Physics Program

The physics degree program at University of Massachusetts Amherst 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 Massachusetts colleges that offer physics program.

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University of Massachusetts Amherst

1 University Ave, Lowell, MA

University of Massachusetts - Amherst (UMass Amherst) is an institute of research and higher learning that is situated on a 1,450-acre campus in Western Massachusetts.  It is 90 miles from Boston. More than 80 areas of academic study are available, many of them in high-ranked programs. UMass Amherst offers six associate's degree programs, 86 bachelor's degree programs, 73 master's degree programs and 51 doctoral degree programs.  It has eight schools and colleges.

History

The University of Massachusetts - Amherst was founded in 1863 as a land-grant agricultural college. It was situated on 310 acres, with four buildings. It offered courses in modern farming, science, technical fields, and liberal arts. When it opened, UMass had four faculty members and 56 students.  The school grew over time, expanding its curriculum. It enrolled its first female student in 1892; the same year graduate degrees were authorized. In 1931, the school changed its name to Massachusetts State College.

Post World War II, the school underwent rapid growth and further expanded its curriculum, facilities and enrollment. By 1964, the student enrollment had increased to 10,500. By the 1970s, UMass had expanded to include a renowned Fine Arts Center, Library, and at least one fine dining restaurant.

Through the 1980s and 1990s, UMass evolved into a major research center. Its other programs expanded and gained an international reputation for excellence.

Academics

The academic calendar for the University of Massachusetts - Amherst follows the semester format, with a fall semester, shorter winter term, spring semester, and a summer session.

Colleges and Schools

• Commonwealth Honors College
• Graduate School
• School of Education
• College of Engineering
• College of Humanities and Fine Arts
• Isenberg School of Management
• College of Natural Sciences
• School of Nursing
• School of Public Health and Health Sciences
• College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Stockbridge School of Agriculture

Student Life

The UMass has more than 200 student clubs and organizations on campus, focusing on a wide range of interests and missions. Included in these clubs are community service groups, student government, cultural groups, religious organizations, media-related groups, academic groups, fraternities and sororities, and more. Intramural sports clubs are also available, as are campus events and activities for politics, socializing, arts and entertainment.

The Fine Arts Center at UMass offers performances in theater, music and dance throughout the year. It also houses six art galleries that host many art exhibits. Student

The UMass library is an excellent resource for students, with more than 8 million items.

On campus housing is available, and there is a wide selection of dining services on campus, including the Berkshire Dining Commons. Student services include Student Success Centers, the Minuteman Marching Band, the Center for Student Development, Campus Recreation and Sports Clubs, and more.

Traditions

The school mascot is the minuteman. The UMass athletic teams are known as the "UMass Minutemen" or "UMass Minutewomen." Until the late 1960s, the UMass athletic teams were known as the "Redmen," but a group of Native Americans from New York wrote a letter requesting that the school curtail the use of "Redmen," as it was defamatory.  Through a student poll in 1972, the new school mascot and name for the athletic teams was chosen.

Athletics

The UMass "Minutemen" athletic teams compete in 21 sports at the NCAA Division I level. The UMass Minutemen and Minutewomen athletic teams include:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Football
• Hockey
• Lacrosse
• Soccer
• Swimming and Diving
• Track and Field

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Field Hockey
• Lacrosse
• Rowing
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track and Field

Community Life

The Amherst area of Massachusetts is historic and picturesque, with forested hills and valleys and river plains.  It has many comfortable inns and restaurants offering fine dining. Amherst offers the charms of New England's country traditions, many museums, galleries, arts and crafts fairs, antique shops, boutiques and bookstores. The museums include the Emily Dickinson Museum.

Other schools in the area are Amherst College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts. There are many public services and the area is known for its safe and quiet neighborhoods.

Students Enrolled in the Physics Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. University of Massachusetts Amherst has offered the following programs 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

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).