Physics

Programs of Study

The Department provides instruction and practice leading to the following degrees: Bachelor of Science degree in physics, Bachelor of Science with a dual major in physics and engineering in cooperation with the Department of Engineering, and an accelerated program that awards both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree in physics in five years. Specific requirements for each of these programs are listed below. Because of a variety of offerings in the field of engineering that may demand varied course requirements, students seeking the dual physics/engineering degrees must be advised by the department at the beginning of their matriculation in order to match their course work to their career goals. 

Curricular flexibility allows students to prepare for careers in biophysics, health physics, atmospheric science, space physics, technology-related careers, and for teaching in science and mathematics. Individual projects provide ample opportunity for the development of initiative and skill, and through proper selection of elective courses, students may direct their training to fit their particular fields of interest.

B.S. Degree Program

Students who wish to receive a Bachelor of Science in physics must fulfill a minimum of 45 hours in physics and cognate courses in mathematics and chemistry. Physics majors must complete the required courses, in addition to the University general education requirements. A minimum of 122 total hours of course work with a grade of “C” or better is required to receive a B.S. degree.

Physics Research Centers

The Department of Physics at Clark Atlanta University provides students with the ability to pursue research interests in a number of fields under the guidance of individual faculty members. These fields include:

1. theoretical studies in mathematical physics
2. computational physics
3. scattering theory
4. solid-state theory and experiment

In addition, the department hosts three Research Centers:

The Center for Theoretical Studies of Physical Systems (CTSPS)

This center is directed by Alfred Z. Msezane, Ph.D. Strengths of this center include low-energy scattering theory, solid-state theory, image processing and mathematical physics theory.

The Earth System Science Program (ESSP)

This center is directed by Randal L. N. Mandock, Ph.D. Strengths of this center include experimental atmospheric science, atmospheric turbulence structure in the surface boundary layer, and atmospheric modeling.

Center of Excellence in Microelectronics and Photonics (CEMP)

This center is directed by Michael D. Williams, Ph.D. Strengths of this center are the experimental study of semiconductor surfaces using techniques of Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (SIMS) and other high-vacuum scattering probes.