The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Sacramento State offers four degree programs: the BS in Physics, a BS in Physics with a concentration in Applied Physics, the BA in Physics, and the BA in Physics, Physics Teacher Concentration. The Department also offers Minor programs in Physics and Astronomy and Certificates in Scientific Instrument Development and Scientific Computing and Simulation. The BS degrees are recommended for students seeking a career in the technology sector or planning to pursue a graduate degree. The BA degree is recommended for students who are interested in teaching Physics in high school or who want a liberal arts education with an emphasis in Physics. Physics majors are encouraged to take additional mathematics and to develop skills in the use of computers.

Approximately 40 percent of the graduating physics majors from Sacramento State continue on to graduate school earning advanced degrees in Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Environmental Science, Medicine, or Business. Another 50 percent find job opportunities in industrial and government laboratories or agencies. The remaining 10 percent obtain their teaching credential.

Special Features

• In addition to providing a broad academic background and facility in analytic thinking, the study of physics fosters and emphasizes independent study experiences. Most physics students at Sacramento State typically spend a year working on a Senior Project, often in conjunction with a faculty member. These independent projects not only provide a vehicle for applying material learned in class and give students experience in electronics, measurement systems, computers, and machine shop work, but also teach students to work and think on their own. Faculty in the Department have been active in research in atomic physics, astrophysics, biophysics, condensed matter physics, high energy physics, instrumentation, liquid crystals, low temperature physics, optics, and physics education research.