Physical Sciences

Revealing insights at the core of new developments to benefit humanity and improving our understanding of the foundation for all sciences.

Find Your Path

Why study the physical sciences?

Understand underlying forces that drive the universe and our material world. Conduct research that can bring about new technologies, lead to advances in energy and the environment and enable breakthroughs in our understanding.

Departments

Three academic departments offer physical sciences education and transformative research.

The amazing programs and environment that UT offers attracted me. Not only is UT a top-tier research university, it has tons to offer socially and culturally.”

Oxana Chingaeva

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Physical Sciences

Majors and Degrees

Degree options span the physical sciences.

Astronomy

Astronomy, B.A.

Astronomy, B.S.A.*

Astronomy, B.S.*

Astronomy, Ph.D.

Chemistry

Chemistry, B.A.

Chemistry, B.S.A.

Chemistry, B.S.*
with concentration options available:
Computation, Chemical Physics and Instruction, Molecular Theory and Simulation, Materials Chemistry, Synthesis and Chemical Biology, Teaching (UTeach various certifications)

Semiconductor Science & Engineering, M.S.

Chemistry, Ph.D.

 

Physics

Physics, B.A.

Physics, B.S.A.*

Physics, B.S.* 
with concentration options available:
Computation, Radiation Physics, Space Sciences, Biophysics, Teaching (UTeach various certifications)

Physics, M.A.

Applied Physics, M.S.

Semiconductor Science & Engineering, M.S.

Physics, Ph.D.

*Option to specialize in honors


All majors in this area are math-intensive

While we do not offer an astrophysics major, there’s a recommended path for preparing students for graduate school through double majoring in astronomy and physics, adding four upper-division physics courses for an astronomy major.

Conduct Research

Students gain firsthand experience through research alongside faculty in these disciplines. Our Freshman Research Initiative has courses and research opportunities in areas like the ones below.

Physical Sciences Advising

Got an interest in physical sciences but not sure what to do next? When you are a student, advisors can help you navigate possibilities, from majors to degree options to alignment with careers.

 

A map of the world indicating where different partner institutions are located

McDonald Observatory

Northwestern University Joins Giant Magellan Telescope International Consortium

A horn-shaped illustration shows how the universe expanded rapidly during a period called cosmic inflation, with black dots representing the formation of dark matter particles throughout this period

Research

Dark Matter Might Have Formed Earlier than Thought

Illustration of a planet passing in front of its star

McDonald Observatory

Astronomers Discover Youngest Transiting Planet Ever