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Natural Sciences

Applied Physics Degree Programs

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Applied Physics
Degree Options:
  • Major (BS)

Physics at TLU

Physics is the most fundamental of all the natural sciences, aimed at understanding all parts of the natural world. In fact, the word “physics” stems from the Greek word phyusika, which translates to “natural things”. Students in physics degree programs learn the basic principles that govern the natural world and how to extend and apply those principles to solve new problems through experiment and mathematical analysis.

Small class size and a dedicated faculty allow TLU Physics students to thrive and grow as learners. Introductory laboratories are designed to bolster both content knowledge and practical skills. Several advanced labs, including a unique computational methods course sequence, allow students to hone experimental and computational skills. Students are encouraged to participate in faculty mentored independent research early on, and all students are required to complete a senior capstone research project. As part of the complete undergraduate experience, all students are encouraged to seek out one of many summer research or internship opportunities that host physics students around the U.S.

Students in physics are curious about how the universe works from the nano-scale interactions of biological systems to the mysteries of dark matter. At TLU Physics, our attention to the individual student allows that curiosity to manifest in a variety of ways, accommodating a vast range of career goals. Students with degrees in physics work in any field which values critical thinking skills, mathematical dexterity, analysis, and creative problem solving. You will find physics degree holders in all areas of science and technology-related careers, as well as business, medicine, law and even economics.

At TLU, physics students meet the challenges of understanding the natural world with small introductory classes, hands-on laboratory experiences and an active student-centered learning community. The TLU Physics faculty is committed to providing an engaging curriculum in the classroom, and faculty mentored, open-ended research opportunities outside the classroom. Our unique computational physics sequence includes instruction in widely used software applications for modern engineering and applied physics, including MATLAB™ and LabVIEW™. Students will participate in the broader professional scientific community in Texas and around the U.S by attending regional and national scientific meetings.

Why Physics at TLU?

Physics: Your Pathway to Engineering & More

Interested in engineering? TLU's new B.S. in Applied Physics with optional pre-engineering concentration may be the degree for you. Check out the fact sheet about why you should majors in physics, the advantages of a physics bachelor's degree and all the career opportunities it can lead to.

Download the Physics Program Fact Sheet

Natural Science Course Offerings:

Designed for non-math, non-science majors

  • Summer A: PHYS143: Physics of Modern World Issues (with Lab)
  • Summer B: PHYS144: Conceptual Physics (with Lab)
  • Fall Term: PHYS143: Physics of Modern World Issues (with Lab)

Dual Degree Engineering Program

TLU is an official affiliate of the Washington University (WashU) McKelvey School of Engineering in St. Louis, Missouri. Our students study at TLU for three years in the Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics program, then spend two years at WashU to complete both the bachelor’s in Applied Physics and a bachelor’s in Engineering in one of nine engineering majors including:

WashU engineering school
McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Data Science
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Systems Science & Engineering

TLU students choosing this option will complete a minimum of 100 credit hours at TLU with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 in math and science coursework. Students can begin applications immediately, with the first cohort at WashU beginning in fall 2024.

Students from affiliate schools are also eligible to receive a discount for the January Intensive Term (J-Term), a special 11-day intensive format where students study and live together and get a head-start at building connections before enrolling as dual degree engineering students.

For information on how to apply, admissions criteria, application deadlines, financial aid, housing, and WashU’s J-Term visit engineering.wustl.edu/dualdegree

What to Expect

Annual Family Physics Night

family physic night 2022 graphic


Since 2013, the TLU physics department and SPS have invited families and aspiring physicists of all ages to campus for live interactive demonstrations of the basic principles of physics. This serves as a fun, educational night for prospective students to learn more about the physics program at TLU and to get great ideas for science fair projects.

The evening kicks off with the SPS Public Lecture in Physics with followed by refreshments at Jackson Park Gazebo. Before heading into the Jackson Park Student Activity Center, the evening of began with an explosive Phenomenal Physics Demo Show. Finally, Family Physics Night included interactive, hands-on stations packed with fun activities for scientists of all ages.

This year's distinguished SPS Public Lecture in Physics speaker was Dr. John Nilesen-Gammon, a Regents Professor of Atmospheric Sciences who also serves as the Texas State Climatologist and Director of the Southern Regional Climate Center.

Previous guests include NASA Flight Engineer Dr. Renee Horton, Deputy Director of the Exploration Integration and Sciences Directorate at NASA
Ginger Kerrick
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and Dr. Frances Slakey.

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