The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers two majors: Physics and Astrophysics. The Physics major has two concentration tracks: Physics and Computational Physics.”
Who is physics for?
Physicists and astrophysicists are curious about the nature of the physical universe. They enjoy asking complex questions and tackling difficult problems, from the highly practical and applied to the truly fundamental. Ultimately, they use their unique perspective and analytical abilities to understand and influence the world around them.
Those with a background in physics can be found making significant contributions in many different communities. Some engage in basic research. Many become teachers at all levels and/or engage in outreach and science communication. Others bring their skills and knowledge to different areas of interest, becoming analysts, lawyers, doctors, and engineers or working to improve the world in other ways.
What is physics?
Physics allows us to interrogate complicated natural systems, explain our observations, and model future behavior. Through the studies of forces, interactions, theories, and conservation laws, students of physics and astrophysics reshape the way we perceive the natural world. From the beauty of a rainbow to the origins of the universe, physics provides a means of deeper appreciation. By its fundamental nature, physics is integral to many of the natural sciences and engineering, and essential to many forms of interdisciplinary study.
Our programs are anchored in the study of classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, thermal and statistical physics, and astrophysics. We explore these topics using theoretical, experimental, and computational methods.
What skills does physics teach you?
Physics is a fundamental, experimental discipline that provides grounding in the scientific process as well as a number of highly valuable and transferable skills. In addition to the theoretical, experimental, and computational skills explicit in the curriculum, physics students also develop robust problem solving and critical reasoning abilities as well as effective collaboration. Communication is emphasized through technical writing, professional presentations, and various avenues for public engagement about science.
What major/minor should you choose?
The department offers two majors, in Physics and Astrophysics, a joint major in Physics, and a minor in Physics.
The Physics major has two concentration tracks to help students tailor their degree to their interests:
Physics
Computational Physics
These tracks are not meant to constrain students to a narrow set of options. Rather, they are meant to increase flexibility for students to take the courses they want.
Joint Physics Major
A joint major that includes Physics is intended for students that are interested in bringing physics-related content and skills to a different area of study. Students have successfully coupled physics with other topics in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
