Physics
Why Physics at Valpo?
In Valpo’s physics program, you are at the center of our universe. We focus solely on the undergraduate experience, encouraging freshman and senior Beacons alike to leave no rock unturned and no laboratory untouched. Our department’s six faculty-mentors guide and support a passionate fellowship of students across the physics spectrum.
Our physics major is designed to motivate students to achieve a greater understanding and appreciation of scientific inquiry. Unique to Valpo, first-year students are encouraged to participate in research projects with faculty, from astrophysics and nanoscience to nuclear physics and computational condensed matter.
Here, study and research is grounded in the conviction that there is an underlying order, symmetry, and undeniably beauty in nature – God’s manifestations and our gifted calling to explore them. At Valpo, our students enter the lab on day one.
Physics Highlights
First-Year Summer Research Award
The first-year summer research award granted through the Department of Physics and Astronomy offers one highly qualified student a summer research position with a faculty member for six to eight weeks. Free on-campus housing and a $600-per-week stipend is provided.
90% Research Experience Rate
Eight to 10 student-researchers are hired each summer, funded through grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Society of Physics Students
Valpo’s Society of Physics Students (SPS) works to develop leadership skills, establish networks of professional contacts, and present scholarly work. Together, our cohort hosts group activities several times each month, offers one-on-one tutoring, and manages campus-wide events like our Haunted Science Lab and Science Demo Show.
Physics Major Requirements
There are no prerequisites for first-year students enrolled in Valpo’s physics program; however, first-year students must be prepared to take Calculus I (MATH 131).
Transfer students entering the program during their second year should have taken at least two previous semesters of calculus-based physics and labs.
The Valparaiso University Experience – colloquially referred to as VUE – is our University-wide general education core. Here, students build up skills in communication, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. With those pillars in place, students are ready to take their passion and understanding of the natural world a step further.
Our comprehensive program is designed to help future physicists radiate on their quest to explore even the most minute inner workings of our reality. Our students gain real experience studying real science while making real discoveries, with topics including nuclear physics, quantum mechanics, condensed matter, and much more.
In this, Valpo uniquely offers a bachelor of arts in physics and a bachelor of science in physics. It is recommended that students who wish to go on to graduate school pursue a bachelor of science in physics rather than a bachelor of arts; a student will choose a bachelor of arts instead only when they wish to add on a non-science minor and do not see themselves continuing their education at the graduate level.
Students can further personalize their academic experience with two concentrations: a fundamental physics concentration or an applied physics concentration. A fundamental physics concentration is recommended for students who plan to go on to graduate studies; an applied physics concentration is advised for students who plan to seek employment right after graduation.
| Physics Core: 34 Credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| CS 157 | Algorithms and Programming | 3 Cr. |
| PHYS 141 | Newtonian Mechanics | 3 Cr. |
| PHYS 141L | Experimental Physics I | 1 Cr. |
| PHYS 142 | Electricity, Magnetism, & Waves | 3 Cr. |
| PHYS 142L | Experimental Physics II | 1 Cr. |
| PHYS 243 | Modern Physics | 3 Cr. |
| PHYS 245 | Advanced Lab 1 | 1 Cr. |
| PHYS 246 | Data Analysis in Physics & Astronomy | 1 Cr. |
| PHYS 250 | Mechanics | 3 Cr. |
| PHYS 314 | Writing in Physics and Astronomy | 2 Cr. |
| PHYS 345 | Advanced Lab 2 | 1 Cr. |
| PHYS 360 | Thermal Physics | 3 Cr. |
| PHYS 371 | Electromagnetic Fields | 3 Cr. |
| PHYS 445 | Senior Research in Physics | 1 Cr. (2 credits) |
| PHYS 499 | Physics Colloquium | 0 Cr. |
| Four credits from PHYS/ASTR at the 200-level or higher: 4 Cr. * | ||
| Additional Recommended Courses: 9 credits | ||
| One year of Chemistry | ||
| PHYS 490 – The Scientific Endeavor Credits: 3 | ||
Note:
*Only one credit from PHYS 492/ASTR 492 can be used toward the elective requirement.
Physics Career Outcomes
Whether our physics graduates decide to jump into their career right after graduation or expand their skill sets in graduate school, their light is in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for physicists is $155,680 per year.
There’s a reason why: Employers know physics graduates shine brightly and with versatility. Our alumni can quickly analyze data, model processes, program, and adapt to new information. Each of these skills are highly sought after across a wide range of technical fields.
Careers in Physics:
- Data analyst
- Information technology (IT) specialist
- Physicist
- Physics teacher
- Programmer
- Researcher
- Scientist
