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Physics

Undergraduate Major & Minor College of Natural Sciences

Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Science - Applied Physics

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Are you intrigued by the inner workings of atoms and nuclei? Do you marvel at the vast expanse of our universe? If so, a physics degree might be the program for you. Physics is the scientific study of the material universe at its most fundamental level, and encompasses some of the most exciting ideas ever considered. As a PLU physics student, you’ll work one-on- one with your professors, who are experts in their field and passionate teachers.

You’ll have the opportunity to study classical mechanics, wave motion, thermodynamics, electromagnetic theory and even quantum mechanics, and regularly apply what you’re learning in hands- on laboratories taught by professors (never teaching assistants!). When you graduate, you’ll be well- prepared for graduate study in many areas of the physical sciences and engineering, or to pursue professional careers in the industry.

Graduates from the last 5 years: Their jobs

  • Engineer Officer, United States Army Reserve
  • Systems Design Engineer, Thermo Fisher Scientific
  • Test Engineer, Bungie
  • Process Engineer, Boeing
  • Project Engineer, Landmark Properties, Inc
  • Electromagnetics Effect Engineer, Boeing
  • Plasma Etch Process Engineer, Hitachi High-Tech America, Inc.
  • Opto-Mechanical Engineer, ESI an MKS Brand
  • Systems Engineer, Raytheon Intelligence and Space

Graduates from the last last 5 years: Their graduate programs

  • Ph.D. in Physics, Idaho State University
  • Master of Science in Physics, Iowa State University
  • Master’s in Engineering Physics/Applied Physics, University of Oregon Graduate School
  • Master’s in Applied Physics: Optical Materials and Devices, University of Oregon Graduate School
  • Masters and PhD in Biostatistics, University of Iowa College of Public Health
  • Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, University of Oregon
  • MS in Physics and PhD in Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology
  • MS in Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Southern California
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As a physics major, I have the opportunity to conduct research alongside my professors in a paid internship over the summer! I value this opportunity, especially because it is open to undergrad students like myself. After graduating in a couple of years I want to explore my options with environmental work and apply the principles I learned in physics to environmental conservation and reconciliation.

— Ryan S. ‘22

100% of Physics majors complete an independent senior project. Recent projects have included holographic interferometry, astronomical photometry, solar cell testing and high temperature superconductivity.

Physics students can participate in PLU’s Natural Sciences Summer Undergraduate Research Program (NSSURP), which involves working with PLU professors on research projects (and getting paid for it!). Students also have the opportunity to participate in Research Experience for Undergraduate Programs nationwide.

The PLU Keck Observatory houses an automated 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain reflecting telescope. Data from classes and research can be collected through observation and digitally through either a Santa Barbara Instruments Group CCD camera or Celestron NexImage Planetary Imager mounted to the telescope.