Department of Physics and Astronomy

Chris Winstead, Chair
118 College Drive, Box 5046
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
601.266.4934

Biswas, Hughes, Kalluru, Maung Maung, Mead, Mitcham, Pandey, Rayborn, Scott, Sirola, Vera

Mission Statement:

To transmit, create and apply the knowledge and methods of physics through the avenues of teaching, research and service
To provide a quality Bachelor of Science in physics that provides students with an understanding of the fundamentals of physics and fosters in them a broad and intellectual viewpoint. Graduates of our program will be prepared for technical positions in industry, positions in government laboratories and positions as high school physics teachers, as well as graduate study
To provide a quality Master of Science program in physics that enables students to perform research in fundamental science by designing research problems, conducting research projects and disseminating research findings
To provide leadership within the state of Mississippi in physics research through the participation of the faculty in pioneering pure and applied research and the dissemination of the resulting new knowledge and methods
To serve the university and community by providing an understanding of scientific and technological issues facing society

The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers programs of study leading to the Bachelor of Science in physics and the Master of Science in physics, and participates in the Computational Science Ph.D. program offered through the College of Science and Technology. Information relating to the master’s and doctoral degrees may be found in the Graduate Bulletin.

A Bachelor of Science in physics is excellent preparation for careers that require analytical or quantitative work. The Physics programs at Southern Miss are designed to prepare majors for advanced study in physics (master’s and doctorate), to obtain technical positions in the industrial and governmental sectors, and to become high school physics teachers. Students interested in physics teaching certification should seek advisement in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. In addition, physics is a gateway into other areas such as astronomy, biophysics, chemistry, computational science, geophysics, engineering, medicine, oceanography, patent law and radiology.

It is assumed that the minimum high school mathematical preparation of entering freshman physics students includes algebra, geometry and trigonometry.

Programs

Bachelor of Science

Non-degree

Physics Minor