Physics Program

The physics degree program at Florida Atlantic University instructs students on the scientific study of matter and energy, as well as the testing and formulation of laws that govern the behavior of the matter-energy continuum. Students who graduate the physics degree program may follow a career path in ecology, healthcare, archaeology, and more. Course instruction includes classes in classical and modern physics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, wave properties, nuclear processes, relativity and quantum theory, and more. Get more details below including other Florida colleges that offer physics program.

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Florida Atlantic University

1500 S Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Tallahassee, FL

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is a public research university located in Boca Raton, Florida on an 850 campus near the Atlantic Ocean. FAU has seven campuses and sites in all. FAU offers more than 170 academic degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Classified as a high research activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, research areas at FAU range from biomedicine to biotechnology and ocean engineering.

FAU receives high ranking for the diversity of its student body, representing all 50 states and more than 180 countries.

Many FAU academic programs receive high marks, including its business, accounting and nursing programs. The university established the first ocean engineering degree program in the United States in 1965, and conducts research for the U.S. Navy on security-related projects. The school's Biomedical and Marine Biotechnology Center, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, and its Ocean Energy Technology Center are considered national "Centers of Excellence."

History

FAU was founded in 1964, with President Lyndon B. Johnson giving the dedication address, in which he challenged FAU to lead "...a new revolution in education in America."  His words were meant to illustrate the character of Florida Atlantic University as a new type of institution of higher learning that was not exclusive to wealthy "ivy league" families, but making education accessible to everyone and anyone who might qualify.

The school came into existence thanks largely to the contributions and efforts of a banker named Thomas Fleming, Jr. The school lacked a location and funding for facilities, so he initiated two separate funding campaigns through an Endowment Corporation. The first was promoted with the public slogan "Boca U. in '62," and the second was promoted as "Open the Door in '64."  The Endowment Corporation successfully raised nearly $300,000 for the establishment of the FAU. Today the Endowment Corporation is called the "FAU Foundation."

Academics

The academic calendar for Florida Atlantic University follows the semester format, with fall and spring semesters, and three shorter summer terms.

Colleges and Schools

• Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
• College of Business
• College for Design and Social Inquiry
• College of Education
• College of Engineering and Computer Science
• The Graduate College
• Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
• Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine
• Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
• Charles E. Schmidt College of Science

Student Life

Students at FAU can choose from hundreds or clubs, associations and organizations to become involved in, including fraternities and sororities, as well as internships, research projects and study abroad programs.

The Boca Raton campus (main campus) of FAU provides many facilities and support services for students. Its Performing Arts Auditorium hosts many live performances by visiting performers that include rock concerts and the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra. Residential housing is available, and there are two cafeterias on campus.  The athletics department on campus offers excellent recreation facilities that are available to all students, including tennis courts and an aquatic center.

The campus also boasts a large library, as well as computer labs and study areas, a media center, and student union, among other amenities.

Athletics

The FAU "Owls" athletic teams compete in 18 intercollegiate sports, and have had 21 conference championships.  Sports at FAU include:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Football
• Golf
• Soccer
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis 

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cheer
• Cross Country
• Dance
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track
• Volleyball

Satellite Campuses

In addition to its main campus in Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University has several satellite campuses and learning sites in Florida:

• FAU Dania Beach Campus
• FAU Davie Campus
• FAU Fort Lauderdale Campus
• Harbor Branch
• FAU - John D. MacArthur Campus at Jupiter (FAU Jupiter)
• FAU Treasure Coast Campus

Community Life

FAU believes in civic engagement, and there are many programs that connect the FAU campus and its students to community businesses, government, non-profits and more.

Students Enrolled in the Physics Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Florida Atlantic University has offered the following academic levels for students:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, natural sciences managers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 3.3% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Tallahassee, FL
  • Total Employment: 60
  • Average Hourly Rate: $42.75
  • Average Annual Salary: $88930

Physicists

Description

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, physicists employment is expected to grow at a rate of 7.9% from 2014 to 2024

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses pertaining to the laws of matter and energy. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Description

Teach students in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies at the secondary level in public or private schools. May be designated according to subject matter specialty.

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).