Physics

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Why study Physics at Westminster College?

Physics is a challenging subject that sharpens the intellect and is beneficial for many fields—law, engineering, medical school.  Challenge yourself in a friendly environment wherein you can work on projects at your own pace that are interesting to you. Physics explains the underlying mechanics of everyday phenomena such as projectiles, planets, light, electricity, magnetism, heat and chemical reactions.

Physics leads to interesting and well-paying jobs.  Many physics students choose to participate in the dual degree-engineering program in which students earn a degree from Westminster College and a degree from one of our partner engineering schools in as few as 5 years. Physics is an ideal major for the dual-degree engineering program.

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Machinery
Dual-Degree Engineering Program

Build a strong foundation in the humanities and social sciences, while completing a Pre-Engineering minor and the major of your choice (typically Math or Physics) and complete your engineering studies at one of Westminster's partner institutions (Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri S&T, or Southern Illinois University - Carbondale), then you will have earned two degrees: a Bachelor of Arts from Westminster College AND a Bachelor of Science in Engineering.

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Beyond the Classroom

Get hands on experience by taking part of a variety of projects outside the classroom like: building rockets and mind-controlled robots, studying nanoparticles via ferrofluids, and taking trips to a nuclear reactor.

“Westminster being a small liberal arts college had many advantages for a Physics major like me. First, we had the privilege of a small group of students in any lecture class of about 8-10 students or less. This also meant we could enjoy much time and space for different research projects that could be performed in one of the many Physics labs.”

Bhuwan Ghimire, '12, IPR-AP Fellow for DIISR
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Interesting Course Topics

Physics Minor

Physics is the fundamental natural science because it describes how the universe works in terms of its most fundamental physical entities and processes. Since physics is beneficial for many fields, the addition of a physics minor to you Westminster education would help lay a strong foundation to build upon your career goals no matter what field you plan to pursue.

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FAQs for Physics Major

Yes! Many of today’s pressing issues such as energy and climate studies require an understanding of the underlying physics. Physics is necessary to understand novel materials, quantum computing, biological processes, and communication systems in addition to standard physics and engineering applications.
For formal research, Westminster has an Infrared Spectrometer, which can be used to study planetary atmospheres. Students can also design their own research projects such as a wireless power transfer device, photographic sensor launched in a rocket, cosmic muon detector, and more. Students take their research to local and national conferences and attend summer research programs at other institutions through the REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) program.
Yes! Most of our physics majors choose to double major in math or chemistry and minor in pre-engineering.
Engineering involves applying math to real life situations, which is what we do in every physics course. Since most of our physics majors plan to attend an engineering school, many engineering topics are included in our physics courses.
Our graduates have gone on to a variety of studies and jobs. Most of our recent graduates have gone to engineering schools (specializing in chemical, mechanical, and environmental engineering).  Others have chosen and been accepted to graduate study in fields such as Physics, Microfluidics, and Astrophysics. Others are employed in a variety of jobs such as working as an engineer, working as a neurological technician, working as a scientist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Washington D.C., teaching high school physics, and owning their own business.

FAQs for Physics Minor

Yes! Many of today’s pressing issues such as energy and climate studies require an understanding of the underlying physics. Physics is necessary to understand novel materials, quantum computing, biological processes, and communication systems in addition to standard physics and engineering applications.
For formal research, Westminster has an Infrared Spectrometer, which can be used to study planetary atmospheres. Students can also design their own research projects such as a wireless power transfer device, photographic sensor launched in a rocket, cosmic muon detector, and more. Students take their research to local and national conferences and attend summer research programs at other institutions through the REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) program.
Students take Physics I, II, and III plus 2 additional courses, one of which can be Astronomy, to obtain a physics minor. Enhance, strengthen, and diversify your major with a physics minor.
Absolutely! Philosophy, Business and Economics, and Pre-Law are some of many fields which physics complements.