XU ranks first in the nation in producing African American graduates with a bachelor of science degree in physics.

Studying Physics

Physics is the study of the physical world. If you wonder about the nature of the world, if you like solving problems, then you should seriously consider majoring in physics. A physics degree will help you maximize your career options. From oceanography to meteorology, from biophysics to management, the physics student will learn skills transferable to various professions. 

Studying Engineering

Engineering is the application of mathematics and science to develop useful products or processes. In other words, engineering is turning ideas into reality. It is a unique and highly selective profession, but the benefits and rewards are endless. Some of these include challenging work, financial security, social impact, intellectual development and prestige.

Degree Programs

Physics students can pursue one of three degree programs:

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) 
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) 
• Dual Degree in Engineering (B.S. or B.A.)

Bachelor of Science: The objective of the B.S. curriculum in physics is to equip the student with the skills (logical reasoning, problem analysis and solution, laboratory techniques and experimentation) and knowledge necessary to enter either graduate study or an entry-level position in the work force. 

Bachelor of Arts: The objective of the B.A. curriculum in physics is to enable the student to develop patterns of analytical reasoning and problem solving, a skill useful in the student's chosen area outside physics, such as: medicine, law, journalism, education, etc. It is intended that this curriculum will enable the student to acquire experiences that will later serve as a foundation for specialized studies. 

Dual Degree: Xavier has established a five-year, dual-degree program that combines a liberal arts education with an engineering education in a unique learning experience. Students spend their first three years enrolled at Xavier and their last two years at an engineering school of their choice.

However, it is important to note that Xavier has established articulation agreements with at least nine engineering schools to date. At the engineering school, students may enroll in one of several areas of engineering, such as biomedical, chemical, civil, computer , electrical, environmental, industrial, mechanical, nuclear or textile engineering. 

Facilities

The department has excellent computer facilities which include various high-speed workstations such as Silicon Graphics, Macintoshes and PCs for both research and instructional use. The introductory physics and engineering graphics classes are fully equipped with computers for student use. 

Financial Aid

A number of scholarships and work-study programs are available in the department and on campus. Various grants are also available from the National Science Foundation, the Office of Naval Research, and NASA. 

Student Organizations

• Society of Physics Students (SPS)
• National Society of Black Engineers  (NSBE)

Physics/Dual-Degree Engineering Faculty

The physics/engineering faculty is actively involved in such areas of research as: heat transfer, fluid dynamics, laser physics, spectroscopy, linear dynamics and environmental science. 

• Dr. Murty Akundi, Professor/Chair
• Dr. Bryan Bilyeu, Assistant Professor
• Dr. Jessica Graber, Assistant Professor
• Ms. Xuan-Jia Hung, Instructor
• Dr. Freddie Landry, Assistant Professor
• Dr. Stephen Rodrigue, Assistant Professor

Science, Engineering, and Math Educational Programs Office

• Dr. Murty Akundi, Physics and Dual Degree Engineering Department Chair
• Ms. Adrienne Hunter, Administrative Assistant

For more information