Bachelor of Science in PhysicsSchool of Arts and Sciences

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Fundamentally discovering the world

You find all things interesting and seek to learn more about the function of the phenomena that surrounds you. Physics continues to play a critical role in human technology and intellectual development today. The Bachelor of Science in Physics program provides students opportunities to build mathematical models that predict and explain observations of the natural world, design and conduct experiments to explore physical systems, and think critically about data and evidence.

As a student in the Physics program, you will learn the tools used in discovery – observation, imagination, prediction, and deduction – through hands-on learning. All introductory physics courses are taught using a project-based approach, where you actively engage with the material in an integrated lecture and lab format. Each unit is structured around a real-world problem and culminates in a project that applies physics knowledge to solve the problem.

Applied Science Concentration

This concentration is designed for students who have an Applied Associate’s degree from a technical college in one of the following areas: Electrical Engineering Technology; Civil Engineering Technology; Mechanical Design Technology; Electromechanical Technology; Automated Manufacturing Systems.

Pre-Engineering Concentration

Begin your college career at Edgewood College and participate in the Engineering Dual Degree program with UW-Platteville. Enrolling in this program, you will earn two Bachelor’s degrees: one in Physics from Edgewood College and one in either Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering from UW-Platteville.

Professional Concentration

Students who want to pursue a career in physics or related sciences would consider the Professional Concentration.

Renewable Energy Concentration

This concentration can result in students earning a Renewable Energy Certificate from Madison College, in addition to a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from Edgewood College. Students can begin taking renewable energy courses at Madison College at any time.

Locations
Madison, WI

Formats
On-campus

Number of Credits
120

Next Start Date
January 21, 2025

Careers within Physics

$149,530

Average annual salary for a Physicist

Bureau of Labor Statistics

A Bachelor’s degree in Physics prepares you for a variety of career paths.

Business Analyst
Engineer
Physicist
Physics Researcher
Programmer
Scientist

Physics by the Numbers

100%

of physics majors in 2023 and 2024 presented research at Edgewood Engaged

maximum class size in any physics course

Physics Student Spotlight

Bachelor of Science in Physics

Quinton Gordon ’23

“Upon enrolling at Edgewood College, I initially lacked interest in physics courses, but by the end of my first year, I declared as a physics major! Exploring the laws and intricacies of the universe proved to be captivating, thanks to the exceptional guidance and support of the physics department faculty. Their immersive and hands-on teaching style not only fostered complete understanding but also prepared me for future academic and professional endeavors.”

Featured Courses in Physics

Physics 201 – College Physics I

This course is the first of the two-semester calculus-based introductory physics sequence designed for physics, mathematics, and other science majors. It includes principles of mechanics and their applications and is taught in an integrated lecture-lab format that meets in three two-hour sessions per week. The core of the curriculum is the study of motion with various levels of complexity. Some specific topics include: kinematics in one and two dimensions, dynamics, and Newton’s laws of motion, work, energy, and conservation of energy, linear momentum and collisions, and rotational kinematics and dynamics.

Physics 310 – Principles of Mechanics

Origin and development of classical mechanics; mathematical techniques, especially vector analysis; conservation laws and their relation to symmetry principles; brief introduction to orbit theory and harmonic oscillators.

Physics 350 – Scientific Computing

Introduces computing tools useful in solving scientific problems. Considers a variety of techniques of tackling scientific calculations such as spreadsheets, symbolic packages (or other suitable programming languages). Additional emphasis is placed on the acquisition of scientific information in an ethical and legal manner, including an exploration of the primary literature. Examples will be drawn from such diverse fields as astronomy, physics, chemistry, earth science, biology and mathematics.

Explore All Courses For This Program

Student Organizations

Achievement in Medicine

Achievement in Medicine (AIM) brings together students who are thinking of pursuing a degree in the medical/health field post-graduation. Guest speakers include doctors, physical therapists, physician assistants, dentists, pharmacists, and other individuals with other medical specialties have presented to members of AIM. Resources for MCAT/GRE as well as volunteer and shadow experiences are available through this organization.

Physics Faculty Spotlights

Senior Lecturer

Brian Lancor

BLancor@edgewood.edu

Fabrication Laboratory Director

James Diodato

JDiodato@edgewood.edu

View All Faculty

Physics Experiences

Students enrolled in the physics program have internship opportunities that provide hands-on and experiences that translate into industry knowledge. Locations include Madison Gas and Electric, student designed projects for Edgewood College, curriculum design projects, and conducting research at UW-Madison in physics and engineering labs.

Collaborative Programs

Madison College

Edgewood College and Madison College’s partnership pathway allows students to transfer coursework easily. Students attending Edgewood College can take courses at Maidson College in the following areas:

Renewable Energy
Electrical Engineering Technology
Civil Engineering Technology
Mechanical Design Technology
Automated Systems Technology

These courses provide you with the opportunity to gain technical skills which are complimentary to the theoretical training you receive in traditional physics courses. Courses taken at Madison College are covered by your Edgewood College tuition in which scholarships and financial aid still apply.

University of Wisconsin – Madison

The Collaborative Program with UW-Madison allows you to take one course per semester at UW and transfer these credits back to Edgewood College. This opportunity provides students the ability to explore specialized coursework in science and engineering and count toward elective credit for the Physics major.

Engineering Dual Degree with UW-Platteville

In partnership with UW-Platteville, students can earn two degrees: A BS in Physics from Edgewood College and a BS in Mechanical Engineering or BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville.

Students spend three (3) years at Edgewood College building a strong foundation in physics, mathematics, and chemistry. Within your third year, you will apply to transfer to UW-Platteville, where after two (2) years, you can earn a degree in Engineering. UW-Platteville’s Engineering program is ABET accredited and is a highly competitive program in which students must achieve a 3.0 minimum GPA in their major coursework to apply for admission.

Fabrication Laboratory (Fab Lab)

Edgewood College’s Fabrication Laboratory (Fab Lab) provides resources and opportunities for student directed projects – and is open to all students, not just science majors. Workshops and training sessions are offered on a regular basis.

Our Fabrication Laboratory provides student access to high-tech equipment including:

Multiple filament and resin 3-D printers with different printing capabilities
A high-powered laser cutter capable of cutting or etching most woods and plastics
Hakko soldering stations
Keysight Benchtop devices
Hand tools and project space
2- and 3- dimensional design software
Injection molding
Vacuum forming
3D scanner machine (coming soon)

Obsession Dobsonian Telescope

The Physics Department is home to a 20” Obsession Dobsonian telescope. The telescope currently resides at the Ernest Hupenden Painted Forest near Reedsburg, WI. This rural location is ideal for observing the night sky. The telescope is used by students in Astronomy classes and for student projects. Additionally, the Physics Department hosts public observation nights at the Painted Forest in the summer and fall.

Related Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Physics

What kind of math skills do I need for a physics degree?

We welcome students with a range of math skills. Calculus is the foundation of work of a physics major. If students are ready to take calculus their first semester, then can jump right in to the major. Otherwise, we work with students to get them ready for calculus and to guide them to the classes they can take that will count towards the major in the meantime.

How much time should I expect to spend in the lab?

Our physics classes are taught in an integrated lab/lecture format that meets three times a week (2 hours each for lab classes). Students move between lecture, lab and group activities in a format designed based on research into teaching and learning science.

Is graduate school necessary for a career in physics?

The skills learned in a physics major (problem solving, analytical, and mathematical) are valuable in many fields of employment and employment rates are very high for graduates with a physics major. Careers in direct physics research typically involve further graduate study.

What kind of support is available for physics students, such as tutoring or academic advising?

Students have access to peer tutors at the learning lab on campus during their early career, and then can become peer tutors as they move through their time here. It is a great way to build a variety of skills. Faculty are also always willing to spend time one on one with students outside of class to help them learn.