Physics - Pacific Lutheran University

Physics from Pacific Lutheran University is a Campus Bachelor Physics degree that prepares you for a Science career. Why Study Physics at PLU? The Department of Physics offers bachelor of science and bachelor of arts degrees in physics , a bachelor of science degree in applied physics, and a bachelor of arts in education degree for secondary-level physics teachers. A minor in physics is also available and is often selected by students with majors in mathematics, chemistry, computer science or engineering. The PLU Department of Physics offers small classes: typically 30-35 students in the introductory courses, and 10-15 students in upper-division classes. In addition to the lower-division physics courses, which provide overviews of classical and modern physics at an introductory level, the department offers a solid curriculum of upper-division courses. Our faculty are strongly committed to undergraduate education, both inside and outside the classroom. Each senior student, under the supervision of a faculty member, completes an independent project and presents the results to students and faculty. Recent undergraduate projects have included holographic interferometry, astronomical photometry, solar cell testing and high temperature superconductivity. Facilities in the modern Rieke Science Center include a 2,500-square-foot open laboratory, a Boeing Advanced Laboratory, the High-Resolution Optical Spectroscopy Laboratory, and two Jordahl Research Laboratories. An electronics/machine shop is also available to support research and student projects. The open laboratory and the advanced laboratory both include networked computing facilities available for student use. Careers for Physics Majors A degree in physics can lead to employment in design and development work in private industry or in large, government laboratories. With their broad education in fundamental physical concepts, physicists often work closely with engineers who have more specific design-oriented training. Those who complete a Ph.D. degree in physics may be involved in the basic research of unanswered questions in science, or may contribute to the development of new, advanced technologies. Physics graduates from PLU often pursue employment directly after graduation. Many have found successful careers with Northwest companies such as Boeing, Boise-Cascade, Hewlett-Packard, INTEL, Microsoft, Weyerhaeuser, Tektronix, Westinghouse-Hanford, Immunex and STI Optronics. Other graduates have earned post-baccalaureate degrees in physics , material science, engineering, astronomy and medicine at institutions around the country, including the University of Washington, Yale University, University of Colorado, University of Rochester, Oregon State University, Stanford University and University of California at Berkeley. An undergraduate program in physics provides excellent preparation for graduate study in many areas of the physical sciences and engineering, such as mechanical engineering, civil engineering, aeronautical engineering, aerospace engineering, optical engineering and biomedical engineering. View more details on Pacific Lutheran University . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Physics courses.