Discover the Opportunities with Physics
The Physics Department emphasizes creating a strong community and providing opportunities for learning and building relationships outside the classroom as a valuable part of your overall college experience. There are numerous opportunities for you to get involved in activities and events outside of your regular coursework and make meaningful connections to other students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community.
Research
Hands on research is a core aspect of your courses all four years. Many physics students do additional research during the academic year or over the summer. These opportunities provide valuable experiences in scientific inquiry, data analysis, and problem-solving. You have the option to work alongside a faculty mentor on an existing research project or propose your own research ideas. Many students also pursue research off-campus through top programs and national awards. Funding for summer and post-graduate research is available from several sources, including major national awards coordinated by the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Fellowships Office. Physics faculty work one-on-one with you to connect you with research positions either on campus or worldwide.
Faculty Advising and Academic Support
The physics department is a supportive community of learners that provides the necessary tools and guidance to help you excel in your coursework. Upperclass students offer regular tutoring sessions for one-on-one or small-group assistance in understanding challenging concepts. There are informal study groups for discussing assignments, working through problem sets, and preparing for exams. Faculty are also available outside of class time for questions and guidance or to seek clarification on complex topics.
Study Away
Studying in another country for a semester is a valuable opportunity to gain a global perspective. It is possible to study away with a physics major, especially spring of your junior year. Recent study away locations include Australia, Sweden, and Chile. Talk with your faculty advisor so you can plan together how to include this immersive learning experience into your college plan. Explore study away opportunities.
Student Organizations
- is the national physics honor society. Nomination and election are by the faculty, based on a combination of student achievement in coursework, research, and participation in department activities.
- The Society of Physics Students is an active club that helps students connect with one another and with faculty. The chapter plans regular activities, including the popular Science on Saturdays doing experiments with local elementary kids.
- Womxn in STEM provide resources and support to students who are typically underrepresented in physics and STEM.
Facilities and Equipment
The Physics Department is located in Olin Hall at Â鶹ÊÓƵ provides a well-equipped and student-oriented facility to support the academic and research needs of its physics majors. Olin Hall offers a range of dedicated spaces and equipment for student use. Learn more about the equipment for learning Olin Hall.
Internships
Pursuing an internship in physics offers the opportunity for a valuable experience, career exploration, research opportunities, resume building, exposure to cool locations and activities, and networking possibilities. It can greatly enhance your academic and professional journey, providing you with the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to succeed in your career journey. Many physics students complete a summer internship at the top research labs and companies. First year students through seniors may apply for summer internships.
Experience
An internship provides you with hands-on experience in applying physics concepts and theories to real-world situations. It allows you to gain practical skills and knowledge that cannot be fully acquired in a classroom setting.
Career Exploration
Internships offer a chance to explore various career choices and areas within the field of physics. They expose you to different subfields, industries, and job roles, helping you make informed decisions about your future career path.
Learning Physics through Research
Internships often involve engaging in research activities, allowing you to deepen your understanding of physics principles and methodologies. By working on research projects, you can gain insight into the scientific process, develop critical thinking skills, and contribute to ongoing scientific investigations. This research experience can be invaluable for graduate school applications or pursuing advanced degrees.
Resume Building
Internships provide valuable additions to your resume. They demonstrate your practical skills, technical knowledge, and ability to apply physics concepts in a professional setting. Having internship experience can make you a more competitive candidate for graduate school, scholarships, awards, and future employment opportunities.
Cool Locations and Fun Activities
Internships can take you to exciting locations and offer unique experiences. Whether it's conducting research in a prestigious laboratory, participating in fieldwork, or collaborating with professionals in different parts of the world and meeting interesting people.
Networking Opportunities
Internships allow you to connect with professionals, including professors, graduate students, and other program participants. Building relationships with these individuals can open doors to future opportunities, such as strong recommendation letters for graduate school applications, mentorship from experienced professionals, and the potential for lasting friendships and professional networks.
Funding
Summer internships are paid positions and typically travel expenses and housing are included.
Internship Application Process
- Explore options: Look below for a list of many internship options. Review the location, type of program, and project to determine which sound interesting to you.
- Talk to Your Faculty Advisory: Review your options with your faculty advisor and ask for a letter of recommendation.
- Submit and application: Applications are online and are almost always free. Typically the application includes submitting an essay. Often students apply to 6-10 different sites. Deadlines are typically mid-January through mid-March.
Where to Find an Internships
Faculty can help you connect with these students/young alumni to learn more about the application process and their experience.
This is a list of common places to search for a summer internship experience.
A Physics degree equips you with a range of transferable skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, data analysis, and communication, which are highly valued across many industries. This flexibility allows you to adapt and thrive in various career paths.
Physics graduates are highly sought after in fields such as technology, data science, finance, consulting, and medical technology. The American Institute of Physics created this informative careers fact sheet with further details about careers in physics.
Career paths of recent graduates
- Research: contribute to cutting-edge research at research institutions or government laboratories.
- Engineering: Many graduates pursue an advanced degree in various engineering fields, such as electrical, mechanical, aerospace, computer, and civil.
- Law and Policy: Physics graduates who attend law school apply their analytical and problem-solving skills in legal and policy-related careers. They may specialize in areas such as intellectual property law, patent law, or science policy.
- Medical Field: Some physics graduates continue their education in medical school, combining their passion for physics with an interest in healthcare. They can pursue careers in medical physics, radiology, radiation oncology, or other medical specialties.
- Teaching: With a passion for physics and a desire to inspire the next generation, some graduates may choose to pursue careers in teaching at the secondary school level or higher education institutions.
Our physics graduates end up at many top engineering, technology, scientific, and medical companies or at research positions at academic institutions. Logos of companies representing the employment of graduates taken from recent alumni surveys are shown.
Organizations to explore
The strong connections and engagement between the Physics Department alumni, faculty, and current students are valuable assets to the department's community. The deep connections formed among students and faculty during their time on campus are key to fostering a sense of belonging and ongoing engagement and speaks to the supportive and collaborative environment within the department.
The Physics Department has an amazing history of award-winning faculty committed to student learning, thus producing generations of successful alumni.
Alumni Stay Involved and Keep in touch
Alumni regularly return for lectures and provide career guidance and serve as mentors to students.
- Take the alumni ! Here you can let us know:
- Updated contact info to receive invitations to talks, alumni events and other communication
- How we prepared you for your current job (to help us better our curriculum)
- Where you are now
- Whether you would be interested in coming back for a talk
- Whether you would be interested in mentoring a current student
- And anything else you would like to share!
- Join and like the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Physics Alumni .
The awards and scholarships provided by the Department of Physics recognize student achievements and serve as catalysts for further success and provide valuable financial support. The awards contribute to creating a culture of excellence and motivate students to pursue careers in physics while also fostering a sense of pride and community within the Physics Department. The winners are recognized before at the annual Honors Day ceremony.
Milward T. Rodine Memorial Physics Award
This prize is named for the longtime Â鶹ÊÓƵ professor of physics who taught from 1933-1969 and is awarded annually to a junior physics major on the basis of interests and scholarly achievements.
Julia Swanson Scholarship in Physics
This scholarship was established to honor the work of the physics department faculty who provided Geral Swanson with a background that prepared him for graduate study in physics and for a career with the Bendix Corporation. The scholarship is to encourage physics students of promise who are enrolled full-time at the College.
John Chindvall Scholarship in Physics
This endowed scholarship was established in memory of 1970 Â鶹ÊÓƵ graduate John Chindvall by his parents and friends. It is awarded annually to a student majoring in physics.
Julian A. Crawford Memorial Prize in Physics
This prize consists of a one year membership in the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT). The prize is named in memory of the former chair of the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Department of Physics (1967-69) and awarded to the student with "the greatest potential for contributing to physics and society".
John Borneman Prize Par Excellence in Mathematics
This is awarded in consultation with the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science in memory of John Bornemann, a 1955 Â鶹ÊÓƵ graduate, by his family. It is presented annually to an outstanding student in the fields of mathematics and physics.
Physics Departmental Assistants
This position has a nominal expectation of four hours per week in research, course development or other activities that will assist in the work of the department. It is granted once for each semester.