Schools How is the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Physics Program?

  • Thread starter Thread starter austim14
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    University
AI Thread Summary
The University of Nebraska at Lincoln offers a strong physics program, particularly in condensed matter and high-energy physics, with many undergraduates successfully advancing to reputable graduate schools. The department has a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for significant involvement in research and teaching opportunities. Upper-level courses are well-structured and provide essential preparation for graduate studies, with supportive professors noted for their willingness to assist students. However, students should be aware that upper-level classes are offered only once a year, necessitating careful planning to avoid falling behind. While the student labs are well-maintained, they are described as somewhat outdated. Prospective students are encouraged to consult with advisers about taking honors introductory physics classes, which can enhance their academic experience. For those applying undecided, reaching out to the College of Arts and Sciences or the Chief Physics Adviser is recommended for guidance on transitioning into the physics program.
austim14
Messages
28
Reaction score
0
I have just been accepted to the university of Nebraska at Lincoln. How is their physics program?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Positives/praise: It won't hold you back from anything. There are a few undergrads from the past year that went to very good graduate programs.

The condensed matter and high-energy physics departments are pretty good. There are lots of opportunities for Physics majors to get involved since there aren't that many majors compared to faculty (I think the department statistic is something like 70% of physics majors are employed by the department?). The upper level physics classes are taught with 'quintessential' material, which prepares you well for grad school.

I have yet to have a bad professor nearing the end of my junior classes. Everyone is very open and willing to help (if you're willing to learn). Finally, the building is brand new, and it is modern/clean.

Downsides/negatives: the student labs (both intro and advanced) are getting a little tired but they are very well kept up by the lab managers. The upper level classes are only offered once a year, so a well thought out plan for upper level coursework is important else you can fall behind easily.

A tip: talk to your adviser about taking the honors series of intro physics classes (even if you're not in the honors college). They will help you significantly later on as a physics major. Don't fret if they say no, but if you've got a decent high school prep they won't be too bad.
 
I applied undecided. How do I get into the program?
 
austim14 said:
I applied undecided. How do I get into the program?

Talk with your adviser at the College of Arts and Sciences and/or talk with the Chief Physics Adviser. All of the contact information is on the UNL website.

Maybe a good question for you is, then, why did you apply undecided and so quickly consider changing to physics?
 
Well my math grades were a bit shaky. I did not know if I would have been admitted into the program.
 

Thread 'Should I pursue a masters degree after 4.5 years working in IT?'

I graduated with a BSc in Physics in 2020. Since there were limited opportunities in my country (mostly teaching), I decided to improve my programming skills and began working in IT, first as a software engineer and later as a quality assurance engineer, where I’ve now spent about 3 years. While this career path has provided financial stability, I’ve realized that my excitement and passion aren’t really there, unlike what I felt when studying or doing research in physics. Working in IT...
View full post »

Thread 'Should I submit 860 PGRE?'

Hi everyone! I'm a senior majoring in physics, math, and music, and I'm currently in the process applying for theoretical and computational biophysics (primarily thru physics departments) Ph.D. programs. I have a 4.0 from a basically unknown school in the American South, two REUs (T50 and T25) in computational biophysics and two semesters of research in optics (one purely experimental, one comp/exp) at my home institution (since there aren't any biophysics profs at my school), but no...
View full post »

Similar threads

Programs Should I do research my freshman year?
Replies
5
Views
2K
Schools Accelerator schools and recently received some offers
Replies
2
Views
1K
Programs Comparing PhD Programs at UC Merced, Nebraska & Kansas State
Replies
4
Views
2K
Schools University of Nebraska-Lincoln REU - advice?
Replies
2
Views
2K
Admissions I plan to apply for PhD program on 2025 Fall. What do you think?
Replies
3
Views
2K
Other How can I fill course requirements for Physics Master's program?
Replies
4
Views
863
Programs University of Edinburgh or King's College London for mathematical physics masters?
Replies
4
Views
2K
Admissions Do I have a high enough PGRE score for the best US universities?
Replies
1
Views
1K
Other What Makes a Strong PhD Applicant in Physics?
Replies
11
Views
3K
Studying Do I need to revise HS physics?
Replies
11
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top