Physics

Why study physics?

Students who study physics will join in the academic and research experiences needed to pursue graduate degrees, engineering and a variety of careers.

  • The department values students’ intellectual growth and service surrounding this branch of science, which deals with matter, energy and the ways they interact.
  • Physics students immerse themselves in forefront research and rigorous coursework with professors in small settings.
  • Physics at Augustana provides expert scientific and technical instruction as well as undergraduate research opportunities.
Physics Department Physics Research & Grants
Physics at AU

Physics at AU

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
MAJOR MAP
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Dr. Nathan Grau, department chair

Physics Department

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Latest News

Space Grant Student Research
Augustana University Awarded Grant to Fund Student Research, STEM Education

Augustana University has been awarded approximately $45,000 per year through 2028 to support key initiatives designed to inspire youth education in STEM-related fields in South Dakota.

Dual-Degree Engineering
Engineering the Future: Augustana University Launches New Hybrid Program to Meet Demands of Rapidly-Evolving Field

Augustana University is offering a new 5-year dual-degree engineering program — set to launch in Fall 2025. As part of the new program, students will take foundational courses at Augustana, earning a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in chemistry, physics or mathematics at the university. Students will begin taking online engineering courses in their second year — offered through the University of North Dakota (UND).

This is in addition to Augustana's other dual-degree engineering options.

Patrick SD DOT
Beyond the Books: Engineering Physics and Dual-Degree Engineering Major Bridges Concept and Application With SD-DOT Internship

Augustana University student Patrick Adah ‘26, who hails from Lagos, Nigeria, is an engineering physics and dual-degree engineering double major. He is interning at the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SD-DOT) in Mitchell, South Dakota, where he reviews construction plans, conducts field tests and collaborates directly with contractors on highway and bridge projects.

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Highlights

Physics at AU

Careers

Most Augustana physics students go on to graduate school, professional school or the dual-degree engineering program. The remainder find occupations in a wide variety of settings, spanning education, finance, programming and entrepreneurship among other fields. Augustana physics alumni have found employment with many companies, both large and small.

Outside of science and engineering, physicists secure careers in medicine, law, finance, journalism, education and public policy.

Hands-On Learning

Undergraduate research is an essential part of a physics education. Augustana excels at providing these experiences for its students through Augustana-based research and finding internship and research experiences off-campus.

Courses & Organizations

Following four semesters of introductory courses, students may select from the following electives:

  • Analytical Mechanics
  • Biological Physics
  • Electromagnetic Theory
  • Electronics
  • Optics
  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Statistical and Thermal Physics

The regular course rotation includes all topics necessary for graduate school preparation in physics or a related field. Special topics are taught occasionally upon demand.

The physics department is also the primary contributor to the energy emphasis within the environmental studies program.

Physics students often participate in:

  • Society of Physics Students
  • Sigma Pi Sigma - The Physics and Astronomy Honor Society | Sigma Pi Sigma chapters are restricted to colleges and universities of recognized standing that offer a strong physics major. Students elected to membership must attain high standards of general scholarship and outstanding achievement in physics. Undergraduate candidates must be in the upper one-third of their class in general scholarship. The Augustana chapter was founded with an inaugural class in 2011.