Physics

What is a Physics Major?

As a physics major at Saint Joseph’s University, you will use systemic reasoning and call on your imagination to understand the laws of nature, the structure of matter, and the behavior of physical processes — the keys to many of the universe’s secrets. In short, physicists are explorers on a quest to understand the world around them. As a physics major, you will study several intriguing topics, including:

• Superconductors
• Black holes
• Quantum mechanics
• The Big Bang Theory
• Lasers
• Relativity

Ways to Study Physics

The physics department offers a five-year B.S./M.S. physics-education program designed for those who wish to become certified secondary school (grades 7-12) science teachers. The program incorporates the four-year B.S. degree in physics with additional work during the summer and a fifth year to complete the M.S. in secondary education and become certified. Given the numerous course requirements for the dual degrees and the certification, it is important that those individuals speak with the physics education advisor about this program early in their careers to ensure they are taking appropriate courses.

How Will Saint Joseph's University Prepare You for a Career in Physics?

The award-winning faculty are distinguished researchers in the field whose primary focus is to provide you with an excellent, personalized education. Your faculty mentor will challenge and guide you in the classroom and laboratory. You will learn to ask appropriate questions and design and perform experiments to answer them. You will analyze data using computational methods, draw conclusions and communicate the results clearly – all skills that transfer readily across many fields.