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The Wanek School of Natural Sciences is a community of more than 450 scientist scholars.

With the development of strong problem-solving skills, theoretical understanding, experience in designing and carrying out experiments, and extensive application of computational modeling and computer programming, physics majors are prepared for careers and graduate programs in fields such as astronomy, mathematics, earth science, engineering, atmospheric science, and biophysics.
Wanek School of Natural Sciences
Wanek School of Natural Sciences
One University Parkway High Point, NC 27268
Daily from 8:00am — 5:00pm
Faculty & Staff
Fiser Briana
Briana Fiser
Chair and Associate Professor of Physics
+1 (336) 841-9412
high point university faculty brad barlow portrait
Brad Barlow
Associate Professor of Astrophysics; Director of the Culp Planetarium; Co-Director Natural Sciences Fellows
+1 (336) 841-9542
08 17 22 high point university faculty jacob brooks
Jacob Brooks
Assistant Professor, Physics
336-841-9755
Jeff Regester
Jeffrey Regester
Instructor of Physics and Astronomy and Manager of Physics Shop
+1 (336) 841-9757
191202 Erin Brady 001
Erin Brady
Planetarium and Physics Laboratory Manager
+1 (336) 841-2824

Undergraduate research, public outreach, summer internships, publications, and R&D projects…there’s a lot going on in the Department of Physics at High Point University. We invite you to browse our website, blog, course materials, and photo galleries. But if you really want to know what we are about, we encourage you to come to campus and spend time with our faculty, our physics majors, and our alumni. We love to talk physics and astronomy, and we love to show you our results.

Dr. Briana Fiser (bfiser@highpoint.edu)
Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Physics
(336) 841-9412


 

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Course Requirements 2022/2023
Bachelor of Arts in Physics
Bachelor of Arts in Physics
Degree Requirements Credits
Major Requirements 48 Credits
University Core Requirements 36-44 Credits
Electives 36-44 Credits
Total 128
Bachelor of Science in Physics
Bachelor of Science in Physics
Degree Requirements Credits
Major Requirements 62 Credits
University Core Requirements 36-44 Credits
Electives 22-30 Credits
Total 128
Requirements for the B.A. in Physics
Requirements for the B.A. in Physics
Course Course Title Credits
CSC 1710 Introduction to Programming 4
PHY 2010 Fundamentals of Physics I 4
PHY 2020 Fundamentals of Physics II 4
PHY 2030 Modern Physics 4
Complete all courses falling in either the Pure Mathematics or the Applied Mathematics track.

Pure Mathematics*:
MTH 1410 Calculus I 4
MTH 1420 Calculus II 4
MTH 2310 Linear Algebra 4
MTH 2410 Calculus III 4
MTH 3410 Differential Equations 4
Applied Mathematics**
MTH 1410 and MTH 1420 Calculus Iand Calculus II 4
OR
MTH 1415 and MTH 1425 Mathematics for Engineers I and Mathematics for Engineers II 4
AND
MTH/PHY 2050 Mathematical Methods in Engineering and Physics I 4
MTH/PHY 2150 Mathematical Methods in Engineering and Physics II 4
PHY 2200 Computational Physics 4
Select three PHY electives from the following list:***
PHY 2100 Electronics 4
PHY 2200 Computational Physics 4
PHY 3110 Classical Mechanics 4
PHY 3210 Electromagnetism 4
PHY 3310 Quantum Mechanics 4
PHY 3400 Statistical and Thermal Physics 4
PHY 3500 Biological Physics 4
PHY 3600 Optics 4
PHY 3700 Modern Astrophysics 4
Course Descriptions
*The Pure Math option is especially appropriate for students double majoring in math and physics.


**The Applied Math option is especially appropriate for students majoring in physics or double majoring in physics and computer science or physics and engineering.


***Two of these electives must come from PHY 3110, PHY 3210, PHY 3310, and PHY 3400. If completing the Applied Mathematics track, PHY 2200 may not be used to satisfy elective requirements.
Requirements for a B.S. in Physics
Requirements for a B.S. in Physics
Course Course Tile Credits
CSC 1710 Introduction to Programming 4
PHY 2001 Research and Scientific Writing in Physics I 1
PHY 2002 Research and Scientific Writing in Physics II 2
PHY 2010 Fundamentals of Physics I 4
PHY 2020 Fundamentals of Physics II 4
PHY 2030 Modern Physics 4
PHY 2100 Electronics 4
PHY 3110 Classical Mechanics 4
PHY 3210 Electromagnetism 4
PHY 3310 Quantum Mechanics 4
PHY 3400 Statistical and Thermal Mechanics 4
PHY 4000 Undergraduate Research 3
Complete all courses falling in either the Pure Mathematics or the Applied Mathematics track.

Pure Mathematics*
MTH 1410 Calculus I 4
MTH 1420 Calculus II 4
MTH 2310 Linear Algebra 4
MTH 2410 Calculus III 4
MTH 3410 Differential Equations 4
Applied Mathematics**:
MTH 1410 and MTH 1420 Calculus I and Calculus II 4
OR
MTH 1415 and MTH 1425 Mathematics for Engineers I and Mathematics for Engineers II 4
AND
MTH/PHY 2050 Mathematical Methods in Engineering and Physics I 4
MTH/PHY 2150 Mathematical Methods in Engineering and Physics I 4
PHY 2200 Computational Physics 4
Course Descriptions
*The Pure Math option is especially appropriate for students double majoring in math and physics.

**The Applied Math option is especially appropriate for students majoring in physics or double majoring in physics and computer science or physics and engineering.

***Two of these electives must come from PHY 3110, PHY 3210, PHY 3310, and PHY 3400. If completing the Applied Mathematics track, PHY 2200 may not be used to satisfy elective requirements.
Career Opportunities
Our graduates do whatever they want to do! There is no single career path that they choose. With strong problem solving skills and theoretical understanding, experience in designing and carrying out experiments, and knowledge of computational tools, our graduates are prepared for a variety of careers and graduate programs in science, engineering, and technology. Our graduates’ career choices are as diverse as our students themselves. Many physics students choose to double-major or minor in biochemistry, chemistry, math, or computer science in order to develop a broad theoretical and experiential background.

According to statistics from the American Institute of Physics shown below, nearly half of physics majors graduating from High Point University will enter industry and just over half will attend graduate school. Approximately one fourth of our alumni will attend graduate school in physics or astronomy, and approximately one fourth will attend graduate school in engineering, computer science, materials science, or a related field in science, engineering, and technology.

Potential careers and graduate study include all traditional areas in physics, astronomy, engineering, atmospheric science, nanotechnology, microelectronics, computer programming and technology, materials science, biophysics and medical physics. However, physics majors may also choose a career in teaching, medicine, finance or law, for example. With analytical reasoning and problem solving skills developed through physics, you are equipped for nearly any related area and career.

Here is a selection of some of our graduates’ next steps, chosen to illustrate how well physics prepares you broadly:
Student Outcomes
Jordan McClung

With another successful Commencement behind us, High Point University graduates are commencing prestigious career paths around the world at Fortune 500 companies, international service programs, public school systems, top-tier law,…

Megan Mouton

With another successful Commencement behind us, High Point University graduates are commencing prestigious career paths around the world at Fortune 500 companies, international service programs, public school systems, top-tier law,…

Sarah Nowell

With another successful Commencement behind us, High Point University graduates are commencing prestigious career paths around the world at Fortune 500 companies, international service programs, public school systems, top-tier law,…

Nolan Roth
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

Name: Nolan Roth Hometown: Yutan, Nebraska Year: Class of 2020 Major: Physics and computer science with a minor in mathematics Internship: Roth is interning with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center…

READ MORE INTERNSHIP PROFILES Name: Holden Harrington Hometown: Pittsboro, North Carolina Year: Class of 2022 Major: Double major in entrepreneurship and physics win a minor in mathematics  Internship: Harrington joined…

With another successful commencement behind us, recent High Point University graduates are preparing to commence prestigious career paths around the world at Fortune 500 companies, international service programs, public school systems, top-tier…

With another successful commencement behind us, recent High Point University graduates are preparing to commence prestigious career paths around the world at Fortune 500 companies, international service programs, public school systems, top-tier…

With another successful commencement behind us, recent High Point University graduates are preparing to commence prestigious career paths around the world at Fortune 500 companies, international service programs, public school systems, top-tier…

Name: Christopher Schorn Hometown: Kennett Square, Pennsylvania Year: Class of 2020 Major: Physics with a computer science minor Internship: As part of the internship and co-op program at Tesla in…

Name: Rebecca Ulrich Hometown: Troutman, North Carolina Major: Ulrich will graduate on May 5 with a B.S. in Biochemistry and a minor in Physics. Post-graduation plans: After being accepted to eight graduate…

Study Abroad
At High Point University, our emphasis on global perspectives is designed to provide students with opportunities to enhance their international awareness and to develop their cross-cultural communication skills. Study abroad is strongly encouraged as a part of this emphasis on global studies. With a variety of extraordinary options at some of the most prestigious universities in the world, students at High Point University are encouraged to study abroad as early as the summer after their freshman year. Employers are looking for more than just a degree; they want well-rounded individuals who have familiarity with diverse cultures, special skills, and knowledge of the world around them.
Society of Physics Students
The Society of Physics Students (SPS) at HPU is an official university club and a member of the Student Government Association (SGA).
Summer Undergraduate Research Program
SuRPS will provide an opportunity for faculty mentors and students to work together on undergraduate research projects for eight weeks at HPU.
Science in Pictures
Our new state-of-the-art facility features innovative labs, study spaces, ample classrooms, a learning lab and the Culp Planetarium.
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