How will I benefit?

As a physics or engineering-physics major you will develop

• A thorough understanding of the relationship between physics and the other sciences
• A foundation in theoretical and experimental physics and engineering
• Preparation to conduct research in industry and in national laboratories
• Science literacy, a life-long interest in the physical sciences, and a sound grasp of all physical processes
• The broad-based writing skills expected of practicing physicists and engineers

What happens inside the classroom?

• You’ll have plenty of access to technological resources: 75 percent of first-year labs use computer-assisted data collection and analysis.
• You’ll develop the broad-based writing skills expected of a practicing physicist/engineer by maintaining an electronic portfolio of term papers, lab reports, and computer programs that are reviewed and endorsed by faculty before graduation.

What happens outside the classroom?

• Internships. Students often complete internships with a local engineering firm or the United States Geological Survey.
• For example, a student planning to attend graduate school in architecture recently completed the engineering mechanics minor, and designed a community observatory as part of a research project. This design was presented at the national meeting of the American Association of Physics Teachers.
• The recent addition of two community-based service-learning experiences give students the opportunity to contribute to their community. Engineering in the Community student-teams contribute to valuable engineering projects. Physics in the Community student-teams lead our regional physics outreach programs, including public demonstrations and K-12 classroom activities.

What else can I do?

• Join a campus club such as the Society of Physics Students, the Association for Computing Machinery, or the Mathematical Association of America, to socialize with like-minded students and explore developments and career opportunities in your field.
• Get initiated into Kappa Mu Epsilon, the national math honor society, or Sigma Pi Sigma, the national physics honor society.
• Participate in our outreach activities by helping with public shows and competitions, designing new demonstrations and activity-stations, working with local K-12 school educators, or participating in allied programs, such as WINGS which provides science activities for middle school girls.

Where can I go from here?

Careers.
Physics majors are highly sought after in all fields that involve analytical or abstract thinking. Some examples include:

• Industry—our students have the theoretical and practical backgrounds to compete in industrial settings. Additional background in business, a second language, or communications through a minor or cluster further enhance employability.
• Research—either in industry or in research labs
• Teaching physics—to meet the chronic shortage of high school physics teachers nationwide
• Publishing—technical books, journals and software
• Software design—with abstract thinking skills vital to data processing and computer games
• Telecommunications—television, image analysis, radio, and recording technology

Graduate School.
Students are prepared to attend graduate school in either physics or engineering.