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Physics
At a Glance
Choose to study physics and unravel the laws and forces that govern our universe. You will start with physics fundamentals before focusing on the area that fascinates you most — astrophysics, biomedical physics, computational physics, geophysics, materials science, physics secondary education, and pre-graduate physics. You’ll work closely with dedicated faculty mentors to develop highly marketable competencies in analytical and mathematical skills, problem-solving, conceptual thinking, and teamwork to prepare for success in a breadth of career opportunities or graduate programs.
Accelerated/Dual-Degree Program Option
Get a jumpstart and enter the workforce with a master’s or professional degree. Accelerated options get you there faster and more affordably through fewer semesters of classes. Dual degrees offer a streamlined path to earning two degrees, often with direct admission to the graduate portion.
Medicine
Physics + Medicine, BS/MD
First-year applicants can gain direct admission to New Jersey Medical School in this Seven-Year Medical Program (3+4).
You’ll Benefit From:
- Small class sizes, lab-based classes, and dedicated faculty mentors
- Studies customizable by specialization
- The flexibility to pursue double majors, minors, and free electives to pursue your goals
- Opportunities for faculty-mentored research and community engagement
- Independent study, internships, and on-campus employment
- Study abroad programs and faculty-led study abroad tours
- State-of-the-art facilities, technology, and specialized software
- Extensive preparation and guidance for graduate and professional programs
- Strong faculty advising and access to a robust alumni network of professionals
Careers
Physics majors are well-equipped to pursue a range of opportunities after graduation. You can choose to launch a career in industry or journalism, pursue graduate work, teach, or earn a degree in medicine or law. About half of our graduates enroll in graduate programs immediately or within two years of graduation, pursuing advanced studies in physics, astrophysics, geophysics, engineering, and many interdisciplinary programs.
Recent Employers
- Edmund Optics
- Lockheed Martin
- New Jersey high schools
- State of New Jersey
- ThorLabs
Recent Graduate Schools
- Cornell
- Lehigh
- NYU
- Penn State
- Rochester Institute of Technology
Flexible Curriculum
The physics major has been designed to promote thorough preparation in physics while allowing flexibility for you to engage in academic opportunities across campus — and the world. Think about taking advantage of a second major, minor(s), college core courses, a specific concentration, or study abroad experiences.
Faculty
Small, lab-based classes provide you with focused instruction from professors and hands-on experience in cutting-edge facilities. Class size ranges from 10 to 24 students, and all courses throughout the program are taught by full-time faculty members.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Our faculty are all active teacher-scholars with diverse research expertise: quasars and black holes, neuronal networks, lasers and plasmas, atmospheric ice crystals, earthquakes and volcanoes. This extensive range of knowledge enables our faculty to accommodate nearly any research interest and to provide students with the opportunity to do high-quality work, presenting and publishing in respected academic and professional forums.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
One of the biggest advantages to studying physics at TCNJ is the access you’ll have to state-of-the-art research labs and equipment starting on Day One. You will learn to use high-tech instrumentation in optics, astronomy, seismology, atomic and plasma physics, and more.
