Department of Physics
http://www.physics.montana.edu/
The physics curriculum offers flexibility to accommodate students’ interests, goals, and career plans while providing a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of the physical world. Graduates are prepared for careers or advanced study in the physical and applied sciences, as well as fields such as data science, education, business, law, and technical writing. Faculty actively involve undergraduates in research, offering opportunities to work alongside faculty, graduate students, and post-doctoral researchers on cutting-edge projects.
In addition to Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, the Department of Physics offers several undergraduate degree options. See the Undergraduate tab for details.
Bachelor of Science in Physics
Astronomy & Astrophysics Option
The Astronomy and Astrophysics Option serves students interested in both physics and astronomy. It provides foundational coursework in physics, astronomy, and mathematics, preparing graduates for careers or advanced study in physics, astronomy, or space science.
Interdisciplinary Option
The Interdisciplinary Option develops strong analytical skills and a solid physics foundation for technical careers or advanced study in science or engineering. Students complete a minor degree program in another field to broaden their academic experience beyond physics.
Professional Option
Designed for students planning to pursue graduate study or careers in the physical sciences, the Professional Option provides a strong foundation in physics and mathematics.
Teaching Option
Designed for students seeking licensure to teach physics in grades 5–12, the Teaching Option combines physics and education coursework, and culminates in a supervised student-teaching experience.
Minor in Physics (Non-Teaching)
The Physics Minor provides a fundamental background in physics and mathematics, strengthening analytical and problem-solving skills that are applicable across disciplines. Electives may be tailored to areas such as quantum physics, astrophysics, optics, condensed matter physics, solar physics, particle physics, applied physics, or physics teaching.
Research Opportunities
Department research areas include optical science and laser technology, condensed matter physics, gravitational physics, astrophysics, solar physics, and physics education. Research in gravitational physics and astrophysics explores extreme phenomena such as black hole and neutron star mergers to better understand matter and energy at astrophysical scales. Solar physics research examines phenomena such as solar flares and prominences associated with the star nearest us, the sun. Work in lasers and condensed matter systems—including magnetic and dielectric materials, semiconductor and metal surfaces, thin films, microwave photonic devices, coherent sensing, and superconducting solids—advances knowledge that supports future technological innovation. Physics education research focuses on improving how students learn physics and astronomy at all levels. Faculty integrate current research and advanced techniques into classroom teaching, and enhance instruction by engaging undergraduates in capstone-level research.
Our research groups promote collaboration among faculty, students, research scientists, and external partners. Research facilities in Barnard Hall include state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment. On-campus, interdisciplinary research includes collaborations with the departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and several research centers and institutes on campus including the Space Science and Engineering Laboratory (SSEL), the Imaging and Chemical Analysis Laboratory (ICAL), Montana Space Grant Consortium (MSGC), the Optical Technology Center (OpTeC), and the Spectrum Lab and interdisciplinary academic programs, such as Material Science and Optics and Photonics undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Partnerships with national, international, and industry collaborators further expand research opportunities. For more information on each research program, begin here.
Undergraduate Research Participation
Undergraduate research is a core component of the Professional, Interdisciplinary, and Astronomy and Astrophysics options. Students complete a minimum of 2 credits of undergraduate research (PHSX 490R, typically 1 credit per semester) before enrolling in the capstone course (PHSX 499R). Students explore research opportunities as early as their sophomore year and often continue beyond the minimum requirement. Interested students from other majors are also encouraged to participate.
Senior Project
Students in the Professional, Interdisciplinary, and Astronomy and Astrophysics options complete a senior project that integrates physics knowledge with research or creative activity. The project develops skills necessary for professional scientific work and typically forms the basis of the capstone course (PHSX 499R).
Senior projects are conducted under faculty mentorship and may be experimental or theoretical in nature. Projects typically span two or more semesters and are often connected to the required undergraduate research credits (PHSX 490R). Alternative project formats may include research in other departments, at other institutions, through exchange programs, summer internships, or independent study under faculty supervision.
Capstone Experience
Students in the Professional, Interdisciplinary, and Astronomy and Astrophysics options present their senior project results in oral and written formats in PHSX 499R. Completion of at least 2 credits of PHSX 490R is required prior to enrollment. Students also submit their supervisor's evaluation and a self-assessment. For the Teaching Option, the capstone experience is Student Teaching (EDU 495R).
Departmental Honors in Physics
Eligible majors may apply for departmental honors. Requirements include
- minimum 3.5 GPA in physics and 3.0 overall GPA,
- at least four credits of undergraduate research,
- completion and oral defense of a bound senior thesis, and
- participation in a physics seminar during the junior or senior year.
Additional details on all aspects of the undergraduate program are available from the department.