Bachelor in Physics (Bachelor's)

Union College's identity is captured in its name: things come together. Liberal arts, engineering and entrepreneurship share the same academic setting, creating opportunities for students to explore different interests and combine areas of study. The college offers more than 62 areas of study, with academic work extending beyond the classroom through research alongside faculty.

Research is part of the experience across majors. Students work with faculty in laboratories, archives, studios and field settings. This hands-on approach applies to a broad range of subjects and gives students opportunities to develop questions, investigate ideas and connect academic learning with practical work. Union also prepares students for life after college through its focus on career outcomes.

The campus is in Schenectady, a New York city with restaurants and cafes, shops and boutiques, theaters and events. Hiking, biking and skiing are available minutes from campus, giving students access to outdoor activities as well as city amenities. More than 130 clubs and organizations cover interests from beekeeping and off-road racing to music festivals and movie nights. International students joining Union enter a community where academic exploration, research, student activities and the surrounding city all form part of daily life.

This programme prepares students for careers in physics research, engineering, and technical development. Students engage in laboratory work, theoretical analysis, and computational modeling across core physics topics. The curriculum emphasizes problem-solving skills through hands-on experimentation and mathematical reasoning. The department supports independent research opportunities for undergraduates.

Focus areas include Astrophysics, Condensed Matter Physics, Particle Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Computational Physics, Optics.

The programme requires 120 credits, with 72 credits in physics and related courses, including laboratory work and a senior research project. Students complete foundational courses in mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and quantum theory.

Graduates pursue roles as research scientists, engineers, data analysts, and technical consultants in industry, government, and academia.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent with strong performance in mathematics and science courses. Submission of transcripts, standardized test scores, and a personal statement is required.

The programme totals about 120 credit hours. on-campus, full-time, four years. For international students, tuition is well above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 44% of applicants.