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As the most fundamental of the sciences, physics encompasses the study of the universe from the largest galaxies to the smallest subatomic particles and has applications in areas ranging from astronomy to medicine. At its core, physics consists of the basic principles and study of how everything works. From quarks to electricity to black-holes, physics is all around us.

Ball State’s major in physics will prepare you for a wide variety of exciting and well-paying career opportunities.

The best thing about being a physics major at Ball State is the interaction within the department. I know almost every physics major and professor and all of them are willing to help if I ask. It’s a huge relief to know I’m not just a statistic.

—Maggie Schmits, program graduate (2017)

What You Will Learn

Ball State physics majors gain knowledge in theory and learn to solve practical problems. Early involvement in research—where you’ll work closely with faculty members—prepares you for challenging careers as technical problem solvers.

Physics majors may work in challenging, problem-solving positions, such as:

  • Engineering positions, including product development involving computer hardware and software
  • environmental or industrial management
  • research and technical positions
  • education as middle school or high school teachers

What It’s Like to Major in Physics at Ball State


Undergraduate students have the opportunity to participate in independent study and research, working one-on-one with faculty mentors. You’ll get to conduct research in areas such as nanoscience, astronomy and astrophysics, medical physics, and nuclear and particle physics.

Through research projects, you gain valuable professional skills and experience working with modern technical facilities and equipment. These include the College of Science and Humanities supercomputing cluster, a 20-inch diameter telescope in the observatory, Computational Research Laboratory, Nanoscience Laboratory, Biomedical Research Laboratory, Materials Research Lab, and a 3D printing lab.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is also a member of the SARA consortium that operates three research-grade telescopes located in some of the best sites in the world: southwest Arizona, Chile, and the Canary Islands. Our students (and occasionally high-school students) often make observations with these telescopes and become authors on published scientific papers.

Careers in education and outreach are fostered through the Charles W. Brown Planetarium on campus.

Our department offers several scholarships to students seeking bachelor's degrees, as well as employment opportunities.

Our students regularly work as lab assistants, graders, research assistants, as well as paid staff in the Charles W. Brown Planetarium, which features a 52-foot diameter dome – the largest in Indiana.

Our Society of Physics Students (SPS) is an active, student-run club that engages in a number of social and outreach programs.

The SPS organizes cooperative events with organizations on campus, including our annual “Clash of the Sciences” demo competition between physics and chemistry student groups.

As part of your senior capstone experience, you will pursue scientific knowledge on a topic of your choice and hone technical skills that will be attractive to employers in many fields.

We offer research opportunities in:

  • astronomy and astrophysics
  • computational nanoscience
  • condensed matter physics
  • nanomaterials and devices
  • nuclear and radiation physics
  • particle physics
  • physics education

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Department Scholarships

On top of the dozens of funding options offered through Ball State’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, our department awards scholarships to our own students. Find a scholarship.

Take the Next Step

Are you interested in pursuing this major? The first step is to apply as an undergraduate student to Ball State University. One of the best ways to understand why Ball State stands out is to come see it for yourself. You can schedule a visit through our Office of Undergraduate Admissions. 

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