Bachelor of Arts in Physics
Students obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Physics generally use physics as a background for study in other fields which may include graduate studies in biotechnology, medicine, geophysics, aerospace, nanoscale technologies, patent law and various aspects of the financial sector.
The B.A. program is intended to meet the needs of several kinds of students:
- Those desiring to major in physics who have transferred to Wayne State after one or two years at a community college but whose background in physics and mathematics does not complement the content, level or scheduling or remaining course. requirements well enough to permit completion of the bachelor of science degree curriculum in a reasonable time
- Students who wish to pursue a general course of education in the sciences with physics as an area of concentration.
- Once undecided students who decide relatively late in their college careers that they wish to major in physics.
Students who elect to complete a B.A. in physics or other science programs are also eligible for graduate work in physics.
Accelerated graduate degree
The Accelerated Graduate Enrollment (AGRADE) program provides the opportunity for well-performing students to enroll simultaneously in an undergraduate and a graduate program. Students can apply a maximum of 16 common course credits toward AGRADE undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students in AGRADE programs often complete their bachelor's and master's degrees in as little as five years.
Students must apply for an AGRADE program during the semester that they earn 90 credits toward an undergraduate degree, typically during junior year. Applicants must have a:
- Cumulative GPA of at least 3.5
- GPA of at least 3.6 in major courses
Learn more about the AGRADE program
Master of Science in Electrical & Computer Engineering (MS-ECE)
Interdisciplinary physics-ECE AGRADE program
Outstanding seniors in physics (both applied physics option and fundamental physics option), who have completed at least 90 credits and have an overall GPA of at least 3.5 and major physics classes GPA of at least 3.6, can apply to enter the cross-college AGRADE program between the physics undergraduate program (College of Liberals Arts and Sciences) and electrical engineering (EE) master's programs (College of Engineering).
The AGRADE program allows students to apply up to 12 credits of selected graduate courses, taken as an undergraduate, towards a master's degree in electrical engineering. The physics courses that can be counted toward an MS-EE degree include PHY5340/41, PHY5620/21 and PHY5100. This enables students to complete an undergraduate degree in physics and a graduate degree in electrical engineering in just five years of full-time study.
View program overview, curriculum and application
Contact the Physics and Astronomy Academic Advisor Dawn Niedermiller prior to registering for 5000 or 6000 level courses.
Physics-ECE AGRADE program contacts
- Robert Harr, professor, physics and astronomy
- Ivan Avrutsky, associate professor, electrical and computer engineering
Career insights
A degree in physics can lead to a variety of career paths. Here are just a few of the many opportunities available in this field.
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Astronomer | $123,000 |
| Atmospheric and space scientists | $91,000 |
| Biochemists and biophysicists | $93,000 |
| Materials scientist | $89,000 |
| Natural sciences managers | $137,000 |
| Nuclear engineer | $131,000 |
| Nuclear monitoring technician | $104,000 |
| Nuclear technician | $104,000 |
| Physics teachers, postsecondary | $90,000 |
| Physicist | $111,000 |
This data provides a broad overview of how major selection can lead to careers and is provided without any implied promise of employment. Some careers will require further education, skills or competencies. Actual salaries may vary significantly between similar employers and could change by graduation, as could employment opportunities and job titles.