Physics
Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Why Major in Physics at Allegheny College
From spacecraft to polymers, physics requires the integration of other fields. While everyone has the same foundation, majors pick an interdisciplinary track to meet their interests and goals, making our curriculum as individual as our students.
Unusual Combinations
Students often combine Physics with:
Division
- Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Program Type
- Major
- Minor
Number of Credits
60 for major20 for minorWhere Physics Alumni Work Today
Senior Manager
Space Exploration Technologies
Vincent Werner ’06
Graduate Researcher
University of Michigan
Ryan Cardman ’17
Bioinformatics Data Analyst
Stanford University School of Medicine
Erin Brown ’15
IT Engineer
24×7 IT Solution
Ariel Statman ’15
Sensor Integration Engineer
Meta
Mason Greer ’14
Chief Data Scientist
Senscio Systems
Keiron Stoddart ’13
Science Teacher
La Cañada High School
Sam Finder ’12
Senior Field Applications Engineer
Prophesee
Jacob Vingless ’13
Associate Director of Clinical Biomarkers, Oncology
Moderna
Hikmat Daghestani ’06
Sr. Specialist Optical Engineer
L3Harris Technologies
Samuel Knarr ’12
Associate Director Regulatory CMC
Legend Biotech
Mallory Scott ’11
Medical Physicist
MJS Medical Physics Inc.
Meredith Semon-Pomposelli ’10
Director of Operations, Digital & Innovation Operational Excellence
Westinghouse Electric Company
Brandon Momeyer ’09
Assistant Professor Of Chemistry
University of Miami
Katlyn Meier ’09
The physics major is very flexible, which is great if (like me) you are unsure what you are most interested in. You get to decide which physics classes to take, allowing you to tune your schedule to best reflect what you are most excited to learn.
Your Four-Year Journey
Year 1: Understanding
Take foundational courses in physics and mathematics. You’re also encouraged to take introductory courses in a different science area to start connecting physics to other academic fields.
Year 2: New Approaches
Familiarize yourself with theoretical, computational, and experimental physics. Take Communication in Physics, where you’ll learn error analysis, experimental techniques, writing, and speaking skills needed to complete the Senior Comp.
Year 3: Delving Deeper
Prepare a plan for advanced courses with the aid of their advisor and incorporate your current goals and future objectives after graduation.
Year 4: The Comp
Begin your Senior Comp, a significant piece of original work demonstrating your ability to work independently, synthesize information, and write or speak persuasively.
Research and Internships
Physics students gain hands-on experience through internships and research that takes place across all four years.
Use state-of-the-art research facilities for your senior comp, independent study, or summer research project alongside faculty. Facilities include a:
- Research-grade laser
- Spectroscopy lab
- Non-linear optics lab
- Molecular biophysics lab
- Wible planetarium
Faculty and Staff
Email: dpetasis@allegheny.edu
Phone: 814-332-5330
Email: dwilley@allegheny.edu
Phone: 814-332-5368
Featured News
Alumnus Turns His Passion For Physics and English Into A Traveling Children’s Show As Dr. Sparks
Karl J. P. Smith, Ph.D. ’11 has parlayed his passion for science and storytelling into a lifelong career by embracing his unusual combination. “A lot of people allow themselves to be placed in a box,” says Smith. “Having been trained at Allegheny College to keep in mind and understand that I can pick up anything […]
Related Programs
Data Science focuses on the study of integrated principles and methods to analyze complex big data for decision making, prediction, modeling, and data management.
You'll gain insights and abilities to make the world more environmentally sound, equitable, just, and sustainable.
Astronomy is more than the study of the constellations — you'll develop an appreciation of the beauty and order of the known universe.
Address:
520 North Main Street
Meadville, PA 16335
Contact:
814-332-4351
info@allegheny.edu
admissions@allegheny.edu
