3
Degree Options
18
Credit-Hour Minor

Degree

  • Minor https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/physics-whiteboard-400×420-1.png
  • Bachelor of Arts https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/physics-whiteboard-400×420-1.png
  • Bachelor of Science https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/physics-whiteboard-400×420-1.png

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Physics at St. Mary’s

Physics is the study of an enormous span of natural phenomena ranging from the large-scale involvement of galaxies to the submicroscopic motion of atoms and nuclei.

The law of nature can be used to predict the behavior of the world and all kinds of machinery. Many of the technological inventions of today resulted from discoveries in physics. The physics major will prepare students for graduate school or working in industry.

A major in physics at St. Mary’s prepares students with a broad-based view of science, as well as the analytical tools necessary to tackle problems in many different fields.

Program of Study

Depending on the degree option selected, students will be required to take additional Biology, Chemistry, Math and Physics courses.

Many Physics majors often double major in other areas such as Electrical Engineering, Engineering Science or Mathematics. With proper planning, a double major can be completed in four years.

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$142,854
Median annual earnings for Physicists
8.99%
Expected change in employment demand for Physicists over the next 10 years
11-to-1
Student-to-faculty ratio

Coming from Peru as a low-income first-generation student was not easy, but with the support from my professors, I was able to learn and gain invaluable quantitative skills and research opportunities. These allowed me to excel academically, with two published publications, and professionally, securing a full-time position at JPMorgan after graduation.”

Josemaria Soriano (B.S. ’20)

What can I do with a degree in Physics?

Physics, Applied Physics, and Biophysics offer a very balanced background for students to enter a variety of careers with or without an advanced degree. An example of the careers our recent graduates have pursued include:

  • Biomedical Science and Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Neurology and Neuroscience
  • Big Data
  • Nanotechnology
  • Medical and Dental Careers
  • Software Development
  • K-12 teaching
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Geophysics

  • Outstanding Alumnus

    A renowned astrophysicist, Giovanni G. Fazio, Ph.D. (B.A./B.S. ’54), helped pioneer NASA’s development of gamma-ray astronomy using balloon-borne and ground-based detectors. Fazio serves as a senior physicist at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, and has received numerous international awards for outstanding achievements in space science.

    Giovanni G. Fazio, Ph.D. (B.A./B.S. ’54)

Outside the Classroom

Experiential learning is a process through which students develop knowledge, skills and values from direct experiences outside a traditional academic setting.

The Department of Physics provides students with opportunities to gain valuable experience through service learning, community outreach and internships. 

Through the Society of Physics, students can engage in numerous community service events such as Habitat for Humanity, Can Roll for the San Antonio Food Bank, and community cleanup programs. 

Students can also participate in the biannual Fiesta of Physics, supporting elementary school students’ interest in the sciences. Students from surrounding school districts flock to the St. Mary’s campus for a day of wacky science experiments and hands-on science demonstrations. 

Science Living Community

Students majoring in any science — from Physics to Computer Science, Biology to Engineering — can join the Science Living Community. Members live together and can participate in a variety of programs throughout the year.

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We’re eager to hear from you and answer any questions you have! Feel free to reach out to learn more about St. Mary’s University.

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