Physics
Bachelor of Science in Physics
Request Information
Program Intro
The Physics major at PNW offers an engaging learning environment and a rigorous program of study, augmented by a diverse research agenda.
With this degree, you’re prepared for graduate studies in not only physics, but astronomy, engineering, education, data science and medicine as well.
Department of Chemistry and Physics
As a discipline, physics explores some of the most fundamental questions in our world and about our universe. The fundamentals of physics have applications across many fields.
Studying physics develops robust quantitative and critical thinking skills that are highly desired by employers and offer tremendous career flexibility. With a small student-to-faculty ratio, our physics program offers you support and mentoring that suits your specific talents and goals.
Curriculum Overview
After the introductory physics sequence, you’ll study modern physics, intermediate mechanics and electromagnetism, statistical physics and quantum physics. We offer a range of elective courses, such as nuclear and computational physics. You’ll also develop your experimental skills through several laboratory courses and a senior research project.
You can currently complete this degree at PNW’s Hammond campus.
Build a foundation through introductory mechanics and freshman seminar, along with calculus, introductory chemistry and general education courses.
Sample Courses
- PHYS 15200 – Mechanics
- MA 16400 – Integrated Calculus Analysis Geometry II
Complete an introductory course in electromagnetism as well as classes modern physics, advanced calculus and differential equations. You’ll also take general education and elective courses.
Sample Courses
- PHYS 25100 – Heat, Electricity And Optics
- PHYS 34300 – Modern Physics Laboratory
Begin a two-year rotation of upper-level physics core courses, plus linear algebra, programming and physics electives.
Sample Courses
- PHYS 31100 – Quantum Physics I
- CS 12400 – Programming II: C++
Finish your two-year rotation and conduct a year-long research project, which you’ll present in the spring.
Sample Courses
- PHYS 31000 – Intermediate Mechanics
- PHYS 38000 – Advanced Physics Laboratory
Highlights
Physics at PNW offers unique opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research alongside our faculty in particle physics, nuclear physics and astrophysics.
Our students have worked with their faculty mentors at the Large Hadron Collider and the Energy Center. They’ve also studied asteroids with the NIRO observatory and helped run supercomputer simulations of neutron star mergers.
Outcomes
You’ll graduate with a strong understanding of physical principles and theories, experimental analysis techniques and theoretical/computational modeling skills.
This experience prepares you for graduate study in physics and affiliated fields (astrophysics, biophysics, etc.) or employment in fields ranging from data science to finance to engineering and beyond.
Beyond the Classroom
The Chemistry and Physics Club is a student-led group engaged in community outreach and activities of interest to anyone interested in chemistry and physics.
Career Paths
Physics majors go on to careers in academia, finance, patent law, engineering, manufacturing, IT, health sciences and consulting, among others.
Employers
Recent graduates of our program are employed at:
- Old Dominion University
- Ball State University
- EXL
- Dwyer Instruments Inc.
- AM Stabilizers Corporation
I am very happy to have been a graduate of PNW. I have many experiences, formed lasting friendships, and took the combined advice from of my professors and mentors and used it as a guide for my career, and will continue to do so in the future.
Meet the Faculty
Robert A. Kramer, Ph.D., CEM, CDSM, CEA
Professor of Physics
Robert Kramer teaches physics and engineering courses and conducts research in energy utilization, sources, optimization, reliability and electric transmission. He is also the director of the Energy Center.
Professor of Physics; Director, Center for High Energy Physics
Neeti Parashar founded and is leading the Center for High Energy Physics program at PNW. She is also the principal investigator on National Science Foundation funding and the faculty mentor for the PNW QuarkNet Center on education and outreach.
Interim Chair, Department of Chemistry and Physics and Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy
Adam Rengstorf teaches all levels of physics lecture and lab courses, general-education astronomy courses, and upper-level astrophysics courses. He also oversees all observing campaigns and undergraduate research projects at PNW’s NIRo observatory.
Take the Next Step
See how a PNW degree opens doors, from corporate boardrooms to non-profit leadership.
