Posted 8:55 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014
UW-L is ranked No. 2 in the nation for the number of physics degrees it awards annually among bachelor’s degree granting programs.
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Nobel Prize Winner in Physics David J. Wineland visits a UW-L class in fall 2013.[/caption]
UW-L is ranked No. 2 in the nation for the number of physics degrees it awards annually among bachelor’s degree granting programs.
UW-L had an average of 28 physics majors a year between 2010-12, placing it second to the U.S. Naval Academy, which took the top spot with 30, according to the list from the American Institute of Physics.
Not only that, UW-L has the second-most physics majors in the state of Wisconsin—second only to UW-Madison. UW-L has consistently placed among the top five on the national list, tying for fifth place for classes graduating from 2006-08 and third for classes graduating between 2008-12.
The recognition shows that UW-L is helping meet a high demand for graduates in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, says Gubbi Sudhakaran, chair of UW-L’s Physics Department.
“A well-trained workforce is crucial for economic prosperity, and physics graduates exhibit skills and knowledge that are highly valued in the marketplace,” says Sudhakaran. “Our graduates are well suited to provide innovation in industry; to achieve advanced degrees in a variety of fields such as physics, engineering, medicine or law; and to educate the next generation of scientists and engineers.”
The Physics Department’s success at graduating high numbers stems from strong recruitment and retention, as well as a variety of degree options that makes the program appealing to students with broad interests.
The department offers specialty tracks in astronomy, computational physics, optics and physics education. It offers concentrations in biomedical and business, and dual-degree options in physics/engineering and physics/physical therapy.
Sudhakaran also commends students, faculty and staff for their efforts.
“We strive to create a supportive, scholarly community that provides many opportunities for students to work with faculty on cutting-edge research projects, to participate in student organizations and to attend seminars and guest lectures by world-class scientists and engineers,” notes Sudhakaran.
For the 15th year in a row, the UW-L’s Physics Department is welcoming a Nobel Prize Winner in physics this fall to meet with faculty, staff and students and give a public lecture related to their discovery. This year Nobel Prize Winner Adam Riess will be on campus Oct. 2-3.
In addition to attracting prestigious guests, the program continues to uphold a national reputation for physics education.
Nobel Prize Winner in Physics David J. Wineland visits a UW-L class in fall 2013.[/caption]
UW-L is ranked No. 2 in the nation for the number of physics degrees it awards annually among bachelor’s degree granting programs.
UW-L had an average of 28 physics majors a year between 2010-12, placing it second to the U.S. Naval Academy, which took the top spot with 30, according to the list from the American Institute of Physics.
Not only that, UW-L has the second-most physics majors in the state of Wisconsin—second only to UW-Madison. UW-L has consistently placed among the top five on the national list, tying for fifth place for classes graduating from 2006-08 and third for classes graduating between 2008-12.
The recognition shows that UW-L is helping meet a high demand for graduates in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, says Gubbi Sudhakaran, chair of UW-L’s Physics Department.
“A well-trained workforce is crucial for economic prosperity, and physics graduates exhibit skills and knowledge that are highly valued in the marketplace,” says Sudhakaran. “Our graduates are well suited to provide innovation in industry; to achieve advanced degrees in a variety of fields such as physics, engineering, medicine or law; and to educate the next generation of scientists and engineers.”
The Physics Department’s success at graduating high numbers stems from strong recruitment and retention, as well as a variety of degree options that makes the program appealing to students with broad interests.
The department offers specialty tracks in astronomy, computational physics, optics and physics education. It offers concentrations in biomedical and business, and dual-degree options in physics/engineering and physics/physical therapy.
Sudhakaran also commends students, faculty and staff for their efforts.
“We strive to create a supportive, scholarly community that provides many opportunities for students to work with faculty on cutting-edge research projects, to participate in student organizations and to attend seminars and guest lectures by world-class scientists and engineers,” notes Sudhakaran.
For the 15th year in a row, the UW-L’s Physics Department is welcoming a Nobel Prize Winner in physics this fall to meet with faculty, staff and students and give a public lecture related to their discovery. This year Nobel Prize Winner Adam Riess will be on campus Oct. 2-3.
In addition to attracting prestigious guests, the program continues to uphold a national reputation for physics education.
- In 2013, the program was awarded the American Physical Society Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Physics Education, which recognizes physics programs that support best practices in education at the undergraduate level.
- In 2012 the program was cited by the American Institute of Physics Career Pathways Project as a model program with regard to its success in placing its graduates into STEM careers.
- Previous accolades also include recognition from the National Task Force on Undergraduate Education in 2003 and the 2004 Teaching Excellence Award from the UW System Board of Regents.