Academics
Our department offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees designed for versatility. By combining a rigorous physics foundation with flexible concentrations and access to undergraduate research, our students prepare for careers ranging from aerospace to medicine. We invite you to explore the pathways below to see how our program fits your goals.
Physics
The Department of Physics offers a Bachelor of Science in Physics with four program concentrations. See the current Undergraduate Bulletin for course descriptions.
- Bachelor of Science in Physics is designed to prepare students for graduate study in physics. The degree provides the background for graduate and professional studies in medicine, law, and other scientific fields. Curriculum Guide
- Bachelor of Science in Physics (Interdisciplinary Physics) is a flexible degree for students who want to bridge the gap between physics and a specific interest. By combining core physics training with a secondary concentration, students can design a degree tailored to their individual career plans. Curriculum Guide
- Common Pathways:
- Space Science & Astrophysics: For careers in aerospace and deep space exploration.
- Quantum Information: Preparing for the next revolution in computing and secure communications.
- Earth & Geophysics: For careers in planetary imaging and natural hazard mitigation.
- Physics + Business: For patent law, tech consulting, or entrepreneurship.
- Common Pathways:
- Bachelor of Science in Physics (Biological Physics): This path applies the laws of physics to biological systems. By integrating core physics with biomedical engineering and biology, students develop analytical skills required for careers in neuroscience, medical imaging, and health sciences. Curriculum Guide
- Bachelor of Science in Physics (Engineering Physics): Designed for students who want to directly apply fundamental knowledge. This program combines physics training with specialized engineering coursework, equipping graduates for roles in aerospace, defense, and high-tech manufacturing. Curriculum Guide
Contact Prof. Shelly R. Lesher, PhD (Professor & Chair of Physics) at srlesher@ncat.edu or the Physics Department office for more information.
Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
The Department of Physics at North Carolina A&T offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric Science and Meteorology (ASME) that prepares students for further graduate studies or careers involving National Weather Service, academia, government agencies (e.g., NASA, DoD, EPA), and the weather service industry.
The training involves an interdisciplinary approach through coursework and internships in the use of data from surface air stations, satellites, radar in models to predict weather, flooding, droughts, and air pollution and understand and mitigate climate change.
ASME students can conduct research with faculty specializing in arctic meteorology, atmospheric chemistry, aviation meteorology, mesoscale and synoptic meteorology, numerical weather prediction, remote sensing, analysis, and numerical modeling approaches.
Please review the Curriculum Guidelines. Course descriptions are provided in the Undergraduate Bulletin.
Contact Prof. Shelly R. Lesher, PhD (Professor & Chair of Physics) at srlesher@ncat.edu or Prof. Yuh-Lang Lin at ylin@ncat.edu.
Minor in Physics
The Minor in Physics shall consist of at least 20 credit hours, as follows:
- Required courses: PHYS 241, PHYS 251, PHYS 242, PHYS 252 and PHYS 306.
- Required upper division courses: PHYS 345, PHYS 375, PHYS 411, PHYS 450.
- Students completing the Minor in Physics must earn a grade of “C” or better in all courses for the minor.
- Students must complete a minimum of 24 academic credits before declaring a minor.
All other requirements under the Minor Field of Undergraduate Study Policy apply. See Undergraduate Bulletin for course details.
Contact Prof. Shelly Lesher (Chair) at srlesher@ncat.edu or the Physics Department office for more information.
Masters in Physics
The School of Graduate Studies through the Department of Physics offers a program leading to the Masters of Science in Physics and a Masters of Science in Physics with a concentration in Atmospheric Sciences. The M.S. in Physics will provide you the comprehensive preparation needed for the pursuit of a Ph.D. in physics or related areas. The Department of Physics also participates in the Applied Science and Technology Ph.D. program.
The M.S. in Physics degree program offers three options:
- Thesis option: requires a minimum of 30 semester hours which includes 6 semester hours of thesis.
- Course work option: requires a minimum of 33 semester hours plus a comprehensive examination.
- Project option: requires a minimum of 30 semester hours plus 3 semester hours of a special project.
Graduate student support is provided by both the university and the department in the form of fellowships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships. The financial support offered most incoming students is in the form of a teaching assistantship and requires up to 20 hours per week of instructional-related service.
See the Graduate Catalog for details.
Contact Prof. Shelly R. Lesher, PhD (Professor & Chair of Physics) at srlesher@ncat.edu or the Physics Department office for more information.
Ph. D. in Applied Science and Technology
Students interested in a Ph.D. can apply to the Applied Science and Technology Ph.D. program through the College of Science and Technology. Students from the Physics department can choose one of the two concentrations:
- Applied Physics Concentration
- Atmospheric, Environmental, & Energy Science (AST-AEE) Concentration
Contact Prof. Shelly R. Lesher, PhD (Professor & Chair of Physics) at srlesher@ncat.edu or Prof. Misty Thomas at mthomas1@ncat.edu (Interim Program Director, Applied Science & Technology Ph.D. Program).
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