Contact: physics@ltu.edu
Why Choose Physics with Computer Science?
Do you like programming? Physicists have been using computers to solve the most complicated problems throughout the history of computers. They:
- solve otherwise undoable mathematical problems,
- create models of complicated dynamical and radom systems,
- Interface experimental hardware with analysis tools, and
- lead the world in development of big data analysis techniques.
Many areas of physics are utilizing or developing the most advanced techniques including:
- machine learning/artificial intelligence,
- programming on graphics cards, and
- quantum computing.
Have you heard that Data Analyst is one of the fastest growing job opportunities?
Physicists are arguably the best data analyst in the world.
Physics is one of the best degreess to prepare you for the technological jobs that haven't been invented yet!
Physicists not only do PHYSICS, which is COOL in itself, if we may say so! They can also pursue and land jobs in countless other fields. Come and talk to our fauclty, students and alumni and you will be convinced.
Careers:
- Physicists become engineers.
- Physicists become project leaders.
- Physicists become software developers.
- Physicists become data analysts.
- Physicists become “quants” (financial analysts).
- Physicists become medical doctors.
- Physicists become “medical physicists” (medical imaging and radiology)
- Physicists become lawyers.
- Physicists become… physicists!
Physics has application in many of the most exciting careers in our increasingly technological world. It may surprise you that physics degrees open pathways not just to working on SpaceX rockets autonomously landing themselves on drone sea ships, but also to medicine, law, and financial analysis.
According to the American Institute of Physics, students with bachelor degrees in physics are among the highest scorers on both the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
The Association of American Medical Colleges reports that students with undergraduate degrees in physical sciences are tied for the highest acceptance rate (48%) for medical school.
As society becomes ever more data driven, every company wants to do data analysis and modeling. Physicists have always led the world in this area. For example, it’s very common for physicists to work on Wall Street.
Physics is the broadest of the sciences and offers interdisciplinary compatibility with many other areas of science, math, and engineering. Many of our graduates find themselves as team and project leaders in diverse industries because their broad knowledge base enables them to communicate to different technical groups. Don’t forget that physics is also the path to understanding the largest and smallest mysteries of the universe. Train for your career in physics, engineering, medicine, law, or computer science, and at the same time we will learn why the sky is blue and the sun is yellow, and why we cannot travel back in time.
About Physics with a Concentration in Computer Science at LTU:
We organize your physics degree around a deeper connection with computer science; the electives of the physics degree are used on computer science courses.
Traditional physics courses include Electromagnetic Fields, Quantum Mechanics, Thermal and Statistical Physics. All of these can be extremely valuable for connecting any computational career to technological jobs.
Computer science training begins in the first semester, and builds toward a focus on numerical analysis. Tailoring your courses toward your interests in computer science areas like artificial intelligence or data analysis is encouraged. We also help students find senior projects that combine physics and computer science expertise like Monte Carlo modelling, big data analysis, and machine learning. These projects go a long way toward impressing future employers!
We will help you get summer internships or research opportunities to fit your interests.
About our faculty:
The physics faculty has experts in several areas including
- Astrophysics and Cosmology
- High Energy Particle Physics
- Nuclear Physics
- Optics
- Solid State Physics
We currently have opportunities for research assistantships supported by the National Science Foundation. These opportunities pay $15 per hour and provide the possibility for participation in real research publications and paid travel to conferences all over the world.
Student Social Life: Society of Physics Students
LTU has an active, award winning, Society of Physics Students (SPS), that
- hosts social events like movie nights, game nights, field trips,
- promotes science outreach with demonstration events, invited expert scientist speakers,
- offers study support with study groups and shared experiences of academic hurdles,
- investigates career opportunities by sharing scholarship and internship opportunities, finding graduate schools with programs in interesting topics, and
- organizes a career speakers series: speakers talk about their experiences following a physics degree.
Contact us: we would be happy to set virtual tours and meetings or even on-campus visits
physics@ltu.edu
CONTACT :
OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS
NATURAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Bachelor of Science in Physics + Computer Science Flowchart 2020-21 PDF
127 credit-hour program consists of:
| Course Number | Subject | Cr. Hrs. |
|---|---|---|
| COM 1001 | Pathways to Research Careers | 1 |
| COM 1103 | College Composition (Placement) | 3 |
| CHM 1213 | University Chemistry 1 (Placement) | 3 |
| CHM 1221 | University Chemistry 1 Lab | 1 |
| MCS 1414 | Calculus 1 (Placement) | 4 |
| MCS 1514 | Computer Science 1 | 4 |
| PSC 1161 | Physical Science Seminar | 1 |
| TOTAL | 17 | |
*These courses are offered every two years. An individual plan of work will be developed in consultation with the student's advisor.
For more information or to speak with an advisor, contact the Department of Natural Sciences at 248.204.3600, email nschair@ltu.edu, or visit room 5322 in the Science Building.
