The appeal of a small program derives in part from close faculty-student interactions, as well as opportunities for students to participate in faculty-directed research. Both are continuing traditions of UNCW physics.

The UNCW Surf Club made history at the 2009 National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) Championships with the best finish of any East Coast school in the history of the competition. Dr. Dylan McNamara, Physics and Physical Oceanography, coached the