Bachelor of Science in Physics
Rapid City, USA
DURATION
4 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2025
TUITION FEES
USD 29,200 / per year
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Introduction
What is Physics?
Physics is the study of structures of matter, its motion, and how it behaves through space and time, and all related entities.
Physicists explore the nature of physical reality at its most fundamental level, from the icy depths of the South Pole to the hunt for the dark matter which is an important part of the universe. Physicists ask the fundamental questions - How did the universe begin? What is it made of? How can we exploit the properties of matter?
What does a physicist do?
As a physics student at South Dakota Mines, you will explore the properties and laws that govern space, time, energy, and matter.
With physics at South Dakota Mines, you will learn to undertake duties a physicist might do, including:
- Planning and conducting scientific experiments to test theories
- Developing scientific theories and models that attempt to explain the properties of the natural world, such as the force of gravity or the interaction of sub-atomic particles
- Writing scientific papers
- Presenting research findings
- Exploring fundamental properties of materials
- Using complex math to analyze data
- Designing scientific equipment
- Developing computer software to analyze and model data
Gallery
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
International students may seek scholarship opportunities but should be aware that many scholarships are limited to US citizens or permanent residents. South Dakota Mines does not offer scholarships specifically for international students. You must be ADMITTED by January 15 of the year you are planning to enroll in the fall semester if you wish to be considered for scholarships. Scholarships are only awarded for a start date of the fall semester. Please see the Scholarships website for information on Mines scholarships.
International students are NOT eligible for South Dakota Mines or federal loan programs and should not apply for such financial assistance.
Curriculum
Freshman Year
First Semester
- First-Year Seminar in Physics
- Calculus I
- General Chemistry I
- General Chemistry I Lab
- Composition I
- General Education Goal 3 or 4 Elective(s)
Second Semester
- Calculus II
- University Physics I
- University Physics I Laboratory
- General Education Goal 3 or 4 Elective(s)
- Computer Science I/Lab (OR) Programming for Engineers and Scientists
Sophomore Year
First Semester
- Calculus III
- University Physics II
- University Physics II Laboratory
- Communication in the STEM Workplace
- General Education Goal 3 or 4 Elective(s)
Second Semester
- Differential Equations
- Explorations in STEM Communications
- Vibrations, Waves, and Optics
- General Education Goal 3 or 4 Elective(s)
- Program Elective(s)
Junior Year
First Semester
- Experimental Physics Design I
- Introduction to Modern Physics
- Thermodynamics
- Statistical Physics
- Optics
- Classical Mechanics
Second Semester
- Linear Algebra
- Advanced Physics Laboratory
- Quantum Mechanics
- Experimental Physics Design II
- Program Elective(s)
Senior Year
First Semester
- Electromagnetism
- Advanced Design Projects I
- Mathematical Physics
- Program Elective(s)
Second Semester
- Nuclear and Elementary Particle Physics
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Advanced Design Projects II
- Program Elective(s)
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
With a physics degree from South Dakota Mines, you can work in a wide range of career fields, including:
- Research
- Industrial development
- Environmental science
- Astrophysics
- Nuclear technology
- Medicine
- Transportation
- Music, television, and gaming
- Law and finance
English Language Requirements
Certify your English proficiency with PTE. The faster, fairer, simpler English test, accepted by thousands of universities around the world. PTE, Do it worry-free!