Department of Chemistry, Physics, and Atmospheric Sciences – PHYSICS
College of Science, Engineering, and Technology
If you have ever wondered scientifically, “why” something is the way it is, or “how” can something exist or behave the way it does, then you’ve entered the realm of physics. Physics is the most fundamental of all sciences, and is the study of nature that is all around us. Physicists try to understand the most basic laws that govern the behavior of nature.
Undergraduate Studies
To view a listing of the undergraduate-level courses offered, click here.
The Department of Physics, Atmospheric Science, and Geoscience at Jackson State University offers a broad variety of undergraduate courses, for physics majors and non-physics majors alike.
The Department is working to achieve national ranking in the number of students enrolled as majors as well as in the number of graduates produced. Graduates of the program will excel in graduate study, research, and in the work force.
Goals of the Department are as follows:
- To prepare students for careers in physical research, medicine, engineering, meteorology research, professional meteorologist, and other professional areas including teaching of physics and physical sciences.
- To prepare students for graduate programs in physics, atmospheric sciences, engineering, and other applied sciences, graduate program in management, materials science, and for medical and dental schools.
- To develop understanding of basic scientific principles, concepts, and application in all students taking courses in the Department; to provide courses for students with other career interests which will increase their awareness of the environment and universe.
- To excel in research and development in the areas of meteorological observation, forecasting, modeling atomic and molecular physics, optics, materials science, nanotechnology, computational science, renewable energy, and earth and space science.
- To develop more collaborative research and development projects with other departments in Jackson State University, other institutions, state agencies, and non-profit and for profit organizations.
- To provide services to the community, the state, the nation, and the world in matters concerning science in general, including physics, astronomy, and atmospheric sciences.
Physics
To view a listing of the undergraduate-level courses offered, click here.
The B.S. in Physics has two tracks:
- B.S. Physics (General Physics Concentration)
- B.S. Physics (Leading to Alternate Career Choice Option)
Click here to view the course curriculum for the B.S. in Physics (General Physics Concentration)
Click here to view the course curriculum for the B.S. in Physics (Leading to Alternate Career Choice).
Meteorology
To view a listing of the undergraduate-level courses offered, click here.
The B.S. in Meteorology is the only degree program in Meteorology in Mississippi and in its neighboring states.
Click here to view the course curriculum for the B.S. in Atmospheric Science.
Earth System Science
To view a listing of the undergraduate-level courses offered, click here.
Click here to view the course curriculum for the B.S. in Earth System Science.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Physics allows you to study the forces that shape the fabric of nature and learn what the universe if made of and how it works.
You will receive a solid grounding in fundamental physics and have access to a wide range of elective courses including optics, particle and solid-state physics, nonlinear dynamics, astronomy and geophysics. Running experiments and engaging in faculty-led research develops your quantitative critical thinking skills, and you will gain the ability to use data to test and evaluate models, explanations, and methods.
LEARN BY DOING
In lab-based classes and with faculty-led research opportunities, you will learn to think like a physicist. Explore accelerator physics at CERN, or learn about the frontiers of space and time while searching for extrasolar planets and world-renowned observatories. Explore the mind-bending consequences of Einstein’s theory of gravity and curved space-time, or unlock the mysteries of our awesome Earth with field research opportunities. Become a science educator and make a difference in propelling P-12 STEM education in the 21st century. At Jackson State University, you are part of the process of creating new scientific knowledge.
“Challenging Minds, Changing Lives.”
APPLY YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Your time will be spent collecting and analyzing data or running experiments on state-of-the-art equipment – not solely sitting at desks.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Physics majors have a plethora of career options after studying the mechanics of matter and understanding concepts such as optics, solid-state physics, particle physics, and much more:
| Technical Writer | Science Teacher | Forensic Scientist | Professor |
| Data Analyst | Research Analyst | Web Developer | Design Engineer |
| Systems Analyst | Research Engineer | Meteorologist | Research Scientist |
| Scientist | Application Developer | Product Development Engineer | Process Engineer |
| Radiation Safety Officer | Materials Engineer | Nuclear Engineer | R&D Engineer |
| Aeronautical Engineer | Electronics Engineer | Data Scientist | Quantitative Analyst |
RESEARCH
For many years, we have played a central role in new physics developments and advancements.
Want to learn more? Click below to view our advancements.
RESOURCES
PERSONNEL
READY TO JOIN?
For more information, please contact us at (601) 979-7012. We look forward to meeting with you and seeing how our program can help you achieve your goals.
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY, PHYSICS, AND ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES
