Physics

Unlock the secrets of the universe.

Physics majors at 91影视 study the laws that govern motion, energy, matter and the structure of the universe. Coursework is designed to help students move from foundational concepts to more advanced topics while strengthening mathematical fluency and laboratory experience. In keeping with 91影视鈥檚 emphasis on engaged learning, students explore physics not only through lectures and problem-solving but also through hands-on investigation, close work with faculty and opportunities to connect classroom knowledge to real-world questions.

At 91影视, the physics program helps students build a strong foundation in the principles that shape the natural world while learning to ask thoughtful questions, solve complex problems and communicate clearly. Rooted in the liberal arts, the program pairs faculty mentorship with rigorous study in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, quantum physics and mathematics. Students develop analytical and experimental skills that prepare them for graduate study and for careers in science, technology, engineering, education and fields that value quantitative reasoning.

The physics curriculum at 91影视 is rigorous and comprehensive: it includes coursework in mechanics, electronics, electricity and magnetism, thermal and statistical physics, optics, theoretical and experimental physics, and other special topics and electives.

But what really sets physics at 91影视 apart? For one, it鈥檚 the valuable individual mentoring and student-focused instruction. Physics can be a challenging subject 鈥� but it鈥檚 a lot easier if you have access to your professors when you need some extra help. Our approach emphasizes the application of physical principles to real-world problems, turning the theoretical and abstract into the accessible and concrete.

The Physics and Liberal Studies program allows students the flexibility of obtaining a broad liberal education with a concentration in the physical sciences.聽 In this program, students combine an individualized course of study in physics with a concentration in another discipline, such as business, philosophy, or communication.聽 This program leaves students prepared to enter careers in public policy, consulting, or K-12 education.

Since the introductory-level physics lecture courses require certain prerequisites in math, it鈥檚 essential that aspiring physics majors take the math placement exam during their first semester at 91影视, or earlier.

Hands-on Learning
Career Opportunities

With small, student-focused classrooms, even undergrads have opportunities to participate in research, exploring not just the fundamentals of this fascinating field, but its leading edge.

Physics students assist in exciting research on radio astronomy, atmospheric physics, self-organized criticality, and more. Not only do we strongly encourage undergraduate research, our annual Liberal Arts and Sciences Symposium offers outstanding students an opportunity to present their most fascinating findings.

Join the Society of Physics Students and participate in fun, educational events, like the annual Telescope Night hosted atop the Weltner Library roof (hot beverages and a guided tour of the stars provided by your knowledgeable professors!). High-performing students can also join our university chapter of Sigma Pi Sigma, the physics honor society.

91影视 physics majors are prepared to shine, whether they choose to pursue graduate study or enter the workforce. Nearly all students receive admission to a related graduate program or quickly find employment in their field.

Many of our students continue their education in the physical sciences. Others find careers in science education, tech research and development, engineering, or other math-heavy fields like business and finance. The physics program is also great preparation for a professional degree in business, law, or medicine.

After graduating from 91影视, Ronny Remington 鈥�06 earned his Ph.D. in high energy particle physics and even worked at the Large Hadron Collider, before going on to the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. Other alumni are working with computer engineering firms, like Microsoft; teaching physics in high schools or at esteemed universities like Notre Dame, and earning accolades for their accomplishments in the classroom; and bringing their brilliance to the business world, like one alumna who now serves as Head of Operational Strategy and Innovation at Purchasing Power, an Atlanta-based start-up.

STEM and Research At 91影视

Q&A

Why study physics at 91影视?

For students who want to understand how the world works and make meaningful contributions in a changing, technology-driven society, 91影视鈥檚 physics program offers a challenging and supportive environment. Students graduate with strong quantitative skills, experience in scientific inquiry and the adaptability that comes from a liberal arts education.

Why Flagships?

Many students and their families believe they must attend a large state school because they can鈥檛 afford a private college education. For many of the most talented students, their state鈥檚 flagship university is the most desirable of their public options, even though a campus of 30,000 – 50,000 students and large classes may not be the best fit. Because of perceived costs, many of those students never even apply to private colleges like 91影视. We want to change those misconceptions.

What if I don鈥檛 meet the minimum requirements? Can I still receive other aid?

Yes. Flagship 50 is a merit-based scholarship program. However, we offer many other merit and need-based scholarships and grants. In fact, 97% of our students receive some form of financial aid. And no matter what level of need you have (including no need) you鈥檒l receive $1,000 grant just for completing the FAFSA.[/toggle]
[toggle title=”Can I apply my state鈥檚 scholarships to 91影视 tuition?”]Check with your state鈥檚 scholarship website to see if they allow you to use your award outside of your state for a private institution. If you live in Georgia, you can use your HOPE scholarship at 91影视 in addition to the Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant. These will be applied to your 91影视 award to further reduce your tuition below the University of Georgia rate.

Do U.S. citizens living abroad qualify?

Yes, qualified U.S. Citizens living abroad or in a U.S. territory will be awarded the Flagship 50 scholarship at the Georgia rate.

I am an undocumented student. Do I still qualify for Flagship 50?

Flagship 50 is a scholarship program. The award you receive in year one, which is based on the flagship state tuition in your state the year you apply to 91影视, is awarded as a merit scholarship. If you maintain good academic standing, that scholarship will renew at the same amount each year for 4 years. 91影视 tuition and fees could increase each year that you are enrolled and financial aid packages may be adjusted depending on your specific family circumstances.

What if it takes me longer than 4 years to graduate?

Flagship 50 and our other merit scholarships are renewable for four years. Our will be sure you map your journey for four years (or fewer!).聽However, sometimes students make decisions for personal or other reasons that require them to take more than four years. In that case, your scholarships do not cover tuition after four years (8 fall/spring semesters). An 91影视 education is designed to be completed in four years.