The Physics Discipline is home to four distinct programs:

• The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Physics is designed for students planning to continue their physics studies in graduate school.
  
  
• The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Physics is the choice of students planning to use their physics training as a stepping stone to teaching, a physics-related field such as meteorology or geophysics, or a career in a field such as medicine or law.
  
  
• Students interested in engineering have two options. Through our 3+2 Dual Degree program, they may receive a Bachelor of Arts in physics from Truman and a Bachelor of Science in engineering from an engineering school. They may also participate in a rigorous two-year pre-engineering program at Truman before completing their undergraduate degree in any accredited engineering school. Engineering students at Truman benefit from the personal attention and the liberal arts culture, which are hallmarks of the Truman experience, before transferring to complete their engineering studies. We have transfer agreements with the University of Missouri at Rolla and Columbia, and our students also go on to many other engineering schools both in and out of state.
  
  
• Finally, students with a secondary interest in physics may complete a physics minor.

The Curriculum offers a rigorous introductory survey of physics spread over five semesters of study. Juniors and seniors delve deeper into classical and quantum physics, mathematical physics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, and other advanced topics. Engineering students select classes in circuit theory, statics, engineering thermodynamics, and design and drafting including Computer Aided Design (CAD). BA physics majors design their own "learning plan" to supplement their physics studies with a secondary emphasis in another area.

Along with rigorous training in physics and mathematics, students receive experience in the use of word-processors, spreadsheets, and mathematical modeling software. Classroom teaching emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills and the ability to work and learn independently. Over time, students develop sophisticated problem-solving skills and learn how to communicate scientific information orally and in writing. Students gain experience with hands-on laboratory work in their introductory physics courses, in an electronics laboratory course, and in the two-semester advanced laboratory sequence.

Faculty and students work together closely on research projects and often travel together to professional meetings.

Recent Alumni have benefited from the competitive academic environment at Truman. They have used their finely honed research, writing, and study skills, as well as their Truman leadership experience, their talent and their Truman faculty contacts to pursue their education and career goals. The following is a sample of where some of our newer alumni went after graduation.

Graduate school in physics at:

• Washington University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Yale University
• University of California - Santa Cruz
• University of West Virginia
• Penn State University
• Northwestern University
• University of Michigan
• University of Maryland
• University of Missouri-Columbia

Other graduate programs at:

• Applied Math at Purdue University
• Chemistry at University of Chicago
• Medicine at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Materials Science at the University of Virginia
• Meteorology at the University of Colorado-Boulder

Employment and other training:

• Naval oceanographic research
• AutoCAD design
• Jesuit priesthood
• Secondary and college science teaching