At McMurry, you’ll literally explore the universe from the ground up. Our Physics Department provides a strong foundation for physics majors, students in other sciences, and even those outside the sciences. You’ll investigate the physical phenomena of nature through hands-on labs, applied projects, and theoretical research, learning how the universe works from the tiniest subatomic particles to the most significant cosmic events.
Majoring in Physics or Engineering Physics sharpens your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, fueling curiosity and innovation in any career. A degree from McMurry opens doors to graduate-level study, professional careers in science and technology, and beyond. Prefer flexibility? You can also add a minor in Physics to complement almost any McMurry degree.
At McMurry, you don’t just study physics—you experience it.
Areas of Study
The study of physics gives you a better understanding of how the world around us works. We offer a physics major with the two different focus areas, as well as an engineering physics major and a physics minor.
Physics with a Physics Focus
Physicists conduct experimental, theoretical, and computational studies to better understand the laws of space, time, matter, and energy—and how these fundamental building blocks interact to create the physical phenomena of our universe. As a McMurry physics student, you’ll study the smallest components of matter, discover how energy is contained and transmitted, and explore the mysteries of how the world came to be.Along the way, you’ll gain experience in advanced mathematics and complementary areas such as computer programming, preparing you with versatile skills that apply across science, technology, and industry.
Advanced Degree Pathway
McMurry’s Advanced Degree Pathway gives you the opportunity to plan for graduate study while completing your undergraduate degree. Students who qualify are guaranteed admission as master’s candidates to Texas Tech University’s highly respected graduate physics program. This seamless transition ensures you can continue your journey from undergraduate studies to advanced research with confidence.At McMurry, you don’t just learn physics—you launch your future. Physics
Physics with an Electrical Pre-Engineering Focus
This degree option gives you the mathematical and theoretical preparation needed for a master’s level degree in electrical engineering discipline, or to pursue a technical role in a wide range of industries upon graduation. Pre-Engineering ProgramEngineering Physics
McMurry’s Engineering Physics degree gives you a solid basis in the science of engineering. You’ll have access to immersive courses in physics and mathematics that ground your knowledge of theoretical principles to solve practical engineering tasks and other complex problems. In addition, you’ll gain hands-on computer skills, technical training and experiential learning opportunities. The degree is designed to prepare you for graduate-level study and/or a professional career in a field of engineering. McMurry will offer this STEM degree for the first time in the fall of 2022. Engineering PhysicsDual-Degrees Through the University Of North Dakota
Through a collaborative agreement with the University of North Dakota (UND), McMurry University students now have a unique opportunity to earn an engineering degree in Chemical, Civil, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) while completing the majority of their classes on McMurry University campus in Abilene. In the course of the five-year program McMurry University delivers foundational courses in physics, chemistry, math and some introductory level engineering courses, while UND provides upper division engineering courses through the distance learning.University of North Dakota Dual Degree Information
Student Opportunities
Pre-Professional Programs
The mission of the McMurry University Pre-Professional Program is to provide the curricular advising and career guidance needed by our students as they prepare themselves for application to and successful completion of a professional school program. Pre-Professional ProgramsSociety of Physics Students
The Society of Physics Students (SPS) is a professional association of students and faculty advisers interested in physics. SPS operates within the American Institute of Physics (AIP), an umbrella organization for professional physical science societies. Membership is open to anybody interested in physics. At McMurry, SPS members include students pursuing degrees in, chemistry, computer science, engineering physics, mathematics, and other fields. The national SPS organization has recognized the McMurry chapter for excellence annually since 2018. A designation of the Outstanding Chapter is earned by fewer than 10 percent of all SPS chapters at colleges and universities in the United States and internationally. McMurry’s Chapter was recognized as an Outstanding Chapter three times in 2018, 2020 and 2021. Society of Physics StudentsSigma Pi Sigma
Sigma Pi Sigma is a national physics honor society that is organized within the Society of Physics Students. Members are elected based on their academic achievements.Internship Opportunities
The American Physics Society also arranges internships for physics majors every year. Some are summer-only internships, and others take place during the regular school year. Examples of potential internships include:Research Opportunities
Every Physics student will complete a senior research project. The subjects for these projects are chosen by the students under the guidance of a supervising faculty member. Students will also participate in multiple team research projects as part of the physics and engineering courses they take. Students are encouraged to participate in the summer research in collaboration with McMurry faculty or through summer research experience programs. The department will assist in finding summer research opportunities.Physics Scholarships
The department offers several physics scholarships based on merit, academic excellence and geography. There are also scholarships available through the Financial Aid Department. Tuition, Financial Aid, and ScholarshipsAcademic Support
As a McMurry Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) student, you're supported by the STEM Student Success Center (S3C). The S3C team provides proactive academic advising and tutoring as well as assistance with career and graduate school preparation. STEM Student ResourcesLift Off
Incoming first-year students are invited to join Lift Off, a summer STEM bridge program for students pursuing science degrees, including Engineering Physics. You can earn six (6) hours of credit for a college-level precalculus course and a project-based freshman seminar. You'll build the skills necessary to succeed in your first major classes, University Physics I and Calculus I. Lift OffGlobal Learning Endorsement
The Global Learning Endorsement provides an opportunity for students to highlight academic achievement in global/international studies on their transcript. This endorsement will provide helpful documentation of the student’s expertise for employment in an increasingly globalized world. Learn More
Beyond McMurry
Careers
An undergraduate education in physics or physics for engineering is an excellent foundation for a broad range of careers and advanced degrees:- Mechanical Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Material Scientist
- Computational Physicist
- Geophysicist
- Medical Physics
- Astrophysics
- Nanotechnologist
- Meteorologist
- Metallurgist
- Sound Engineer
- Aerospace Engineer
- Research Scientist (Physical Sciences)
- Biophysics
Join the Ranks of Accomplished Alumni
A high percentage of McMurry's physics and engineering graduates pursue advanced degree programs or move directly into careers as technicians and research assistants. You’ll find that the department’s excellent reputation will be a huge help in earning these first few critical roles, as will the networking opportunities afforded by McMurry alumni around the nation and the world.
Resources
The McMurry Science and Mathematics Advisory Board is dedicated to advancing opportunities for students and faculty while strengthening the future of science and mathematics at McMurry. The board provides guidance, sponsors educational initiatives, and supports projects that enhance teaching, learning, and student success.
The Advisory Board works to:
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Promote Excellence: Enhance the quality of education through innovative programs, projects, and resources that enrich student learning.
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Foster Innovation: Connect scientists, mathematicians, and community leaders with McMurry faculty and administration to bring fresh ideas and perspectives.
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Engage Supporters: Involve alumni, partners, and friends of McMurry in shaping the future of the science and mathematics programs.
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Celebrate Alumni Success: Recognize and honor science and mathematics graduates with outstanding leadership and professional achievement.
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Support Growth: Generate resources and funding for special projects and emerging needs within the science and mathematics departments.
Together, the Advisory Board champions McMurry’s mission to prepare students for meaningful careers and leadership in science and mathematics.