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Combined Physics Degrees
Bachelor of Science in Physics (B.S.PHY.)/Master of Science (M.S.)
Program type:
Major
Grad Track
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
5 years
Credit Hours:
156
Accelerate your education and research, uncover and explore mechanics and the relationships
between energy and forces that affect the universe as we know it.
The University of North Texas' undergraduate program in physics gives you the strong
math, problem-solving and analytical skills needed to study the structure and interaction
of matter and energy and the way things work. From advancing state-of-the-art processes
in the semiconductor industry to developing computer software for simulating exotic
phenomena, physicists are helping to expand the frontiers of both basic science and
advanced technology. The Master of Science program offers the flexibility to pursue
your own interests and further your career ambitions while you pursue an B.S. degree
in physics. Students in the Combined degree program (graduate track) may take up to
12 hours of graduate level coursework as part of their undergraduate degree, offering
them an accelerated pathway to completing both their B.S. and M.S. degrees in about
5 years.
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Request More InfoWhy Earn Combined Physics Degrees?
Each degree program offers students the flexibility to explore:
- Laws of mechanics (how objects move)
- Mathematical methods of physics
- Physics of electrons, photons, atoms and nuclei
- Principles of electricity and magnetism
- Properties of heat and energy
- Quantum mechanics
- Statistical and thermal physics
- The physics of materials
These courses also will help hone your analytical, math and communication skills for careers working with students, clients and co-workers with backgrounds in other fields. As you progress toward your degree, you can specialize in condensed matter physics, optics, astrophysics or computer-based physics.
This degree program offers graduate students the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art equipment in modern research laboratories, such as:
- Ion Beam Modification and Analysis Laboratory, containing four electrostatic accelerators and ancillary equipment to support studies of materials modification and analysis by ion beams
- Optical Micro/Nanofabrication Laboratory, with instrumentation for development and fabrication of photonic and plasmonic devices and other nanophotonic structures
- Precision Atomic Physics and Laser Laboratory, equipped for the development of precision laser light sources and their application to fundamental tests of quantum electrodynamics
- Solid State Physics Laboratory, which is equipped for nanostructure synthesis and characterization and the development and study of nanoscale device applications
- Ultrafast Spectroscopy and Photonics Laboratory, a laser-based laboratory where femtosecond pulsed lasers and continuous wave lasers are used to study materials properties
- Computational Laboratory, a computer-based laboratory for the design, simulation, and calculation of materials structure and property.
In addition, students have access to campus research facilities such as:
- Materials Research Facility (MRF), equipped with an extensive suite of instruments for micro and nano characterization of materials, and a nanofabrication Analysis and Research facility with a clean room for synthesis, processing and testing of materials and devices.
- TALON, a high-performance cluster computing facility configured with 224 nodes and operating at speeds up to 20 teraflops
Marketable Skills
- Solve open-ended problems
- Apply structured scientific methods
- Analyze data for complex problems
- Communicate complex information effectively
- Work independently to meet deadlines
- Conceive and design complex studies
- Implement research plans
- Perform multiple project roles
- Apply variety of research methodologies
- Concisely present research results
Combined Physics Degrees Highlights
UNT's experienced Physics faculty are actively involved in path-finding research.
Our undergraduate physics students often participate in pathfinding research projects.
Because of this research activity, undergraduates are often involved in groundbreaking
projects conducted in our state-of-the-art facilities.
Most full-time graduate students are supported with an assistantship or fellowship.
Our department offers graduate teaching assistantships at three different levels ranging
from $1,680 to $2,280 per month for nine months and summer employment possibilities.
This aid is accompanied by an out-of-state tuition waiver and the possibility for
tuition remission grants.
Research assistantships also are frequently available for returning graduate students.
This aid is accompanied by an out-of-state tuition waiver and the possibility for
competitive tuition remission grants.
Our students routinely author and co-author refereed publications in the professional
literature. Students also regularly participate in national and international professional
meetings, where they present their research results, begin establishing their reputations
as scientists and develop important networks of contacts.
UNT is ranked as a Tier One Research University by the Carnegie Classification system, is the fourth-largest university in Texas,
and is the most comprehensive in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area.
Career Outlook
Physicists use math, problem solving experience, analytical skills and their imaginations to study the structure and interaction of matter and energy — the way things work. This information is important in:
- Energy research such as the development of superbatteries and solar cells
- Medical diagnostics and therapy
- Science-enabled education, law practice, technology business and journalism
- Semiconductor and photonics technology
- Space and atmospheric sciences
Graduates are employed in various research and management careers in business, education, the armed forces, the government, national laboratories and NASA. For example, you may work for a company that develops new electronic devices, teach high school physics or work for a research laboratory furthering the exploration and use of space.
A major in Physics can also prepare you for medical school or a graduate program in Physics or a related field.
Combined Physics Degrees Courses You Could Take
Physics, Computation and Software Applications (3 hrs)
A basic survey of selected topics at the intersection of computer science, engineering
and physics. Student will learn computer programming for applications in physics as
well as the physics underlying computation and its physical implementation.
Quantum Mechanics (3 hrs)
Origins of the modern theory of atomic structure; Schroedinger’s formulation of non-relativistic,
single-particle quantum mechanics and application to simple systems; the one-electron
atom.
Survey of Solid State Physics (3 hrs)
Acquaints students with the major areas of solid state physics. Simple models and
physical insight to solid state phenomena are stressed. Intended for physics students
of all specializations. Topics include crystal structure, crystal symmetry, reciprocal
lattice, X-ray diffraction, crystal binding, phonons and lattice vibrations, thermal
properties, free electron theory, semiconductors, superconductivity and magnetic properties.
Advanced Classical Mechanics I (3 hrs)
Variational principles and Lagrange’s equations. Central force problem. Rigid body
motion. Hamilton’s equations; canonical variables and transformations; action-angle
variables; Hamilton-Jacobi theory.
Computational Physics (3 hrs)
Symbolic and numerical solutions to single and multiple, single-variable and multi-variable,
linear and nonlinear, integral and differential equations. Finite-differences method
for solving a partial differential equation. Solution visualization techniques, including
multidimensional plots. Matrix manipulation. Data analysis. Monte Carlo methods. Random
walk simulations. Classical trajectory simulations.
Physical Optics (3 hrs)
Huygens’ principle and application to geometrical optics; interference phenomena;
Fraunhofer and Fresnel diffraction; polarization; electromagnetic theory of light
and interaction with matter. Part of the instruction will be in a laboratory setting.
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