SCHOOL OF SCIENCE
Physics Major (PHYBD)
Program Chair:
Dr.
Darren M. Williams
814-898-6008; dmw145@psu.edu
Physics is the study of the fundamental laws that govern the working of the universe—from the largest galaxy to the smallest transistor on a microchip—to the fundamental particles that make up the quarks and their applications.
Some of our graduates go directly into workforce after graduation and are employed in fields ranging from high school teaching to testing anti-ballistic technology. You may be surprised at the variety of careers using physics.
Other students are admitted to presitgious graduate schools. In addition to graduate school in physics and astronomy, our students attend graduate programs in education, kinesiology and material science. Recently one of our alumni was one of 58 graduate students invited to the 2004 Lindau Meeting of Nobel Prize Laureates and Students.
The physics program places a dual emphasis on rigorous teaching and innovative research. We are committed to undergraduate research, and most of our majors spend two or three years working on a research project with one of our faculty.
The Physics major offers two options:
-
The General Physics option is designed for students who want to pursue graduate work in physics or a related field. (Recommended Academic Plan)
- The Computational Physics option applied physics and computers; it is ideally suited for students who want to enter industry directly upon graduation. (Recommended Academic Plan)
See Physics Checksheets for a checklist for both physics options and the Bluebook overview of the course requirements for the major.
A minor in Physics can be particularly attractive to majors in chemistry, biology, math, and engineering, who will take some of the required courses as part of their major. The minor also can be taken by business and humanities majors who want to pair their degree with a solid foundation in science.
There's something new everyday in the changing world of physics! Read all about it at:
