DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS
Welcome to one of the most dynamic and discovery-driven departments on campus! Whether you’re fascinated by the forces that shape our universe, curious about how technology and engineering harness physical principles, or passionate about inspiring future scientists, our department offers diverse and practical programs to help you achieve your academic and professional goals.
UW-Whitewater has a long tradition of excellence in the sciences, and our Physics Department continues that legacy through hands-on learning, close faculty mentorship, and access to cutting-edge facilities. Students explore the foundations of matter and energy while developing the analytical and problem-solving skills valued in research, industry, and education.
Our programs include the Physical Science Minor, the Physics Major and Minor, and specialized emphases in Engineering and Graduate School preparation, along with the Physics Education Minor for students planning to teach. Together, these programs offer flexible pathways for those pursuing careers in physics, engineering, teaching, or advanced study.
From introductory courses to senior research projects, our dedicated faculty guide students in exploring everything from quantum mechanics to the mysteries of the cosmos. The department also engages with the community through outreach, public demonstrations, and partnerships that promote excitement and literacy in the physical sciences.
Join us at UW-Whitewater, where curiosity meets innovation—and where your exploration of the universe begins.
Contact us
Ozgur Yavuzcetin
Department Chair and Professor
262-472-1076
Upham Hall 151A
Patricia Filipiak
Department Assistant
262-472-1067
Upham Hall 151
UW-Whitewater offers students a wide variety of scholarships, both through the university, individual colleges, and departments. The Department of Literature, Writing, and Film has a number of scholarships and awards geared specifically toward our students, including:
- Christine McLean Metcalf Family Scholarship for Women in Science
- Sahyun Scholarship for Physics Diversity
- Shirley and Frank Stekel Scholarship for students in STEM and Teaching
Scholarships and awards within UW-W Physics department
- First Year Physics Award
- Physics Excellence Scholarship
- R.W. Prucha Memorial Scholarship For High School Physics Teachers
- Sahyun Scholarship for Physics Diversity
- A. A. Upham Science Scholarship
- William Beck Scholarship
- Caroll & Kay Flanagan Scholarship
- College of Letters & Sciences Alumni Scholarship
- Christine McLean Metcalf Family Scholarship for Women in Science
- Y. W. Fok Memorial Scholarship
- Shirley and Frank Stekel Scholarship
More information about these and other scholarships is available through the scholarship portal.
The Department of Physics supports a number of student clubs and organizations, including the Society of Physics Students, Student Math Association, and Diversity in STEM Education.
Explore our academic programs
Physical Science
MinorStudy the many disciplines of science surrounding the physical world through a minor in Physical Science at UW-Whitewater. With this minor, students will take courses focusing on subjects such as chemistry, geology, physics, and more, honing their understanding of a multitude of scientific areas.
Physics
Major/Emphasis, MinorIn a natural science like physics that looks at everything from subatomic particles to galaxies and beyond, the basic laws are universal and many everyday technologies result from discoveries of basic physical principles. Find challenging, exciting, and productive careers such as acoustics, astronomy and astrophysics, quantum and particle physics, engineering, geophysics, and optics.
Physics (Engineering)
Major/EmphasisEarn two bachelor's degrees! In this emphasis you'll gain an excellent foundation in physics and an engineering field of your choice — civil, electrical, industrial, materials or mechanical engineering.
Physics (Graduate School)
Major/EmphasisPlanning to go to grad school? We'll prepare you to confidently enter a master’s degree or Ph.D. program in physics in areas such as astronomy, engineering, computer science, and medicine.
Physics Education
MinorThere are elements of physics in fields from computers and technology to power and energy. You can help students begin a path that can lead to numerous career choices with a physics education minor at UW-Whitewater.
Donate
Your gift powers discovery, fuels innovation, and directly transforms the educational journey for our physics majors. From building custom electronics for advanced labs to exploring the farthest reaches of the cosmos, your support is essential.
Donate today to empower our students and faculty to push the boundaries of knowledge and prepare the next generation of scientific leaders.
What does my contribution directly support?
Student travel and registration for regional and national scientific conferences
Undergraduate research stipends and equipment for faculty-mentored projects
Upgrades and maintenance for specialized instrumentation
Observatory Astronomy Program
How much money can make an impact?
Donate now to support the Department of Physics at UW-Whitewater
If you're interested in starting a scholarship or making a pledge, please contact the UW-Whitewater Foundation, Inc at 262-472-1105 or through email at foundation@uww.edu.