The Physics program is designed to provide opportunities for the undergraduate to develop the skills essential for graduate school, industry, government service and teaching. The Department offers two B.S. degree programs:

• Traditional Physics
• Engineering Physics

In addition, we realize our role in relation to other departments and give the undergraduate the broad fundamentals of physics so that they may serve as a foundation for the other sciences. A broad range of physical science courses are offered as electives.

Physics graduates at SBU have gone on to graduate study or employment in a variety of scientific and engineering fields: physics, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, electro-optics, systems engineering, biophysics, medicine, computer programming, oceanography, and financial engineering.

More general information about pursuing a career in physics or a related field may be found at the American Institute of Physics website.

Interested in teaching grade 7-12 physics?

At St. Bonaventure you have two paths to initial certification:

• Earn your Bachelor of Science in Physics while completing requirements for initial certification as a physics teacher in grades 7-12. Learn more.
• Earn your Bachelor of Science in Adolescent Education with a concentration in Physics, which also completes the requirements for initial certification as a physics teacher in grades 7-12. Learn more.

All Physics courses are normally taught by full-time faculty members possessing a Ph.D. in physics, and classes are small. In addition, departmental majors each may receive individualized attention from the faculty on academic matters outside of the classroom.

Faculty have conducted research in computational physics, nuclear structure, solid-state physics and theoretical physics. Qualified students may be invited, at times, to participate actively in the research projects.

Physics majors are encouraged to participate in the NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program or in a summer internship. One such REU or internship experience can serve as a Physics elective course. Often, during an REU or internship a student makes contacts which lead directly to employment or to admission to a graduate program. For more information, see our REUs & Summer Internships page.

Advanced Physics majors have the opportunity to serve the Department as teaching aides in the Introductory Physics Laboratory and Astronomy Laboratory classes. Undergraduate teaching aides receive a small amount of monetary compensation. This service provides the students with valuable professional experience and helps reinforce their own mastery of the subject.

A chapter of Sigma Pi Sigma, the National Physics Honor Society, has been established to give recognition to outstanding students.

Join the Orion Astronomy Club

The Department of Physics operates the SBU Observatory, which is equipped with an 11-inch Schmidt-Cassegrainian telescope. All interested students may participate in the Orion Astronomy Club.

STEM-designated program

This program meets the requirements for STEM designation, as determined by the United States Department of Homeland Security.

STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers are among the fastest-growing and highest-demand fields worldwide. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in STEM occupations is expected to grow by 10.4% from 2023 to 2033 — significantly faster than other professions.

For international students, St. Bonaventure offers unique advantages. Pursuing a STEM degree here qualifies F1 visa holders for Optional Practical Training (OPT), including the opportunity for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. This means you could gain up to three years of practical experience in the U.S., enhancing your career prospects in global job markets.

Learn more about STEM at St. Bonaventure

The Department of Physics offers a B.S. in (traditional) Physics, a B.S. in (traditional) Physics with grades 7-12 teaching certification, a B.S. in Engineering Physics, and a minor in Physics.

Bachelor of Science in Physics

The major in Physics provides the student a conceptual and analytical understanding of mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum physics, optics, and thermodynamics.

Degree requirements and a four-year plan for the Physics major

Bachelor of Science in Physics with teaching certification

Earn a Bachelor of Science in Physics while completing all requirements for initial New York state certification to teach Physics in grades 7-12.

Program details and requirements

Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics

The major in Engineering Physics provides the student a conceptual and analytical understanding of mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum physics, optics, and thermodynamics, as well as a foundation in engineering mechanics and electronics.

Degree requirements and a four-year plan for the Engineering Physics major

Minor in physics

For non-majors, the physics minor provides a solid grounding in the fundamentals of physics to aid in the understanding of their major fields.

Requirements for the physics minor