Physics
1. What sets Purdue's program apart? (top)
From specializations in nanotechnology to astrophysics, to having its own particle accelerator on campus, the Department of Physics at Purdue University has a lot to offer undergraduate students. Although the department is one of the largest in the U.S. , classes average 30 or fewer students, and every freshman is paired with a faculty mentor. Undergraduate research is strongly encouraged; on-campus internships are available as early as your second semester, and the department has research internship arrangements with over 100 off-campus sites. There are eight different specialization options:
- Physics
- Physics - Honors
- Applied Physics
- Applied Physics - Honors
- Applied Physics in Geophysics
- Applied Physics in Geophysics Honors
- Physics Teaching
- Physics and Materials Science Engineering
2. What can I do with a Physics degree from Purdue? (top)
Approximately half of the graduates continue immediately to graduate school in widely varied areas from physics to engineering to medicine to geology to management. However, there are also many options for those wanting to enter the work force. Graduates have worked as process designers and engineers, systems analysts, patent examiner; exploration geophysicists, orbital mechanics physicists, and national accelerator physicist. Average starting salaries in the field are between $30,000 and $50,000.
Read more about recent graduates from the Careers site.
3. How should I prepare for the Physics program in high school? (top)
You should make it a point to take calculus, chemistry, physics and a wide variety of science courses. Continue taking your foreign language and writing courses.
4. What courses will I take as a Physics student? (top)
In your first two years, you will take courses covering Mechanics, Kinematics and Conservation Laws, Electricity and Magnetism, and Modern Physics. You will also take general chemistry, organic chemistry, English composition, three semesters of calculus, and foreign language courses. Later in the curriculum, you will also be required to take:
- Math electives
- additional Physics courses
- additional foreign language courses to demonstrate fourth semester proficiency
- general education electives
- additional lab science courses
Typical Freshman Year Coursework
Semester one:
PHYS 172 (H), Mechanics, 4 credit hours
CHM 115, General Chemistry I, 4 credit hours
MA 161 or 165, Calculus I and Analytical Geometry, 4-5 credit hours
ENGL 106, English Composition, 4 credit hours
Total: 16 to 17 credit hours
Semester two:
PHYS 272 (H), Electricitu and Magnetism, 4 credit hours
CHM 116, General Chemistry II, 4 credit hours
MA 162 or 166, Calculus II and Analytical Geometry, 4-5 credit hours
Foreign Language, 3-4 credit hours
Total: 15 to 17 credit hours
* Students must earn a minimum of 124 credit hours to graduate, which is an average of 15.5 credit hours / per semester.
Science at Purdue
By phone: 765.494.1771 or 800.804.8061
By web: www.science.purdue.edu
Department of Physics: www.physics.purdue.edu
By email: advising@science.purdue.edu (for advisors)
ScienceQuestion@purdue.edu (for current students)
0s, 0ms