Physics is all around us! If you're curious about how the world works, you will find majoring in physics quite rewarding. In addition to learning the theoretical basics that help you understand and describe physical phenomena, you will become fluent in the programming language Python and receive training in our hands-on and open-ended research projects, giving you the tools you need to become an independent and thoughtful scientist or engineer. While earning your Bachelor's degree, you will learn how to solve difficult problems well - a skill that opens doors to a wide variety of scientific and other careers. Many of our graduates pursue Master's or PhD degrees in field including physics, engineering, mathematics, education, data science, and patent law, while others transition into the workforce right away.
The physics department is located in Collins Hall. Beginning typically as early as your sophomore year, you are encouraged to join one of our ongoing research projects in astronomy, atomic/molecular physics, biophysics, cosmology, nonlinear dynamics, and optics. Individual faculty research spaces are housed in the basement of Collins, and all laboratories are equipped with a wide variety of state-of-the-art instrumentation. For more information, please visit the physics faculty page.