Students walking on campus in fall
UG

Physics, Bachelor of Science

Physics is a demanding but rewarding major that leads to an exciting array of career opportunities, as well as further graduate study. 

Our program prepares you with the necessary technical knowledge and skills, intellectual curiosity, and ethical awareness to become a life-long learner. You will learn to demonstrate understanding and application of fundamental physical laws and concepts, communicate scientific work effectively in writing and speaking, use computers for computation and simulation, and participate in society as a scientifically literate person. 

As a Physics major, you may be eligible to pursue pathways to graduate programs in the School of Education.

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Degree Type
BS
Area of Interest
Science & Mathematics
Associated Colleges or Schools
Program Location
  • Queens Campus
Required Credit Hours
120

Department Contact

Mostafa Sadoqi

Department Chair

Admission

For more information about admission to this and other acclaimed undergraduate programs at St. John’s University, please visit Undergraduate Admission.

Additional Information

The major requires 41 credits including:

  • PHY 1930
  • PHY 1940
  • PHY 1950
  • PHY 2460
  • PHY 2150
  • PHY 2250 
  • PHY 3210
  • PHY 3220
  • PHY 3230
  • PHY 3250
  • PHY 3260
  • PHY 3270
  • PHY 3280
  • PHY 3290

You will also complete three elective credits approved by the department.

As a Physics major, you will also complete the following Mathematics and Computer Science courses:

  • MTH 1730
  • MTH 1740
  • MTH 2750
  • MTH 3840

Your career in physics will allow you to study how various forms of matter and energy interact. For example, theoretical physicists study the nature of time or the origin of the universe. Other professionals design and perform experiments with sophisticated equipment such as particle accelerators, electron microscopes, and lasers. 

If you wish to pursue a career in research or academia, you will need to earn a Ph.D. However, there are positions in the federal government that typically require only a bachelor’s degree in physics. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of physicists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. This projected employment growth includes the areas of scientific research and development services, educational services, and healthcare and social assistance industries.

Interested in Science & Mathematics, but not sure if Physics, Bachelor of Science is right for you?

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