Why Study Physics at UNC-CH?

1) Small classes and individual attention
We pride ourselves on the attention we can give to undergraduates. A typical sophomore or junior physics class has only 10 or 12 students. You can have as much personal contact with faculty members as you want. The community of undergrads is close-knit; check out the web page of the UNC chapter of the Society of Physics Students.

2) Faculty
The faculty is a nice mix of young (we've gone on a recent hiring binge) and old, and most are dynamic and dedicated teachers. Some have won awards for their innovative teaching, and all are respected from their research. Please look at some of our course home pages.

3) Research
We do first-rate research in astronomy, materials and solid-state physics, particle physics, nuclear physics, and gravity theory. Professors frequently recruit undergraduates to participate. Read about some recent and current undergraduate research projects.

4) A Promising Future
The study and application of physics has produced world-altering events throughout history. The Physics Department at UNC-Chapel Hill strives to stay at the forefront of an always-evolving field of research. Discover what physics holds for your future, and find out about careers using physics and view a PowerPoint presentation on "The Secret Lives of the Hidden Physicists". There are a lot of resources to learn about jobs in physics and astronomy, and you can learn about career paths that physicists have taken in various businesses and other areas. You can even learn about North Carolina companies that hired physics bachelor's degree recipients in the last few years. The UNC Career Services can help you with resume and interview preparation if you wish to work after graduation. A practical book that identifies the important steps to prepare for your first job after graduation is Landing Your First Job: A Guide for Physics Students by John S. Rigden, published by the Career Services Division of the American Institute of Physics. The Physics and Astronomy Department owns a copy which you may borrow (sign it out from the main department office), and excerpts are available online here.

At UNC, the sky is the limit, and as a physics major, you will be challenged by the top scholars in the world to be the best scholar you can be.