PHYSICS—THE FOUNDATIONAL SCIENCE

Physics is the foundational science upon which all other natural sciences and most types of engineering are built. This makes physics the most diverse and applicable technical major you can have. Physicists work to deeply understand the smallest things, the biggest things, the oldest things, the newest things and everything in between. People with physics degrees or who worked as physicists invented such major innovations as electric power, the electric battery, the electric motor, radio, X-ray imaging, the mass spectrometer, the electronic digital computer, NMR and MRI, PET scanning, the nuclear reactor, the transistor, the integrated circuit, the laser, the first video game, wireless LAN, and the World-Wide Web. 

PHYSICS DEGREE OPTIONS

Seattle University's Physics program offers two routes for students interested in graduating with a Physics degree.

The Bachelor of Science in Physics degree, is catered towards students planning to pursue graduate programs in physics, applied physics, astrophysics, astronomy, engineering, or other graduate or professional programs.

The Bachelor of Arts Physics degree, is for physics majors looking for more room in their schedules to double major or to allow a variety of elective courses from other departments.

Learn more here: Programs of Study

SMALL CLASSES EQUAL HUGE CONNECTION AND EVEN BIGGER IMPACT ON LEARNING

The Seattle University Department of Physics offers small classes and personalized attention to the education of undergraduates majoring in physics. The active research of our faculty contributes to knowledge, keeps classes lively and provides opportunities for motivated students to participate in ongoing research projects. At Seattle University, you are taught by caring, dedicated, and highly capable professors who are especially excited to help you understand the ways of the world through the lens of physics.

VARIETY OF JOBS FOR PHYSICS GRADUATES

Our Physics Department graduates have been finding interesting technical jobs or have gone on for further graduate study in physics, astronomy, geophysics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and biomedical fields. We have graduates flying converted spy planes for NASA, working as engineers and physicists for private corporations, government labs and universities, and programming computers or managing computer networks.

In recent years, we have sent SU physics major graduates to PhD programs in physics, mechanical engineering, planetary sciences, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering and mathematics at MIT, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, UC San Diego, Arizona, Ohio State, UC Santa Barbara, Michigan, Oregon, Vanderbilt, Penn State, Wisconsin, Texas A&M, Purdue and San Diego State.

See physicists employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics: Here

 

Image of David Boness

Faculty Inspire Student Inquiry

“Advances in science and technology come from young minds pushing into the unknown. As professors teaching courses and in supervising undergraduate research, my colleagues and I emphasize this creative spirit of inquiry, and not just learning what has already been established. An open mind is more vital than ever.”

David Boness, PhD Physics Professor
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Meet Dr. Alberg

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Ranked National University
Advising Center
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Our College of Science & Engineering advisors are dedicated to you and your entire academic career at SU. Go To Advising Center

Discovery & Research Opportunities

 

Extend your learning beyond the classroom through extensive research opportunities and support

Funding for Your Future

Contact Us

Andy (Woo-Joong) Kim

Chair and Professor - BANN 102

(206) 296-5940

kimw@seattleu.edu

Chris Varney

Lab Manager - BANN 134

206-296-2833

varneych@seattleu.edu

Physics Department Highlights in a Printable Format