COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING & SCIENCE

Physics at Louisiana Tech University

Who Are Physicists?

Physicists are science and math experts who conduct measurements and analyze data to learn about the laws of nature. They make and test scientific models and develop tools and testing methodologies that change our understanding of the world and enable changes that improve and even save lives. If you question, observe, and methodically test your observations, physics might be the right fit for you.

What Can Louisiana Tech Physicists Do?

Louisiana Tech’s Physics program provides students with fundamental knowledge of the laws of nature, from the sub-nanoscopic world of nuclear and quantum physics to the universe as a whole. A physics education gives students a diverse set of skills, including experience with experimental techniques, computational modeling, data acquisition and analysis, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking skills.

A physics degree is a platform to launch a career anywhere in the world. Graduates of the program work in a variety of jobs like research and development, information technology, financial services, and teaching. Many graduates choose to further their education, earning graduate degrees in physics, astronomy, or engineering, or professional degrees in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or medical physics.

Alumni from the Louisiana Tech Physics program work at universities, primary and secondary schools, national labs, government agencies, and health institutions. Recent graduates have gone to work for state agencies involved in testing and certifying radiological labs and equipment, oil companies doing geophysical testing and modeling, and tech companies like Amazon, and attend prestigious graduate schools, including Stoney Brook, Georgetown, and Texas A&M.

What Can Physics Students Expect at Louisiana Tech?

The program was recognized by the U.S. News and World Report for its global research and reputation, and as a Louisiana Tech Physics student, you’ll have opportunities to work with world-renowned physicists. You’ll learn fundamental physics, advanced mathematics, chemistry, and computer programming through a mix of theoretical classes and hands-on laboratories in small classes with award-winning faculty.

In the Physics program, you’ll make your own path by adding minors and second majors, or you may opt for the Medical Physics emphasis, which will prepare you for the highly lucrative field of Medical Physics and even for medical school. If teaching is your passion, you can get certified through UTeachTech, which will prepare you to teach high school physics.

In addition to hands-on laboratory experiences, you’ll have opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects associated with the Multiscale Genome Organization of the Biophysical Society, the CERN Large Hadron Collider, the Jefferson Accelerator, or the U.S. Department of Defense. You’ll have so much experience in research and lab settings that you’ll present a senior research project at the College of Engineering and Science Design and Research Conference. By graduation, you will be prepared for a career in scientific research, teaching, research and development, technology, finance, or management.

Are You Interested in a Medical Career?

Louisiana Tech’s Medical Physics emphasis provides a path to an underpopulated and lucrative field of medical physics while preparing you for careers in other medical fields or physics-related fields. In this emphasis, you’ll receive additional training in chemistry and biology and have the chance to research with professionals at the Willis-Knighton Cancer Center.