Undergraduate Programs

The University of Delaware’s Department of Physics and Astronomy offers an undergraduate major program leading to the B.S. in physics, with the option of a concentration in astronomy/astrophysics, as well as a B.S. in applied physics. There are also majors leading to the B.A. in physics, the B.A. in physics education, and the B.A. in astronomy, as well as minors in physics and in astronomy. Honors degrees are also available.

The department maintains a balanced program of instruction for students who wish to acquire some understanding of physics as part of their cultural background, as well as for those who require training in physics in preparation for engineering or scientific careers. Intermediate and advanced courses are offered for students who plan teaching or research careers in physics or related disciplines.

The research activity of the Physics and Astronomy Department and of the Bartol Research Institute, in Sharp Laboratory, is diverse and substantial. Undergraduate participation in research is encouraged.​

Visit UD’s undergraduate catalog for information on physics and astronomy programs, including requirements, course descriptions, and credit hours.

B.S. in Applied Physics – The B.A. in applied physics prepares students for either graduate study or professional work in science fields and education.

B.A. in Astronomy​ – The B.A. degree in physics with a concentration in astronomy is primarily intended for those who want to make astronomy their profession.​

B.A. in Physics​ – The B.A. degree in physics is intended for students who have an interest in physics but have career goals outside science and engineering and seek a broader education.

B.S. in Physics – The B.S. degree in physics provides the basis, primarily in physics and mathematics, for those who are interested in a career in research or development in such fields as physics, biophysics, geophysics, medical physics, marine science, electrical engineering, nuclear engineering, and related fields.

B.S. in Physics, Astronomy/Astrophysics Concentration​ – The B.A. degree in physics with a concentration in astronomy is primarily intended for those who want to make astronomy their profession.

B.A. in Physics Education – The B.A. degree in physics education is intended for those who want to become high school physics teachers. The degree has a substantial education component and requires a semester of student teaching. To be eligible to student teach, physics education students must have a GPA of 2.75 in their physics major and an overall GPA of 2.5. They must also pass a teacher competency test as established by the University Council on Teacher Education.

Students who wish to prepare themselves to be certified teachers should consult the Center for Secondary Education or the faculty advisor Dr. Mark Akubo, marka@udel.edu.​

An und​ergraduate in minor astronomy or physics offers a comprehensive study of the fundamentals and core concepts.

• Astron​​omy Minor

• Physi​​cs Minor
  

​​With the honors degree curriculum, students can engage deeply in the knowledge base and tailor their program to best match their interests and needs. Students can develop close relationships with their peers and faculty through courses with small class sizes and projects with faculty. To learn more, visit UD’s Honors College website. Visit the University of Delaware’s online undergraduate catalog to learn more about honors program requirements and the following programs:​

• Applied Physics (H.B.S.)

• Physics Education Honors (H.B.A.)

• Physics Honors (H.B.A.)

• ​Physics Honors (H.B.S.)​

​Currently enrolled undergraduate students at UD who are pursuing degrees in physics or astronomy may be eligible to apply for a 4+1 bachelor’s and master’s degree program. This option allows students to earn a graduate degree within five years. Applicants must declare their interest at the beginning of their junior year to successfully coordinate the coursework and thesis requirements.​

• Astronomy/D​ata Science 4+1 (B.A./M.S.)

• Physics Ed​​ucation/Data Science 4+1 (B.A./M.S.)

• Physics/Dat​​a Science 4+1 (B.A./M.S.)

• Physics/​​​Da​​​ta Science 4+1 (B.S./M.S.)

• Physics/Mat​​erials Science and Engineering 4+1 (B.S./M.MSE)

• Physics/Sec​​ondary STEM Education 4+1 (B.A./M.S.)

• Physics/Second​​ary STEM Education 4+1 (B.S./M.S.)​