About the Program
Understand the World Around You
How did the universe begin? What is a black hole? If you want to understand the physical world around you, physics offers a way to explore those questions. In the B.S. in Physics program at the University of St. Thomas, you’ll study foundational principles and apply them through hands-on and computational research with UST professors.
Physics majors develop skills in mathematical reasoning, technical problem-solving, and scientific communication. UST’s program prepares students to consider careers in technical fields or pursue further study in physics, engineering, medicine, and other disciplines.
Our Curriculum
From Atoms to the Cosmos
St. Thomas Aquinas called physics “the primary natural science.” Physics underlies many STEM disciplines, especially engineering. UST’s B.S. in Physics trains students to study the natural world, from atoms to the cosmos, while preparing for professional opportunities or graduate study.
Your coursework includes classical mechanics, thermodynamics, optics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and computational methods. Through laboratory work and research, you’ll develop skills in mathematical reasoning, computer programming and modeling, technical problem-solving, and the use of specialized equipment.
The Physics and Engineering faculty also help students strengthen the critical thinking, communication, and ethical judgment that are central to a UST education.
Student Experience
Conduct Hands-On Research with Professors
At UST, you’ll conduct research with full-time professors in many exciting areas of physics and engineering:
- Nanoscience – Research the use of nanoparticles in biomedical applications, such as eradicating cancer cells.
- Computer Modeling – Study the movement of atoms and molecules and learn a programming language in the process.
- Dynamics – Discover how and why things move and interact with their environment .
- 3D Printing and Engineering Design – Learn how cutting-edge technology and applied science can be used to tackle real-world problems.
Technical Skills, Ethical Behavior
Program Educational Objectives
Graduates of the Physics program demonstrate:
- Technical competence in physics, either in teaching, research, or industry.
- Ability to communicate ideas in the field of physics, as manifested in their ability to communicate thoughts and ideas through written, oral, or visual means.
- Good ethical behavior and professional commitment through involvement in their scientific community.
A Universe of Possibilities
Student Outcomes
Majoring in Physics will give you an edge after graduation. With a degree in Physics, you can start a career in astronomy, energy, engineering, healthcare, or research, or you may pursue graduate studies.
Physics graduates earn one of the highest starting salaries among undergraduate degrees in the United States.
Physics Leadership
Vahid Taghikhani
The UST Physics and Engineering departments operate under the leadership of Vahid Taghikhani. His leadership reflects a commitment to interdisciplinary learning, academic excellence, and the development of students as thoughtful, ethical, and engaged individuals.
Unique Research Program
Study in Germany
Study in Germany in a prestigious 10-week research program funded by the DAAD: German Academic Exchange Service. While most participants in this highly selective program come from large, world-renowned universities, UST’s partnership provides a pathway for our students to experience this unique opportunity.
Alumna Elizabeth Maccato (2015), biology major and physics minor, conducted nanoparticle research while studying abroad through the DAAD in Germany. She enjoyed many adventures in her free time, including paragliding near Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria.
Why Physics at UST?
Powering your Career with Small Class Sizes
With a student–to–faculty ratio of 15:1, at UST you will get focused instruction, many opportunities to interact with faculty one-on-one, and personal attention from accomplished professors to help you achieve your goals.
Hands-on Experience
UST offers abundant research opportunities that build the critical thinking, technical, and communication skills needed for career success. These opportunities are guided by faculty mentors who encourage curiosity, exploration, and asking tough questions.
Design Oriented Program
From your first year, the curriculum is focused on developing fundamental problem-solving skills, honing critical thinking abilities, and following the engineering design process through several design–related courses.
All are Welcome, Engineering for All
At UST, we believe that everyone has access to a quality education. As both an Asian-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution designated by the U.S. Department of Education, those who study in STEM fields at UST truly represent the wonderfully multicultural environment of Houston.