A Major in Physics can lead to many challenging, exciting, and productive careers.  Students majoring in physics enter a variety of technical fields, attend medical school, teach in high school, or attend graduate school.  Research physicists work in industry and government, in laboratories and hospitals, and on university campuses.

The Department of Physics and Optical Science offers both a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree.  These degrees are intended for students interested in working in industry or attending graduate school in physics or a related field. 

The Bachelor of Art degree is appropriate for students seeking an in-depth understanding of physics within the context of a broader education.  This curriculum allows the greatest freedom in choosing electives offered by other departments and is ideal for students wishing to pursue double majors, matching physics with another discipline or who plan to teach physics in high school. 

The Bachelor of Science degree is appropriate for students planning to pursue physics as a professional career working in a technical industry, either immediately after graduation or after graduate study in physics or a related field.

In addition, the department offers dual degree programs in Physics and Computer, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering, where Engineering students at UNC Charlotte have the opportunity to earn both an engineering degree and a B.S. in Physics degree simultaneously. 

All of the degrees in physics are very structured - one class builds on another.  Students should declare the major in their freshman or early in their sophomore year, so that all required classes can be completed in 4 years.

Cooperative Education Program

In the Cooperative Education Program, a student completes their lower-division coursework and, after being formally accepted as a co-op student, alternates periods of academic coursework with periods of full-time paid employment in an area mutually agreed upon by the student, an employer, and the University. Students who are in good standing with the University, have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5, and have completed 30 credit hours are eligible to apply. Transfer students are required to complete 12 credit hours at the University prior to application. Further information regarding the application procedure for admission into this program can be obtained from the University Career Center.