Why Physics at SDSU?

Physics explores the foundational processes of life and everything in the universe. In addition to learning fundamental principles, our students acquire extensive programming skills as well as expertise in math, modeling and data analysis. We offer a variety of specialized electives in quantum nano-materials, biological physics, astrophysics and more.

A key feature of the physics program is the active involvement of both undergraduate and graduate students in research. Students collaborate with faculty on research projects, forming professional relationships while making real scientific contributions. Students in the bachelor’s and master’s programs are required to complete a thesis prior to graduation, which often earns students co-authorship on a paper published in a peer-reviewed journal. 

Earning a degree in physics opens doors to careers as diverse as the field itself, including research and development, management or administration in industrial laboratories or government agencies, secondary teaching, technical sales, electronic design, and laser instrument research. Graduates are prepared for roles such as data scientist, software developer, sound engineer, equipment technician, theorist and instructor.

Research Areas

Quantum Materials

Exploring how atomic structure and quantum effects give rise to novel material properties.

Computational Physics

Supercomputers and sophisticated models help answer questions about the universe at small and large scales.

Optics

Manipulating ultrafast laser light for applications in microscopy, neuroscience, and microfluidics.

Medical Physics

Physicists are leading advances in radiation therapy and magnetic resonance imaging.

Condensed Matter Physics

Investigating how interactions among atoms and electrons produce novel materials with unique electronic, magnetic, optical, and superconducting properties.

Theoretical Nuclear Physics

Developing mathematical and computational models to understand the structure of atomic nuclei and the fundamental forces that govern their behavior.

Theoretical Astrophysics

Investigating black holes, neutron stars, gravitational waves, and the evolution of the universe through theoretical and computational modeling.

Physics Education Research

Investigating how students learn physics and developing evidence-based teaching methods that improve learning and broaden participation in STEM.