Department of Physics
Physics seeks to provide explanations for questions on the universe—from the smallest subatomic particles to the largest supernova. The study of physics is the quest to understand the laws that govern everything we see (and many things we do not) and how those laws can be used to make new devices.
A physics major puts you on a path to a variety of exciting careers, such as ones in climatology, space exploration, aviation, high-tech, and energy. At WWU, you can have confidence in your education—more than 90% of WWU physics graduates over the past ten years have been accepted into graduate school with tuition and living expenses covered. You’ll have the perfect balance of hands-on, high-tech opportunities and close collaboration with faculty in small classes in WWU’s Adventist physics program.
College Experience
What will your college experience look like as a physics major?
Most WWU physics majors have wide interests: you can add a math or computer minor; join the drama club and perform in plays; join the physics, robotics, or engineering clubs, or complete the honors program in four years. You can also spend an extra year in college to add a second major such as engineering, math, music, or pre-medicine.
You will study hands-on physics in our advanced labs, be invited to the Kretchmar Hall Observatory, and spend significant time doing practical work with faculty. Our Adventist physics program allows you to explore physics related interests through classes in nanotechnology, astrophysics, ecology, biophysics, or mechanics of flight.
Students can participate in undergraduate and summer research programs—many of which offer paid summer work and some include trips to Asia or Europe. Most students participate in a Research Experience for Undergrads (REU) during the summer between their junior and senior years at universities and labs like Kansas State, the Laboratory of Atmospheric and Space Physics, Princeton, and many others. Find more information about REU programs.
Career Path
What can your career path as a physics major look like?
WWU physics majors go on to exciting careers. WWU students who graduated with a bachelor of science in physics have found jobs programming hardware for Icelandair planes, designing hydroelectric generators for low pressure applications, building high power lasers, and making optical supplies. Many students also choose to pursue master’s or doctorate degrees to further their careers or gain access to more specialized fields. Learn more about what careers are great for physics majors and where our graduates have worked.
A physicist’s salary depends on job type and education level. For graduates with a bachelor’s degree, the income range can be from $50,000 to $70,000 per year, as a high school-level teacher, government employee, or employee at a private company such as Intel, Google, AMD, TI, or Applied Materials. With a Ph.D., the salary range can increase up to $125,000 per year, and it may grow with experience.
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