Major in Physics at a Christian University

Explore how the universe behaves and matter interacts through practical, real-world research experiences.

In your sophomore year you'll tackle an intense research project that continues through your final semester. Through this research project you'll gain the practical skills and experience needed to pursue a career in physics or a related technical field. You'll work alongside Christian professors who care about your academic, emotional and spiritual growth. Be a part of a community where discussing research problems on office chalkboards and encouraging one another is a part of the culture.

Degree Snapshot

Undergraduate - Bachelor's

Degree Types: BS, BA

Program Credits: 124

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What will I learn?

Houghton physics student testing bridge between two tables in campus center.

Through Houghton’s degree in Physics you will use state of the art equipment as you:

Tackle real-world complex issues, or travel in your first year with acceptance into Houghton’s Science Honors Program
Develop practical new skills to solve challenging scientific programs and that are useful in physics research, like operating machine tools, welding, soldering, electronics, or using new computer languages and operating systems
Spend your summer getting paid to do real, cutting-edge research
Publish and present your research at national conferences
Gain a solid foundation for graduate work in physics or related fields, like nuclear and particle physics, materials science, astrophysics, biophysics
Build a foundation in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics

Why study Physics at Houghton?

Real World Multi Year Project

You will complete 6 semesters of Project Lab, where you work with a professor on a real research problem and present your findings. You’ll impress future employers with your deep understanding of the projects you’ve worked on, experience with specialized research equipment and software, and ability to tackle new and difficult challenges. Gain critical experience designing and using state of the art instruments and software by working on projects such as:

Small particle accelerator design (Cyclotron)
Crystal structure and formation in thin films
Electrostatic confinement fusion (Fusor)
Scanning electron microscopy
X-ray diffractometry
Scanning tunneling microscope design
Nuclear detector simulation (Geant4, MCNP)
Parity Violation in the weak nuclear force
Inertial confinement fusion

Learn about physics research

Classes Include Labs & Projects

Houghton’s small class size allows demonstrations, laboratory activities, discussions and lectures to be woven together into the same seamless class session. There's no need to wait a week for a separate lab section. Projects in upper-level theory classes allow you to see how the content can be applied to real situations.

Explore physics facilities

Experiential Learning

Each summer have the opportunity to conduct research at Houghton University’s Shannon Summer Research Institute. Work closely with faculty mentors on research projects for five to ten paid weeks before you present your findings at local or national conferences. Past research projects have involved the following collaborations: Cornell Center for Materials Research (CCMR), SUNY Geneseo, Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE), Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Ohio University Edwards Accelerator Lab, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Learn about the Shannon Summer Research Institute

Courses & Degree Requirements

Popular Courses

PHYS 260 Optics

This course is an introduction to the study of light. Topics include geometrical optics, such as optical system analysis and aberration theory, and topics from physical optics, including interference, diffraction, and Fourier optics. Special topics from quantum optics also included.

PHYS 275 Experimental Physics Laboratory

Get hands on experience in a physics lab working on current, relevant research with a faculty member.

PHYS 356 Quantum Mechanics

Explore modern quantum mechanics with an emphasis on matrix methods. Topics include time evolution of wave functions, harmonic oscillators, angular momentum, central potentials, the hydrogen atom, and perturbation theory.

Degree Options

BS - 124 credits

69 credits
Required Courses

55 credits
Elective courses + general education

BS Degree Requirements

BA - 124 credits

45 credits
Required Courses

79 credits
Elective courses + general education

BA Degree Requirements

Physics vs. Applied Physics

Physics

Experience God’s glory revealed through creation by exploring the traditional theoretical, experimental, and mathematical basis of physics.
Gain a solid foundation for graduate work in physics or related fields, like nuclear and particle physics, materials science, astrophysics, atomic physics and biophysics.
Prepare for graduate programs and careers in physics.

Applied Physics

Focus on the most basic principles at work in the physical universe and how to serve God by applying these principles to meet people’s needs.
Acquire a broad background in general engineering principles and skills; engineering design, programming, mechanics, electrodynamics, electronics, optics, thermodynamics and more.
Prepare for a broad spectrum of technical careers.
About 40% of our Applied Physics graduates have gone on to engineering graduate programs in mechanical, electrical, aerospace and other engineering disciplines.

What can I do with a degree in physics?

Career Opportunities

Students earning a BS or BA degree in Physics from Houghton University are prepared for careers as:

Aerospace Engineers

Biomedical Engineers

Biophysicists

Data Scientists

Electrical Engineers

High School Teachers

Mathematicians

Mechanical Engineers

Medical Doctors

Meteorologists

Nuclear Engineers

Nuclear Physicists

Particle Physicists

Planetary Geologists

Research Scientists

Theoretical Physicists

University Professors

Requires further education.

Graduate School

Master's degree options for physics majors:

Engineering
Nuclear Physics
Quantum Computing
Meteorology

10%

Career growth for Mechanical Engineers.

From 2022 to 2032 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Alumni Success

A Houghton degree in Physics opens doors to a variety of careers, a wide range of positions and in a variety of organizations. See where our alumni have worked.

Carrier Corporation
Clemson University
Corning Incorporated
D3 Engineering
General Dynamics
Global Foundries
Harvard University Medical Center
Laboratory for Laser Energetics
Lockheed Martin
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Newgrange Design
Rochester Precision Optics
Xylem Inc.

Houghton physics student Adam Brown next to equipment in lab.

Meaningful Research

Adam Brown ’23 loves science and chose Houghton University because of the honors program and the opportunity to complete meaningful research as an undergrad. As a student, he has completed over 1200 hours of hands-on scientific research and conducted complicated experiments working side by side with classmates and professors. While he enjoyed his honors classes and the chance to develop his writing – his experiences with the Shannon Summer Research Institute and work with fellow physicists gave him the exciting opportunity to present his research at two national physics conferences. His love for learning, passion for STEM and the skills he has developed at Houghton have prepared him for graduate work and a future career in physics.

View Alumni Success and Career Outcomes