Department of Physics

Department of Physics

The Department of Physics is one of the most fundamental and all- inclusive of the sciences. It is an attempt to understand the foundations of our universe through the study of the phenomena of motion, force, energy, sound, electricity, magnetism, thermodynamics, heat, light, and quantum mechanics. Physics students use advanced mathematics to solve challenging experimental or theoretical problems, so they often major in mathematics as well. The ability to analyze a problem and find the best possible solution is vital to success in many fields. As a result, physics graduates often work in such seemingly non-related areas as medicine, law, biology, business, or military science, as well as in engineering, mathematics, computer science, or industry.

Physics is housed in the Physical and Environmental Sciences building with access to modern computers and physics laboratory equipment. A 14-inch telescope and several other telescopes are located at the ECU observatory on campus. Small classes and ready access to caring professors help students succeed.

Department of Physical Sciences - Degree Options

Physics The Bachelor of Science in Physics prepares students for employment in a wide range of fields or for graduate school in Physics or related areas including Engineering, Medicine, Mathematics and Astronomy.

Physics Teacher Certification

The Bachelor of Science in Physics with a concentration in Teacher Certification provides the physics content and pedagogy through education courses for licensure and a career in secondary science education. Graduates may also be ready to pass certification exams in Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry.

Medical Physics

The purpose of this degree is to best prepare students for entry into a master’s program in Medical Physics. There are CAMPEP-accredited institutions in the U.S. and Canada. The University of Oklahoma Health Science Center grants Master of Science in Medical Physics. The B.S. degree option in Medical Physics was designed to allow the student to have the courses necessary to attend any of the accredited schools. Some students attend in Biophysics M.S. programs. ECU has the only Bachelor of Science in Medical Physics program in Oklahoma.

Pre-Engineering Program

The Pre-Engineering program is managed by the Physics department. This is a 2- or 3-year program which gives students the fundamentals of Physics, Chemistry, Math, etc. that are needed to prepare a student to transfer to a university that offers an Engineering degree. Some students also transfer to an Engineering Technology program. Many students complete a Physics degree at ECU and then transfer to an Engineering school to obtain a master’s degree