Drexel University’s BS in Physics provides a solid foundation in physics suitable for graduate study or as preparation for other scientific or technical disciplines. We offer an innovative for physics majors curriculum in a top-notch learning environment: small class sizes, personal input from faculty, and close interaction with researchers who are leaders in their fields. Most of our undergraduates actively participate in research projects, including co-authoring publications and presenting results at conferences.

Physics Major Program Features

• Physics majors enjoy the benefit of small classes, hands-on laboratories, and opportunities to engage in research under the guidance of faculty advisers.
• A dynamic freshmen physics sequence exposes our students to classical and modern physics right from the start. Elective sequences in biology are available for those preparing to enter biophysics or medicine, and advanced topics are available for those interested in atomic, nuclear, particle, solid-state or theoretical physics.
• We offer our majors the opportunity to take as broad a selection of courses as possible, providing choices in the curriculum.
• Scientific computing via Maple (mathematical and analytical software) and Python (computer programming language) are offered as subject courses.
• High-performance computational physics exposes students to numerical techniques, parallel processing, electronic communication, basic computer languages and software relevant to advanced studies and research in physics.
• The curriculum concludes with a capstone senior thesis project.
• Observational astrophysics course describes the basic ideas in astronomy. It uses the Joseph R. Lynch Observatory on campus for hands on observations and analysis of data.

Bachelor’s in Physics Curriculum

The coursework in our curriculum is divided into three categories:

• Core physics courses (to be taken by all majors; 62 credits).
• Methods courses, focusing on techniques in experimental, computational, or mathematical physics. (Completion of 12 credits from the list; at least 6 credits must have a PHYS subject)
• Subject courses, focusing on intermediate or advanced material that is not considered essential for a BS in physics, but will round out the student's undergraduate education. (Completion of 15 credits from the list; except for PHYS 480, courses at the 400 level and above will also be accepted)

For additional information please contact David Goldberg, PhD, director of undergraduate studies, at goldberg@drexel.edu

Learn More About the Degree in the Course Catalog

Areas of Research for the Physics Undergraduate Program

The physics BS degree provides a sound basis either for entering graduate school or for pursuing a variety of industrial careers. The Department of Physics exposes students to both traditional and cutting-edge areas of physics: astrophysics and general relativity; atomic physics; biological physics; condensed-matter physics, including superconductivity and nanotechnology; laser physics and quantum optics; nonlinear physics and chaos; nuclear physics; nuclear astrophysics; and particle and cosmic ray physics.

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Elective Opportunities for the Physics Bachelor's Degree

Virtually every course in the physics major is designed to extend the students' ability to handle real-world problems solved by state-of-the-art techniques. An important feature of the program is the large number of electives, which allow a student to pursue topics of special interest. There are numerous elective courses in areas as diverse as biophysics and cosmology, nanoscience and particle physics. Students can also choose electives to meet teacher certification requirements.

Explore Courses in the Course Catalog

Bachelor of Science in Physics Co-op Options

Through Drexel’s renowned cooperative education program, students embark on up to three, six-month periods of full-time employment, exploring their career options, strengthening their resumes and building a professional network in the process. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in co-op to gain hands-on experience in the field(s) of their interest.

Students majoring in Physics may choose from the following co-op options: Three Co-ops (Five years); One Co-op (Four years); and No Co-op (Four years).

Students in the Four Year, No Co-op Option are not required to pursue studies during any of the summer terms. However, students in this track may elect to take one six-month period of co-op employment during the spring and summer terms of their junior year.

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Jobs for Physics Undergraduate Majors

Physics majors are valuable applicants for careers in a variety of industries. With its emphasis on computing, Drexel’s Physics curriculum gives our students a competitive edge when entering the job market. Recent graduates of our program have gone on to successful careers in positions such as:

• Computational Programmer, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
• Project Manager, National Board of Medical Examiners
• Software Developer, Comcast
• Health Physicist, United States Army
• Graduate Researcher, University of California, Berkeley

Learn More About Careers with an Undergraduate Degree in Physics