis: Work with a research mentor and group to complete an independent research project, with opportunities for interdisciplinary research or research connected to an internship.
Astronomy Research Facilities: Students interested in astronomy-related research can explore observational work using university observatories and telescopes, as well as data from major space-based and ground-based observatories.
Specialised Research Equipment: Depending on the research group, students may encounter advanced scientific instruments such as lasers, spectrometers, cryogenic systems, magnetic microscopes and other equipment used in contemporary physics research.
Career and Research Preparation: Courses such as Introduction to Physics Careers & Research 1 and 2 introduce professional pathways and help students prepare for research involvement.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Physics at BYU prepares graduates for scientific research, technical industries and further education. Its emphasis on mathematical reasoning, programming, experimental methods and independent research supports potential careers such as research assistant, laboratory technician, computational analyst and scientific instrumentation specialist.

Students can strengthen their career preparation through the following opportunities:

Career Services: BYU Career Services provides career guidance, employment resources, internship listings, resume assistance and interview preparation to help students transition into professional roles.
Internships and Employment: BYU's Handshake job platform provides access to eligible internship and employment postings, helping students explore relevant opportunities while studying.
Research Experience: The required senior thesis allows students to build a substantial research portfolio, develop relationships with faculty mentors and gain experience relevant to research-focused employment or graduate applications.
Research Networks: Departmental research groups provide exposure to fields including acoustics, astronomy, biophysics, laser science, materials science and quantum physics. These experiences can help students identify specialist interests and potential future research directions.
Employment Statistics and Salaries: The official program information does not publish a specific graduate employment rate or salary figure for the B.S. in Physics. Outcomes vary according to job type, experience, location and further qualifications.
Professional Accreditation: The program develops transferable scientific and technical skills, but the official catalog does not specify a separate professional accreditation for this degree.
Graduation Outcomes: Students complete a senior thesis and take the Physics Major Field Test before graduation. These requirements support the development and assessment of disciplinary knowledge, scientific communication and research skills.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue an M.S. in Physics or a Ph.D. in Physics for advanced research, scientific development or academic careers. BYU also offers pathways into doctoral study in Physics and Astronomy, while students may explore related postgraduate fields such as astrophysics, materials science, computational physics or applied mathematics. The university's program guidance also identifies physics as a useful foundation for students considering professional study in business, law or medicine, subject to the relevant admission prerequisites.