Computational Physics
If you like physics—and you like technology and computers—why choose just one to study? At UB, we've combined physics and computer science (two of our most popular programs!) into one fascinating major. Here, you can explore matter and energy and how the physical world works, while also learning how to solve problems using advanced computing techniques. If you want to stand out from the crowd, keep reading and see how a computational physics degree can help you.
What will I learn?
As a computational physics major you'll get an exceptional education in both physics and computer science. UB’s computer science department was one of the first in the U.S., and we have one of the top supercomputing centers.
You'll start with foundational classes and labs for computer science, programming, physics, calculus and other math-related subjects, then move on to advanced classes as you build your analytical and critical thinking skills.
What can I do with a computational physics degree?
Do you want to work in an astrophysics lab? Improve the way we forecast the weather? Develop specialized software for research or education?
As a computational physics graduate, you’ll have a combination of skills and experience that few people can match—which means you’ll also have opportunities that few others will have.
Nearly every area of traditional physics has a place for people who can apply computational expertise. And many careers in computer science require someone with a solid foundation in physics.
Whether your next step is graduate school or going straight to work for a university, a company or a government lab, a UB degree is a smart choice.
By the Numbers
Check out salary ranges and career outlooks straight from the U.S. Department of Labor to see the return on investment for your degree.
| Occupation Title | Mean Annual Wage | Mean Hourly Wage | Future Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers | $87,060.00 | $41.86 | Rapid Growth |
| Physicists | $56,890.00 | $27.35 | Rapid Growth |
| Physics Teachers, Postsecondary | $122,620.00 | $58.95 |
Data provided by the and DOL data from 2024.