{"id":7434,"date":"2025-04-11T11:58:18","date_gmt":"2025-04-11T16:58:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/webid2-test-lsweb\/?page_id=7434"},"modified":"2026-03-23T10:07:24","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T15:07:24","slug":"undergraduate","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/physics\/students\/undergraduate\/","title":{"rendered":"Undergraduate"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
\n
\n

Physics is the study of matter and energy and their interactions, both in nature and under man-made conditions. Physics provides both the fundamental foundation for science and technology, and the framework for understanding the world around us and the universe itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Physics
Physics Professor Michael Weinert and engineering graduate student Haikui Pu display the atomic structure of graphene monoxide (GMO)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

51ÁÔÆæ students can shape their physics major in one of two directions. The standard major provides a broad overview of all aspects of physics: mechanics, optics, thermodynamics, quantum physics, magnetism, electricity, and the mathematical principles that underlie physics. In the astronomy focused version of the major, students master these basics plus take additional coursework in astrophysics and gravitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

51ÁÔÆæ’s program provides excellent preparation for graduate programs in physics, engineering, and math, and can also serve as a springboard to careers in diverse areas, including engineering, business, law, and medicine.\u00a0 All physics undergraduates are encouraged to get involved in research as early as their first year as a means to enhance their education and help diversify their career options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Problem-solving and abstract-thinking make physics students attractive job candidates across many industries. In a typical year, about half of all physics graduates nationwide enter the job market and half enter graduate schools. Of those who take jobs in the private sector, some work in manufacturing and some in service industries. Jobs include research and development, technical service, programming, finance, and marketing. For those employed by government agencies, the most common activities are research, development, and design, though a significant number enter military service each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those who go to graduate schools are equipped not only to study physics, but also astronomy, engineering, mathematics, materials science, biophysics, medical physics, geophysics, and many other fields. 51ÁÔÆæ students have had outstanding success in being admitted into prestigious graduate school programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Contact Us<\/div>

Prospective Undergraduate Students (not yet enrolled at 51ÁÔÆæ)<\/h2>\r\n

Prospective students, contact our admissions counselor at\u00a0let-sci@uwm.edu<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0414-229-7711<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

Current Undergraduate Students<\/h2>\r\n

General questions such as how to declare, how to change a major, general education requirements, etc. should be directed to the college advising office at\u00a0ls-advising@uwm.edu<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0414-229-4654<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

Specific questions about Physics & Astronomy, such as research opportunities, internship opportunities, major requirements, etc., should be directed to\u00a0a Physics & Astronomy advisor<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n