Physics, Applied Physics Concentration, B.S.

Physics

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Physics, Applied Physics Concentration, B.S.

The Applied Physics Concentration of the Bachelor of Science in Physics is offered through the College of Basic and Applied Science at MTSU.

Physics is a lot like chocolate—it goes with everything. That may be one reason so many of MTSU's physics majors started out in pursuit of a different degree (in recording industry, pre-medicine, music, etc.) only to discover that it was the physics of it all that fascinated them. Physics may take them on a different road back to their original interest—a career as a medical physicist, for example.

The Applied Physics concentration is designed for students interested in fields not traditionally associated with a physics degree, but that value the critical thinking and problem-solving skills associated with a physics major. Physics majors may pick from one of four different concentrations. The core curriculum gets all Physics and Astronomy majors on a level playing field and sets you up to pursue any concentration.

  • Professional Physics
  • Astronomy
  • Applied Physics
  • Physics Teaching

Careers
Requirements
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Careers
Requirements
Faculty
Information

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Middle Tennessee State University Geosciences Department faculty members gather with their students and those from aerospace, physics, data science and more, participating recently during the Tennessee Geographic Information Council Conference at the Embassy Suites-Murfreesboro in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by James Cessna)

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Middle Tennessee State University Geosciences Department students Emily Therrell, Lula Baldriche and Trey Littrell were among a dozen participants sharing their NASA Space Grant-funded research as part of the Tennessee Space Grant Consortium during the recent Tennessee Geographic Information Council Conference.[ Read More ]

News Briefs

MTSU President's, Provost's, LaLance, Community Service award winners, and new SGA team for 2025-26

MTSU announces major student awards, inaugural Bolt honors for 2024-25; SGA officers for new year

As part of creating a new tradition at Middle Tennessee State University, major 2024-25 student leadership award recipients Victoria Grigsby, Ariel Nicastro, Zachary Thomas and Connor Prim shared the spotlight with 12 other True Blue Honors Bolt individual award recipients or organizations at the recent ceremony.[ Read More ]

Middle Tennessee State University Geosciences Department faculty members gather with their students and those from aerospace, physics, data science and more, participating recently during the Tennessee Geographic Information Council Conference at the Embassy Suites-Murfreesboro in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by James Cessna)

MTSU students ‘shine’ with NASA Space Grant research at Tennessee geosciences conference in Murfreesboro

Middle Tennessee State University Geosciences Department students Emily Therrell, Lula Baldriche and Trey Littrell were among a dozen participants sharing their NASA Space Grant-funded research as part of the Tennessee Space Grant Consortium during the recent Tennessee Geographic Information Council Conference.[ Read More ]

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CAREERS

Physics, Applied Physics Concentration, B.S.


There's almost no field of endeavor that doesn't have some part of it touched by physics. Not surprisingly, a B.S. in Physics can be that first step to any number of diverse careers! Examples include

  • Acoustics researcher 
  • Architect 
  • Astronomer 
  • Astrophysicist 
  • Design engineer 
  • Doctor 
  • High school physics teacher 
  • Laser engineer 
  • Medical physicist 
  • Naval mine warfare analyst 
  • Patent attorney 
  • Process engineer 
  • Pilot 
  • Semiconductor engineer 
  • Software developer 
  • Spacecraft designer 
  • Radio Frequency (RF) specialist 
  • Video game developer 

Employers of MTSU alumni include

  • AFL Global
  • Arlington High School
  • Cheezburger Network
  • Corvel Corporation
  • Energetics Technology
  • Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center
  • Gearbox Software
  • JET Program, Japan
  • Robert Half Technology
  • RF Signatures
  • Memorial Hospital, Chattanooga
  • Middle Tennessee Medical Center
  • MiraCosta College
  • Tennessee Valley Authority
  • Texas Tech University
  • University of Maryland
MTSU Career Development Center

MTSU’s Career Development Center

MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.  

Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career

Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called Handshake

Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our What Can I Do with A Major In guides. 

REQUIREMENTS

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FACULTY

INFORMATION

Degrees

Students in the Physics program can pursue a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Physics with concentrations in Applied Physics, Astronomy, Physics Teaching, or Professional Physics. Within the Professional Physics concentration are tracks in medical physics and astrophysics.

For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS tab above.

Undergraduate students can pursue a minor in Physics or Astronomy.

A minor in Physics is available for graduate students, as well.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

The Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) College of Education’s teacher licensure preparation programs are accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and are eligible for accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Physics with teacher licensure program at MTSU is designed to meet the licensure requirements set by the Tennessee Department of Education. Students should be aware that licensure requirements vary from state to state and are subject to change. MTSU has not made a determination whether a specific program will meet all of the requirements of another US state or territory. MTSU recommends that students who plan to seek licensure outside the state of Tennessee contact the appropriate licensing agency and discuss their plans with their advisor. To obtain current information about each state's and territory’s licensure requirements and any additional regulations, students should consult the US Department of Education’s website for state contacts at https://www.ed.gov/contact-us/state-contacts

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