Undergraduate programs

Advances in technology are providing above-average job growth in areas that require strong proficiency in science and mathematics, making the choice of a degree in physics and astronomy a wise one.

Our talented and dedicated faculty members conduct cutting-edge research in many areas. As part of our undergraduate honors program, students may participate in these areas of research with a faculty mentor.

Degree programs

Research opportunities

Physics majors at Wayne State University find some of their most rewarding experiences outside of their formal coursework. A large fraction of physics undergraduates become involved in one or more research groups in the department.

Involvement in research provides undergraduate students with practical training and experience which can be invaluable when entering the workforce. Students may also find that involvement in a research project can help them decide whether they are interested in pursuing a research career themselves and what field of research interests them most.

Undergraduate physics students can get involved in research in several ways. Each year, several students are hired by the faculty to work as paid research assistants, either during the academic year or over the summer. A second option is to take a directed study class with a professor for course credit.

Students interested in Biomedical Physics and Interdisciplinary Science may also choose to participate in the Richard Barber Interdisciplinary Research Program. This is a summer research program that fosters collaboration among students and faculty from the College of Engineering, the School of Medicine, the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. For more information, contact Professor Christopher Kelly or visit the CV Kelly Lab Website.

Non-science majors

The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers several general education courses that satisfy the general education requirements of the university.