Academics

Study physics at NIU through undergraduate and graduate programs that combine classroom learning, laboratory experience and hands-on research.

Undergraduate Programs

Earn a Bachelor of Science in physics with an emphasis in professional physics, applied physics or physics secondary education (educator licensure). All physics majors complete laboratory courses and a capstone research project. We also offer physics minors.

Graduate Programs

We are best-known for our Ph.D. in physics program, but we also offer a program leading to a Master of Science in professional or interdisciplinary physics, with an option to specialize in quantum science and technology. We also offer a teaching emphasis for secondary education.

Teaching Credential

Students interested in teaching can pursue physics teaching/secondary education, where faculty work closely with graduate students on physics teaching methods and supervise student teaching at selected nearby high schools.

The program offers two state-recognized initial certification options in physics or general science. Depending on the program selected, students can prepare to teach at the middle or high school level and, upon successful completion, earn a Professional Educator License (9-12).

Learn more about physics educator licensure.

Scholarships and Fellowships

Well-qualified juniors or seniors planning on going to graduate school or first-year graduate students may consider applying for an NSF Graduate Fellowship or a Graduate Fellowships for STEM Development (GFSD). The typical due date for these programs is in November. Contact Yasuo Ito (assistant chair) or Jared Adelman (director of graduate studies) for more information.

You can also explore NIU scholarships and awards available to physics students.