Math and Physics
The University of Wisconsin-Parkside offers an undergraduate major in mathematics with options in pure mathematics, applied mathematics, or teaching mathematics in elementary and secondary school. As a physics major at Parkside, you will discover ways to apply physical laws and theories to problems in nuclear energy, electronics, optics, materials, communication, aerospace technology, navigation equipment, and medical instrumentation.
Small class sizes at all levels of instruction, coupled with an outstanding faculty, some of whom have won the school-wide awards in teaching or research, makes Parkside an ideal university to study mathematics and physics at the undergraduate level.
Much of mathematics, and the mathematics major at Parkside, has been developed to meet the needs of the areas of human knowledge that it serves. In addition to its service role in other areas, mathematics occupies a place of its own in our intellectual heritage. From ancient Greece to our own times, people have been drawn to the elegant structure and the fascinating problems of mathematics.
Math majors choose from three concentrations
- Pure mathematics
- Applied mathematics
- Teaching (elementary and secondary school)
Courses are taught by dedicated professors, some of whom have won awards in teaching or research. The Mathematics Department faculty is committed to helping every student interested in the compelling field of math to succeed.
Physics majors can expect a rigorous but well-balanced program. Department faculty is active in thought-provoking and interesting research in which students will have ample opportunities to get involved. Many students have even appeared as co-authors on a number of scientific publications in research and teaching journals.
Physics majors are in high demand in all high-tech fields and in teaching professions. Some positions include aerospace testing specialists, biophysicists, nuclear power managers, laboratory technologists and researchers, satellite missions analysts, seismologists, and several more.
You can view our faculty and staff page to learn about the wide array of research and/or teaching specialties of our faculty and staff. We encourage you to schedule an appointment with anyone of us to discuss career options in our fields of expertise or about the possibility and/or requirements for conducting independent study research projects.
Student Experiences
“At first I was leary of Parkside’s small size and even smaller physics department, but through time I saw how much the professors here really care about their students. The small student population and lack of TA’s allows for ample one on one time with each individual professor and that’s not something easily achievable at a larger university. During my time at UW – Parkside, I’ve published two scientific papers, represented my college at events and presented at international physics conferences, all because I chose this school. Parkside = Student Success.”
Siva Shankar, 2018
“All I have to say about my experience in the physics program at UW-Parkside is that it is great. The faculty does its job extremely well, and the material is presented in a way which is both efficient and engaging at the same time. It is all you would expect from a great program and more.”
Joel Ambriz, 2020
“As a college junior at UW-Parkside, I continue to be impressed with the physics and math department faculty. Their steadfast dedication to the development of their students is second to none. The faculty members are personable and are always willing to help a student in need. With anything from homework to research, they always make themselves available. There are many opportunities to work with a professor in a field of research that interests you. The curriculum and class schedules facilitate a well-rounded education with a good balance between classroom lectures and hands-on labs and research. I give the UW-Parkside Math and Physics Department my highest recommendation.”
Chloe Calderon, 2019
Physics Club
From stargazing trips in Door County, Wisconsin and West Texas to tours of national laboratories and socials each semester at our local nature preserve, the Physics Club has been very active in bringing educational and social events to fruition since recognition by the university in December 2018. Members of the Physics Club also strive to inspire a passion for nature in future generations through demonstrations of physical phenomena to children. The club has recently gained acceptance to the Society of Physics Students, which led to establishing a growing Sigma Pi Sigma Honor Society chapter at the university. For more information, please contact the current club president or vice president.
Program Contact Info
William Parker | parkerw@uwp.edu
