Physics

Faculty

The program in physics is designed to prepare students for a variety of career paths including (but not limited to) physics and engineering graduate study, teaching, and direct entry into industry. Physics students gain practical experience through hands-on projects in classes, as well as a senior capstone research project or professional internship. Facilities are available for student research in nonlinear optics, condensed-matter physics, and nuclear physics. The majority of our graduates goes to graduate school in physics and related fields or take engineering-related positions in technical industries.

The Physics program consists of a core set of courses plus additional courses organized by emphasis. Students choose the emphasis that best matches their personal goals.

Currently, the emphases we offer are:

Traditional Physics, meant for students interested in pursuing careers in applied physics and engineering, or graduate study in physics, engineering, or professional fields, or teaching
Environmental Science, meant for students interested in pursuing careers or graduate study in areas that combine technical knowledge with environmental issues, such as environmental engineering or alternative energy.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of a major in physics, students will be able to:

Demonstrate conceptual understanding of fundamental physics principles
Communicate physics reasoning in oral and in written form
Solve physics problems using qualitative and quantitative reasoning including sophisticated mathematical techniques
Conduct independent research or work successfully in a technical position.

Programs

Bachelor of Science

Physics, BS

Minor

Courses

Physics