Skip to main content
Requirements
In addition to a liberal arts core curriculum, Physics majors prepare for employment in technical fields and to excel in graduate school by completing in-depth courses taught by talented faculty.
Major
Requirements for a major in Physics.
Minor
Requirements for a minor in Physics.
Student Success
$86.8k
average mid-career salary for Marietta graduates is 4th out of 125 Ohio colleges
93%
of alumni state they are pleased with their decision to attend Marietta College and would make the same choice again
The outer facade of the Anderson Hancock Planetarium
Students walking up the steps in front of Rickey Science Center
Professor Dennis Kuhl Teaching a class over zoom
optical-mechanical star projector in Anderson Hancock Planetarium

What You’ll Learn as a Physics Major

From the vastness of space to subatomic particles, the study of physics attracts the most curious minds intrigued with discovering how the universe works.

Well-rounded Education

Physics majors at Marietta College work closely with talented professors who are highly respected scientists in their field. Small class sizes and challenging coursework give students the attention, knowledge and confidence to become successful researchers, physicists and teachers. The liberal arts approach to studying physics benefits budding scientists by giving them a well-rounded education in the sciences and humanities. Our graduates are trained scientists who have the ability to communicate their work effectively.

Student Research

Physics majors are encouraged to pursue research alone, with fellow students or partnered with faculty. Over the course of their four years at Marietta, students will complete at least one research project — and many will land top national and international internships. Marietta’s students have conducted research at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Argonne National Laboratory and the American Museum of Natural History.

More Info

Physics majors can also pursue a Secondary Education Physics Certificate, which will qualify them to teach this subject at the high school level.

 

Outcomes — Professions
  • Ceramic Development Engineer, GE Aviation
  • Physicist, National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
  • Physicist, Sandia National Laboratory
  • Portfolio Analyst, AES Corporation
  • Process Technology Development Engineer, Intel Corp.
  • Research Engineer, Ford Motor Co.
  • Researcher, 3M
  • Senior Editor, Astronomy Magazine
  • Technical Staff, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Outcomes — Graduate Programs
  • California Institute of Technology
  • Columbia University
  • Duke University
  • Purdue University
  • Rice University
  • The Ohio State University
  • University of California, Davis
  • University of Cincinnati
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Wright State University
  • Yale University
Internships
  • Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship Program through the Department of Energy, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
  • Stanford Linear Accelerator Laboratory
  • American Museum of Natural History
  • National High Magnetic Field Lab
  • ENS Cachan-Paris
Honor Societies and Student Organizations

Majors who excel in Physics are inducted to Sigma Pi Sigma, the national physics honorary.

The Marietta College chapter of the Society of Physics Students coordinates a variety of activities, including road trips to science-related sites, physics demonstrations on the campus mall and social activities. Physics majors may also present their research projects and internship experiences throughout the year during the Physics Colloquium Series, which also invites leaders in physics to speak on various topics of research and development.

Physics Major
Department Faculty & Staff

FAQs

What is the difference between Applied Physics and Physics?

Physics and Applied Physics have the same core of physics and math courses, including a mentored research project. They diverge in the upper-level coursework. The Physics major emphasizes intermediate and advanced physics courses. Most Physics majors go to graduate or professional school. The Applied Physics major is designed to be more flexible, combining the physics and math core with electives that enable the student to count courses from a non-physics field in the major. The intent is that the student can apply the math and physics core to another field. Typical outcomes for Applied Physics majors include the Engineering Dual-Degree Program, licensure as a high school physics teacher, or entry-level employment in a variety of technical fields immediately following graduation.

Are there scholarships specifically for Physics majors?

Yes! We have a few scholarships, including the premiere Rickey Scholarship, which covers full tuition.

 

Learn More

Does the department accept AP credit toward the major?

Students who earn specific scores on their AP Exams will receive college credit toward a variety of classes.

LEARN MORE

Are you ready to become a Pioneer? 

It's time to Blaze a New Trail!

Request More Information