Physics Program

The physics degree program at Middle Tennessee State 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 Tennessee colleges that offer physics program.

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Middle Tennessee State University

168 East Parkway South, Memphis, TN

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is a public research university located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It offers a variety of nationally recognized degree programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.  MTSU offers many interdisciplinary minors and majors.

MTSU is a first choice for numerous undergraduates from within the state of Tennessee, and beyond. It has many prestigious programs, including the Buchanan Fellowships awarded to talented students enrolled in the MTSU Honors College. Among the highest quality graduate-level programs at MTSU are the English, Economics, Human Performance and Public History programs. The aerospace, recording industry and concrete management programs also receive high marks. The Center for Popular Music at MTSU is a top destination for many visitors who want to see its renowned sheet music collection. MTSU's College of Liberal Arts sponsors top national programs in Debate, Mock Trial and Model United Nations.

Perhaps the most famous alumnus of MTSU was U.S. Senator Albert Gore, Sr., the father of former Vice President Al Gore, Jr. The Albert Gore Research Center at MTSU was named after Gore Sr. donated his papers to the university. The center is a repository for manuscripts and materials of value to the history of Middle Tennessee. Al Gore, Jr., has served as a visiting professor at MTSU.

History

MTSU was founded in 1911 as "Middle Tennessee State Normal School." It was one of three state normal schools established for teacher training. Middle Tennessee State University is now the oldest and largest public university in Middle Tennessee. MTSU expanded from a two-year training school to a four-year college in 1925. In 1943 it became a state college. The graduate school was established in 1951, and began granting master's degrees. The college's name became "Middle Tennessee State University" in 1965. The doctoral degree programs were added in the 1970s. In the 1990s, the university's six schools, and its Honors Program, became colleges.

MTSU has graduated more than 90,000 students since it was founded in 1911.

Academics

The academic calendar for Middle Tennessee State University follows the semester format, with fall and spring semesters, and several short summer "terms."

Colleges and Schools

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) has nine academic colleges, and several centers and institutes, as well as numerous academic departments.

Colleges

• Basic and Applied Sciences
• Behavioral and Health Sciences
• Business
• Education
• Graduate Studies
• University College
• Liberal Arts
• Mass Communication
• University Honors 

Centers and Institutes

• Undergraduate Research Center
• Center for Advancement of Research and Scholarship
• MTSU Interdisciplinary Microanalysis and Imaging Center
• TN Center for Child Welfare

Other Centers

• The Albert Gore Research Center
• TN Math, Science and Technology Education Center TMSTEC
• Center for Environmental Education
• Center for Cedar Glade Studies
• Biotechnology Resource Group
• Center for Study and Treatment of Dyslexia
• Center for Health and Human Services
• Center for Popular Music
• Center for Historic Preservation
• Business and Economic Research Center
• Tennessee Center for Labor Management Relations
• Tennessee Small Business Center
• Instructional Technology Support Center
• Center for Economic Education
• Center for Energy Efficiency
• Child Development Center
• Learning, Teaching, and Innovative Technologies Center

Student Life

An active student life is encouraged at MTSU, with more than 200 student organizations available on campus. Everything from honor societies, to intramural sports and spirit teams, or service and leadership clubs are represented. There are local chapters of fraternities and sororities at MTSU, and there is an active Greek Life on campus.

Student resources are plentiful, and include academic advising, computer labs, student-athlete enhancement, testing services, support services, a university writing center, a library, child care services, student health services, student government, a bookstore, and more.

On campus living is available at MTSU. More than 3,500 students and their families live in the 21 residence halls and apartments on the MTSU campus. Each living area is unique, with professional staff and student leaders living and working in each area to coordinate services and programs. Some of the many amenities and programs available to on-campus residents include computer facilities, student leadership training, recreational activities, academic support services, and more.

Traditions

The school colors for Middle Tennessee State University are blue and white, and the teams are called the "Blue Raiders." The school mascot is a winged horse named "Lightning."

Athletics

The "Blue Raiders" athletic teams of Middle Tennessee State University compete in many intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Football
• Golf
• Tennis
• Track and Field 

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Soccer
• Softball
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball

Community Life

Many of the sports, arts and entertainment events and activities on the MTSU campus are open to community members. Community organizations and businesses may hire an expert speaker from MTSU, and Continuing Education classes are offered to community members.

Students Enrolled in the Physics Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Middle Tennessee State University offers a bachelor's degree program in physics.

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

• Memphis, TN-MS-AR
  • Total Employment: 180
  • Average Hourly Rate: $55.22
  • Average Annual Salary: $114860

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).