Physics

The Bachelor of Science in Physics at Colorado State University offers a comprehensive and rigorous undergraduate program designed to prepare students for diverse careers in science, research, engineering, and education. This program provides students with a solid foundation in fundamental physics principles, including classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and modern physics. Through a combination of lectures, laboratory work, and research projects, students develop essential skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and scientific communication. The curriculum is thoughtfully structured to provide a strong theoretical background while also emphasizing practical applications, enabling graduates to adapt to rapidly evolving technological landscapes.

Students pursuing the Physics major benefit from access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities, where they can engage in experimental investigations and hands-on learning. Opportunities for undergraduate research are available across various subfields of physics, including astrophysics, condensed matter physics, and nuclear physics, often in collaboration with faculty mentors who are actively involved in cutting-edge research. The program also prepares students for graduate studies or careers in industries such as aerospace, data analysis, renewable energy, and technical consulting.

Economically, the program equips students with a versatile skill set highly valued in many sectors, including analytical reasoning, data analysis, and quantitative modeling. The faculty at Colorado State University are dedicated to providing personalized attention and mentorship, fostering an environment that encourages intellectual curiosity and academic excellence. In addition to core coursework, students can choose electives in specialized areas like astrophysics, biophysics, and computational physics to tailor their education according to personal interests and career goals. The program often emphasizes ethical scientific conduct and the importance of scientific literacy in society. Graduates of the Physics program at Colorado State University leave well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to scientific innovation, pursue advanced degrees, or embark on careers in industry, research institutions, or government agencies, making it an ideal choice for students passionate about understanding the physical universe.

Master of Science – Thesis Option (Plan A)

A student must complete a minimum of 30 semester credits. These must include 18 credits in physics classroom courses at the 500 level or higher and two credits of PH692 (Seminar). The student must also perform research and prepare a thesis. The final examination for the Plan A M.S. Degree is the thesis defense.

Master of Science – Non-Thesis Option (Plan B)

A student must complete a minimum of 32 semester credits. These must include 21 credits in physics classroom courses at the 500 level or higher, three additional credits in the physics classroom courses at the 500 level or higher or in PH693 (Current Topics in Physics Research), and two credits of PH692 (Seminar). The final examination for the Plan B M.S. degree is the seminar/examination.

M.S. Final Examination Limit

A maximum of two attempts at final examinations for the M.S. degree is allowed.

Courses

• PH 521  Introduction to Lasers. Stimulated emission; laser resonators; theory of laser oscillation; specific laser systems; applications.
• PH 522  Introductory Laser Laboratory. Experiments providing hands-on experiences with lasers.
• PH 531  Introductory Solid State Physics. Crystal structures and bonding, electronic levels and vibrations, dielectric, optical and magnetic properties, quasiparticles, superconductivity.
• PH 541  Classical Physics. Linear and orbital motions, rotation, moment-of-inertia matrix, electrostatics, images, magnetostatics, induction, Maxwell’s equations
• PH 561  Elementary Particle Physics.  Particle interactions and detection techniques. Quark model, scattering models and standard model of electroweak interactions, physics of colliders.
• PH 571  Mathematical Methods for Physics I. Vector analysis, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, infinite series, method of Frobenius, complex variables, contour integration.
• PH 572  Mathematical Methods for Physics II. Partial differential equations, Sturm-Liouville theory, special functions, Green’s functions, Fourier series, Fourier and Laplace transforms.
• PH 621  Classical Mechanics. Central forces, scattering, noninertial reference frames, Coriolis force, Lagrange’s and Hamilton’s equations, small oscillations, continuum mechanics.
• PH 631  Solid State Physics. Electronic band structure and conduction phenomena; cohesive energy; lattice dynamics and thermal properties; metals; insulators; semiconductors.
• PH 641  Electromagnetism I. Electrostatics in a vacuum and a medium, general solution of Laplace’s equation, Green’s functions, magnetostatics in a vacuum and a medium.
• PH 642  Electromagnetism II. Maxwell’s equations, electromagnetic waves, radiation by accelerated charges, special relativity, Lagrangian formulation of electromagnetism.
• PH 651  Quantum Mechanics I . WKB theory, Heisenberg picture, 3D wells, hydrogen atom, time-independent perturbation theory, angular momentum and spin, Clebsch-Gordan coefficients.
• PH 652  Quantum Mechanics II. Wigner-Eckhart theorem, symmetries, density matrix, identical particles, interaction picture, time-dependent perturbation theory, scattering.
• PH 671  Statistical Mechanics II. Canonical and grand-canonical ensembles; Maxwell-Boltzmann, Bose-Einstein, and Fermi-Dirac statistics; density operator; Bose-Einstein condensation.

Prospective graduate students are expected to complete the Physics Department Pre-Application Form and provide additional items (see below), and then wait for a status advisement before moving to Step 2, the Graduate School application process.

Once the Pre-Application Form is submitted the applicant will receive an e-mail allowing them access to the Physics Supplemental Website. This website will allow the applicant to upload the following:

• Copies of transcripts (in English).
• Copies of general GRE (verbal, quantitative, and analytical) and subject GRE (physics) exam scores. BOTH are required. These exams are required before pre-applications will be reviewed. The physics GRE is given infrequently, so applicants should make sure to take that exam early enough that their score is available for the pre-application.
• TOEFL scores or IELTS score. (For international applications only.)
• Note that the minimum TOEFL score acceptable to the University for admission is 80 (internet based)/215 (computer exam)/550 (paper exam). The Department of Physics gives a strong preference to applicants with TOEFL scores of at least 100 (internet based)/250 (computer)/600 (paper).  The minimum IELTS score acceptable to the University for admission is 6.5. The Department of Physics will give strong preference to applicants with an IELTS score of at least 8.0.
• CV or resume.
• Personal statement.
• Three reference letters. The reference letters must be either (1) uploaded to the website by the recommender, (2) mailed to the address below, or (3) e-mailed to the graduate admissions coordinator.

Scholarships

• McPherson Graduate Scholarship
• Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Graduate Scholarships
• Global Education

The Department of Physics at Colorado State University offers a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of physics, as well as opportunities for research and specialization in various subfields. The Bachelor of Science in Physics program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical skills, preparing students for careers in research, industry, education, or further graduate studies. Students engage in coursework covering classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and statistical physics, alongside laboratory experiments that develop their technical abilities and scientific reasoning. The curriculum also includes courses in mathematics, computer science, and internships to enhance analytical and computational competencies. Opportunities for undergraduate research are available, allowing students to collaborate with faculty on cutting-edge projects in areas such as condensed matter physics, astrophysics, and biophysics. The program typically requires completion of general education requirements, major-specific courses, and a senior project or thesis demonstrating their ability to conduct independent scientific research. Students are encouraged to participate in internships, physics clubs, and conferences to broaden their professional experience. The department supports students through advising, specialized workshops, and career counseling to prepare them for graduate school or STEM careers. The program is designed to foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and scientific literacy essential for diverse scientific and technological fields. Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in academia, industry, government laboratories, and education, or pursue advanced degrees in physics, engineering, or related disciplines.