Undergraduate Program

What Is Physics?

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Physics is the study of matter, energy, and their interactions with one another. Physics seeks to study the world around us, the world inside us, and the world beyond us. It is the foundation of all other natural sciences, including chemistry, biology, oceanography, geography, and radiography. From the formation of the universe to the way that nanoparticles influence the natural world, physics seeks to answer the fundamental questions in nature.

Careers in Physics

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“When I precisely know the roles & responsibilities of the position, I hire an engineer.  When a technical mind is needed but there is ambiguity around exact responsibilities, I hire a physicist.”

– Sandeep Giri, Senior Staff and Technical Project Manager at Google

With a bachelor degree in Physics students can pursue careers in research and development, engineering, medicine, law, business, and the military.

35% of graduates enroll in a physics or astronomy graduate program, 20% enroll in other STEM graduate programs like engineering or go to medical school or law school.

Over 40% of students join the workforce after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Physics. Common job titles for physics and engineering physics bachelor’s degree recipients include:

Applications Engineer Data Analyst Design Engineer High School Physics Teacher IT Consultant Lab Technician Laser Engineer

Optical Engineer Research Associate Software Developer Systems Analyst Technical Specialist Web Developer

See also our Career Info page.

“Do Physics. Be Anything.”

Curriculum and Degrees

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For a quick introduction on our undergraduate program, click here.

We offer two B.S. degrees (Physics BS and Astro BS) and six B.A. degrees (Physics, Astronomy, Quantitative Finance, Medical and Biological Physics, Computational Physics, and Energy)  in Physics. The B.S. degrees are more mathematically intensive, and are generally regarded as better suited for students that plan on applying to a Physics and Astronomy PhD program after graduation. The six B.A. tracks offer more flexibility and prepare students well for a successful career in research and development, engineering, finance, education, medicine, and law.

In addition to our degree programs, we also offer both a physics and an astronomy minor.

The UNC Course Catalog offers details on all paths of study related to the department.

Contact Information

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General questions about our program can be directed to either Hannah Johnson ([email protected]), our Academic Affairs Coordinator, or Rene Lopez ([email protected]), our Director of Undergraduate Studies.

If you are already a UNC student and are thinking about majoring in Physics, you may contact our Department advisors for questions:

Physics Advisors Fall 2024 – Spring 2025

For students with last names or majors:

A-J Astronomy BA/Astrophysics BS

• Dr. Andrew Mann, 308 Rosemary Street, Suite 210C
• [email protected]

H-Z Astronomy BA/Astrophysics BS

• Dr. Adrienne Erickcek, 308 Rosemary Street, Suite 210B
• [email protected]

A – H Physics BA/BS

• Dr. Julieta Gruszko, Chapman 333
• [email protected]

J-L Physics BA/BS

• Dr. Andrew Mann, 308 Rosemary Street, Suite 210C
• [email protected]

M-O Physics BA/BS 

• Dr. Adrienne Erickcek, 308 Rosemary Street, Suite 210B
• [email protected]

P – Z Physics BA/BS

• Dr. Jennifer Weinberg-Wolf, Phillips 108
• [email protected]

Quantitative Finance BA majors

• Dr. Charles Evans, Phillips 126
• [email protected]
• Dr. Wei Zhang, Chapman 345
• [email protected]