The Physics Department at UW-La Crosse is one of the largest undergraduate physics programs in Wisconsin and is well-known for offering quality education, placing its graduates in successful career paths, and attracting national recognition for its successful efforts.

The diverse nature of the physics program makes our graduates highly sought after in modern industries where physics and engineering are applied. In addition, many UW-La Crosse physics graduates are accepted into top graduate degree programs where they can pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in physics, engineering, chemistry, astrophysics, optical science, mathematics, medicine, or computer science.

In addition to our unique programs, the Physics Department also stands out in its emphasis on involving its physics majors in undergraduate research. This engages students to work closely with individual members of the faculty, providing hands-on learning opportunities which are very different from the traditional classroom experience. The involvement of students in research contributes to the sense of community that pervades the UW-La Crosse Physics Department. Research projects are available in the following areas: astrophysics, biomechanics, computational physics, laser spectroscopy, quantum computing, material science, nuclear physics, solid-state physics, and physics education.

Career Opportunities

ENTRY LEVEL: Engineering Physicist • Research Physicist (government or private industry) • Laboratory Scientist • Space Scientist • Environmental Analyst • Optical Engineer • High School Science Teacher (with teacher certification) • Planetarium Director • Technical Writer

FURTHER EDUCATION: Graduate study in physics, astronomy/astrophysics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, computer science • Medical School • Law School • Business Management

LONG-TERM CAREER DEVELOPMENT: College or University Instructor (with advanced degree) • Engineer • Director of Research and Development • Medical Physicist • Industrial Administrator • Patent Attorney • Plant Manager

Occupational Outlook

Students seeking employment with a degree in physics from UWL have a wide variety of opportunities because of the diverse nature of the physics program. There are many opportunities to work in modern industries in applied physics or engineering/physics. Physicists find employment in research and design, quality control and testing, and mathematical and computer modeling.