Physics, Applied Physics Concentration

Overview

The Physics, Applied Physics Concentration at Colorado State University  begins with an emphasis on fundamentals in the basic sciences and mathematics to provide students with a broad foundation. 

Seven fields are available:

• The Electronics, Semiconductors, and Optics field and the Materials and Fluids field are designed for students interested in rapidly changing technology or in areas that overlap the boundaries of traditional engineering disciplines.

• The Computers field provides a foundation for the application of modern computer technology to problems in physics, the development of new types of computers, and jobs in computer programming.
• The Chemistry field combines thorough knowledge of both chemistry and physics, which is useful in such interdisciplinary areas as materials science, surface science, and physical chemisty/chemical physics.

• The Medical Physics field and the Biophysics field prepare students for further study in medical physics (the application of physics technologies to medical practice), health physics (radiation safety and protection), or biophysics, and are also appropriate for students planning careers in traditional health professions.

• The Geophysics field prepares students for further study in geophysics and careers involving application of physical methods in geology.

With this Physics, Applied Physics Concentration at Colorado State University, it is also possible for students to design a custom field, in consultation with departmental advisors, to meet their specific needs.

Potential Occupations

Physics majors who go into the workforce directly after graduation use their training in a variety of settings. The primary employers for our graduates have been large aerospace/defense and electronics companies, as well as software firms and smaller high-tech companies. In addition to the more obvious jobs in those settings, such as computer programming, quality control, and electronics design, our students have also been hired in training and sales capacities. 

High school teaching is a possibility: there are several pathways for students with undergraduate Physics degrees to obtain teaching credentials. Physics graduates possess excellent mathematical and analytical skills that are useful in business and finance as well.