Physics
The Nebraska Difference
Curiosity
Discover what moves you as you engage with our diverse mix of academic disciplines.
Flexibility and Choice
Customize your degree with course choices and add a minor or even 2nd major.
Academics + Experience
Build knowledge, skills, and experience in and out of the classroom.
Limitless Career Paths
Develop interests and goals in any field and learn how your major connects to it.
Program Features
Focus and Range
Dive deep into your physics major while taking a wide variety of courses across all areas in CAS. Graduate academically well-rounded and eager to keep learning. Use your collaboration and communication skills to address complex problems and make a positive impact professionally and personally.
1-1 Academic Advising and Career Coaching
Along with your faculty, professional academic advisors and career coaches will help you make a one-of-a-kind degree plan. We are focused on your success, while at Nebraska and after graduation, whether your goal is employment or graduate/professional school.
Learn from the Experts
Physics faculty specialize in all areas of Physics and are active leaders and contributors to research projects worldwide.
Notable Courses
PHYS 231: Electrical and Electronic Circuits
Diode, transistor, and operational amplifier circuits and analog applications; gates, flip-flops, and elementary digital electronics.
PHYS 343: Physics of Lasers and Modern Optics
Physical principles and techniques of lasers and modern optics. Emphasis on practical experience with state-of-the-art techniques and applications.
PHYS 431: Thermal Physics
Thermal phenomena from the point of view of thermodynamics, kinetic theory, and statistical mechanics.
PHYS 451: Electromagnetic Theory
Theory of electric and magnetic fields and their interaction with charges and currents, Maxwell's equations, electric and magnetic properties of matter.
PHYS 462: Atoms, Nuclei, and Elementary Particles
Basic concepts and experimental foundation for an understanding of the physics of atoms, nuclei, and elementary particles.
Huskers Do Big Things
Internships
- Research Intern, UNL Holland Computing
Careers
- Battery Technician, Duncan Aviation
- Plant Operator, Nebraska Public Power District
- Science Teacher, Lincoln Public Schools
- Process Engineer I, Garmin
- Systems Programmer, Bryan Health
Graduate Schools
- Master's Degree, Science Teaching, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Ph. D., Condensed Matter Physics, Rutgers University
- Ph. D., Space Science Instrumentation, University of Michigan
- Ph. D., Geophysics, California Institute of Technology
- Ph. D., Astronomy, University of California-Berkeley
Outside the Classroom
Depending on your major, interests, and goals, you’ll choose to do research, work as an intern, study abroad, become a leader, and serve your community. The University’s Experiential Learning requirement ensures you have at least one of these transformative learning experiences, but CAS students typically do at least two.
Work alongside a faculty member as a research assistant or design your own research project through UCARE (University Creative Activity and Research Experience) and present your work at UNL or even a professional conference.
Explore a wide variety of local, national, and international internships. Connect with the CAS Career Coaches to identify opportunities, prepare to apply, and document the skills and experience you gain on the job.
Join other UNL students in Iceland to learn about renewable energy and sustainability or connect with our Global Experiences Office to find an affiliate program for a few weeks, a semester, or an academic year in about any location you can imagine.
Get involved in one of the over 500 student organizations available at Nebraska. Meet other students who share your interests and values, become a leader, and serve those in the campus or local community.
Featured Faculty
Jean Marcel Ngoko Djiokap, Associate Professor
Dr. Ngoko Djiokap conducts research in theoretical atomic and molecular physics. His recent research with electron waves was supported in part by the Department of Energy. He is a highly rated professor who supports his students and makes physics fun.
Academics & Experiential Learning
- In CAS, our motto is Academics + Experience = Opportunities. Employers and graduate/professional schools are looking for students who have a strong academic background and hands on experience.
- Physics majors regularly engage in research or internships, along with studying abroad, and getting involved in service or leadership on campus and beyond.
Career Preparedness
- PHYS 201: Modern Topics in Physics and Astronomy. Meet fellow students and gain an understanding of how the major relates to current progress and career paths of the field.
- CASC 200: Career Development in Arts and Sciences. Explore your interests, abilities, and values while identifying career options and preparing to apply for internships, jobs, or graduate/professional school.
Community
- Join the UNL Society of Physics Students to connect with faculty, fellow students, alumni, and guest speakers.
- Become a learning assistant and help your peers in introductory physics courses.
Have Questions? We're Here to Help
If you have questions about the Physics major or navigating the application process, contact us.
- Contact Name
- Nicholas Gordon
- Contact Title
- Director of Recruitment
- Phone
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