Bachelor's Degree in Physics

What will I learn in a physics degree program?

The bachelor’s degree in physics at the University of Nevada, Reno studies fundamental forces and processes from the subatomic to the astronomical scale. You build a foundation in core scientific principles while developing quantitative and problem-solving skills applicable across disciplines. In addition to required coursework, you may pursue advanced electives in areas such as computational techniques, nuclear physics and relativity. Graduates are prepared for careers in science and technology or for advanced study in physics and related fields.

Faculty and students at the Nevada Terawatt Facility, using equipment

The Department of Physics

The Department of Physics at the University of Nevada, Reno provides students with a deep understanding of the fundamental laws that govern the universe. Through advanced laboratories and faculty-mentored research in areas such as atmospheric science, optics and plasma physics, students prepare for careers in research, engineering and technology.

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Why choose the College of Science?

The College of Science offers educational opportunities in pure and applied physical sciences, earth sciences, life sciences, and mathematics. Professors in the College frequently earn statewide teaching excellence awards and are pioneers in their respective fields, with access to high-powered scientific facilities and resources to perform research on all seven continents. The College also encompasses three public museums that offer research and community engagement opportunities: the iconic Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center, the Museum of Natural History and the W. M. Keck Earth Science and Mineral Engineering Museum.

A smiling student conducts a science experiment for four younger high school students in a lab

Earn a dual degree in secondary education and physics

The NevadaTeach program at the University of Nevada, Reno provides you with all of the coursework to pursue a teaching license at the middle or high school level, while earning a comprehensive and marketable degree in your STEM discipline. Open the door to a world of career options while helping to improve education in Nevada.

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Careers with a degree in physics

In addition to a solid foundation in the sciences, a bachelor’s degree in physics provides invaluable experience in creative problem solving, giving graduates versatile skills that can be applied in a range of industries. While many careers in physics require a graduate degree, according to the American Physical Society, nearly 50 percent of physics majors go directly into the workforce after graduation. Career opportunities with a degree in physics include:

Research analyst
Design engineer
Science teacher
Research scientist
Product development engineer

You can afford the University of Nevada, Reno

76% of students receive financial aid

Almost everyone is eligible to receive some kind of aid. We offer need-based and merit-based forms of financial aid to help you afford college.

54% of all students graduate with no debt

That's right. More than half of our students leave the University of Nevada, Reno with no student debt.

Related programs

Secondary Education and Physics, NevadaTeach, B.S.

Atmospheric Science, B.S.

Computer Science and Engineering, B.S.

Mechanical Engineering, B.S.

Live a life of discovery.

At the College of Science, our accomplished faculty, inventive students, leading researchers and scientific pioneers take on complex challenges and unearth groundbreaking solutions for problems we all care about.

Learn more about the College of Science

Student looking through a microscope in DMSC lab 312 at the University of Nevada, Reno (main campus).