Study Everything from Atoms to Galaxies

students in class studyingPhysics is the study of the most fundamental properties of matter and energy, and it helps us understand the universe in which we live. All the other science and engineering disciplines depend on the foundation of physics. Gain the knowledge and skills you need to enter this rewarding and challenging field with a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

With courses in computational physics, environmental physics, instrumentation for scientists, mechanics, optics, biological physics, astrophysics, quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics, solid state physics, and other related topics, our program offers limitless opportunities for learning and research.

Where a Physics Degree Will Take You

We’ve designed the program to meet the needs of students with various objectives. It will prepare you for graduate studies at highly ranked universities, for a technical career immediately after graduation, for earning certific

Career and Salary Outlook

The information in this table is meant to give you an idea of career opportunities with this degree. All information is pulled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and is meant to be averages across the United States for 2022. Please note that these figures reflect overall averages and may not represent entry-level salaries.

$149,530 Median Salary

Physicists and Astronomers (Ph.D. usually required)

Overall employment of physicists and astronomers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 1,500 openings for physicists and astronomers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$87,180 Median Salary

Chemists and Materials Scientists

Overall employment of chemists and materials scientists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 7,200 openings for chemists and materials scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$104,100 Median Salary

Materials Engineers

Employment of materials engineers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 1,500 openings for materials engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$130,720 Median Salary

Aerospace Engineers

Employment of aerospace engineers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 3,800 openings for aerospace engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$125,460 Median Salary

Nuclear Engineers

Employment of nuclear engineers is projected to show little or no change from 2022 to 2032.

Despite limited employment growth, about 800 openings for nuclear engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Program Details

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Application Deadlines

UM-Dearborn has rolling admissions throughout the year, and deadlines depend on your student type. Apply early, priority consideration for financial aid and scholarships may be given to earlier applicants.

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Tuition

Get started early on your financial planning for college. Complete the net price calculator to get an estimate of your cost to attend UM-Dearborn.

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Go Blue Guarantee

Students at UM-Dearborn are eligible for the Go Blue Guarantee - University of Michigan’s landmark promise of free tuition for high-achieving in-state undergraduate students from qualifying backgrounds. Major financial support is available for students who do not fully qualify.

Paying for College

I love having something so complex be made so simple...this brought physics to my heart.

ZAHRA, PHYSICS

How to Get Involved

Students working in the library

You can join the Society of Physics Students, the Mathematics Club, the Association for Women in Mathematics, or more than 130 other student clubs and organizations on campus; work as a tutor in the Math Learning Center; attend Mathematics Colloquia sponsored by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics; and much more.

Next Steps

Become a part of the UM-Dearborn community and put your dreams to work for you.