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Miami’s physics program No. 1 in awarding bachelor degrees

University holds No. 2 spot for awarding master’s degrees

Ryan Stout, left, and Jared VanAusdal work on a Electronic Instrumentation Laboratory during class Tuesday Feb. 23, 2010, in Dr. Michael Pechan's class at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

Staff photo by Nick Daggy Ryan Stout, left, and Jared VanAusdal work on a Electronic Instrumentation Laboratory during class Tuesday Feb. 23, 2010, in Dr. Michael Pechan's class at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

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By Oriana Pawlyk, Contributing Writer 9:56 AM Friday, March 5, 2010

OXFORD — Miami University has been a top producer of undergraduate physics majors nationwide, according to the American Institute of Physics.

Miami’s program ranked first in the number of bachelor degrees awarded annually among universities with a master’s program in physics as their highest degree, according to AIP. The program awarded 15 degrees per year for the classes of 2005 through 2007.

Miami also holds the No. 2 spot for the number of master’s degrees awarded annually.

“The key feature of the Miami University physics department is the ability to do cutting edge research at a (primarily) undergrad institution,” said Michael Pechan, chair of Miami’s physics department.

Two-thirds of Miami University’s undergraduate students and all graduate students participate in research and closely collaborate with faculty, a strong draw to students in a field that is growing in popularity. The number of physics majors has consistently increased in the past eight years by a total 58 percent, according to AIP.

“Students working to receive their master’s typically do two full years of research, but for the undergrad it varies. We encourage the students to get started right at the beginning,” Pechan said.

Most of the students who begin research early complete publications with faculty members and present their research at national presentation meetings.

“There is a very strong synergy between the graduate and undergraduate program,” Pechan said.

Senior Jordan Ryan said he’s been involved in a research lab for two years.

“It’s definitely added another dimension to my education,” said Ryan, an engineering physics and biochemistry major.

“The physics faculty at Miami are particularly interested in giving undergraduates a rounded experience while at Miami. Most are always open to having students join their research labs,” he said.

Ryan has presented his research poster at a regional American Physical Society and is hoping to publish a paper or two after this summer.

“More than just tangible results, I think the experience is more important right now than anything. Research has given me a chance to explore and discover new things, something which doesn’t always happen in a classroom,” Ryan said.

Miami provides many advantages that allow students to prepare for these tasks ahead of them.

“I think the department has a distinct advantage being in the Miami community. It’s a great place to learn and I think the department stands out because of the commitment of the professors to their students. It’s a unique blend of students and faculty and that makes it very special,” Ryan said.

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