Building a Compelling Resume
Because physicists are highly sought-after in many modern fields, adding a strong competency in computer programming to your skillset only adds to your appeal. You become a sound thinker, with great problem-solving skills, and great tools at your disposal.
The computational emphasis provides 12 credits of computer science and math to improve your programming abilities. Python is the language of choice for the physics department. While you earn your degree, and even after, you'll find plenty of support from fellow students and the physics faculty.
The computational emphasis provides 12 credits of computer science and math to improve your programming abilities. Python is the language of choice for the physics department. While you earn your degree, and even after, you'll find plenty of support from fellow students and the physics faculty.
"All of the professors that I have taken classes from clearly wanted me to succeed and were more than willing to provide me with the support that I needed."
JOHN R.,
BYU-I GRADUATE
Highlighted Career Paths
Graduates with a degree in Computational Physics have a wide array of rewarding careers before them. Check out some of the top careers students get with this degree or explore more career options in I-Plan.
Data Scientist
A data scientist collects and analyzes data. Most companies and universities lean heavily on this work to help them make sound, data-driven decisions about the direction of their organization. A data scientist needs to have strong analytic/problem solving skills and a proficiency in computer programming.
Materials Scientist
A materials scientist is someone who studies and analyzes the chemical properties and structure of different man-made and natural materials. A scientist in this field will routinely do their work on a “super” computer, or a computer with tens of thousands of processors at their disposal.
Software Engineer
A software engineer is tasked with building computer software for all kinds of applications. Most software engineers work as employees or contractors. Software engineers work with businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.
Getting Started in this Degree
If you are interested in Computational Physics, start with one of the following major-specific courses
* If you are not prepared to take Calculus your first semester, contact your faculty mentor of Physics Dept. Office
Related Majors
Geophysics is the study of the earth with tools of physics. Geophysics includes the exciting fields of petroleum exploration, police work, archeology, civil engineering, near-earth space environment, atmospheric sciences, seismology, and even crystallography.
Mathematics is the language physicists use to describe physical laws and to make predictions based on those laws. Mathematics is very extensively used in every area of physics. If you do not know which emphasis area best meets your goals, the mathematical emphasis is a good default.
Astronomy is the study of celestial objects in the universe. This includes planets, stars, galaxies, and the overall structure of the universe. Astronomy emphasis students will learn advanced methods and theories related to astronomy, including cosmology and astrophysics.
Biophysics is an interdisciplinary science that applies the approaches and methods of physics to study biological systems. Students learn introductory and advanced methods and theories in physics and how to apply them to biology.
An emphasis in engineering can teach you to apply physics in mechanical and electrical engineering. Graduates can pursue a M.S. or Ph.D. in materials science or engineering, or work in rewarding high tech fields.
Combining physics and chemistry can lead to opportunities in a variety of exciting careers. For example, an understanding of the physical properties of matter at an atomic scale is required in material science, the development of batteries and fuel cells, and innovations in semiconductors.
The Physics Education degree prepares students to teach physics in high school. It includes courses for teacher certification as well as a cluster of courses designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of physics and its role in the modern world.
Medical physics is the application of physics concepts in medicine and health care. A medical physicist may specialize in such areas as medical imaging, radiation therapies, health physics, and nuclear medicine.