{"id":317,"date":"2024-11-11T15:52:15","date_gmt":"2024-11-11T20:52:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.golive.clarku.edu\/programs\/physics-major-minor\/"},"modified":"2026-03-16T15:00:42","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T19:00:42","slug":"physics-bs","status":"publish","type":"clarku_program","link":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/programs\/major\/physics-bs\/","title":{"rendered":"Physics, B.S."},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile is-image-fill-element hero-program has-background\" style=\"background-color:#2c5234;padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0;grid-template-columns:auto 60%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"intro has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8856783d815379f215d3e7fac5baa8f4\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);font-size:1.4rem;font-style:normal;font-weight:300\">Through our hands-on learning approach, you\u2019ll put your studies into motion the moment you arrive on campus. You\u2019ll explore the fundamental laws and principles that govern our universe \u2014 from atomic theory to quantum thermodynamics.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"taxonomy-degree_type wp-block-post-terms\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/programs\/?degree_type=4-1-option\" rel=\"tag\">4+1 option<\/a><span class=\"wp-block-post-terms__separator\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/programs\/?degree_type=major\" rel=\"tag\">Major<\/a><span class=\"wp-block-post-terms__separator\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/programs\/?degree_type=minor\" rel=\"tag\">Minor<\/a><\/div><\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"880\" height=\"550\" src=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/programs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/physics-1340-880x550-1.jpg\" alt=\"Physics professor with student looking over laptop\" class=\"wp-image-150 size-full\" style=\"object-position:50% 50%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/programs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/physics-1340-880x550-1.jpg 880w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/programs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/physics-1340-880x550-1-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/programs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/physics-1340-880x550-1-768x480.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 880px) 100vw, 880px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-top sidebar-right is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Leading faculty members will guide your learning across three distinct tracks: comprehensive, applied, or general physics. You\u2019ll merge your classroom knowledge with lab experiences, and collaborate with professors and peers on research \u2014 ranging from renewable energy to molecular lattice systems&nbsp;\u2014 as early as your first year.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-c53c594d wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--warm-gray);border-left-width:0.17rem;padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);flex-basis:33.33%\"><div style=\"color:inherit\" class=\"eyebrow  has-text-align-left\">Explore physics<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"arrow has-deep-red-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f483cb09f14d0afebffa6a7d57f5e4dc\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/departments\/physics\/\">Department<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"arrow has-deep-red-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-baaf6683e7836132d2461fe9dfe1b53b\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/departments\/physics\/people\/faculty\/\">Faculty<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"arrow has-deep-red-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-194d129e3182c63928c4396674c3dbc1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/curriculum-and-careers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/67\/Physics-Major-Map.pdf\">Major Map<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"arrow has-deep-red-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b6d67f7e16bf2c38589b94deeb17e87f\"><a href=\"https:\/\/catalog.clarku.edu\/preview_program.php?catoid=35&amp;poid=7140&amp;returnto=2879#physicscourses\">All Physics Courses<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-stretch is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-2086\" alt=\"students in the physics lab\" src=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/programs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/physics.jpg\" style=\"object-position:40% 48%\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" data-object-position=\"40% 48%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/programs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/physics.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/programs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/physics-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/programs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/physics-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/programs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/physics-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/programs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/physics-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-0 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-study-physics-at-clark\">Why Study physics at Clark?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-checkmark-list has-small-font-size\">\n<li>Pursue your undergraduate degree in a department that\u2019s been home to some of the most influential physicists in the world, including&nbsp;Arthur Gordon Webster, founder of the American Physical Society;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/who-we-are\/history-and-traditions\/\">Albert Michelson<\/a>, the first American Nobel laureate in science; and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/about\/history\/from-clark-to-the-moon\/\">Robert Goddard<\/a>, the father of modern rocketry.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use state-of-the-art research facilities, including access to a 50-tesla pulsed magnetic field laboratory \u2014 one of the highest magnetic fields available at any university in the United States.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Complete internships in cutting-edge research labs at Clark, or at other research institutions around the country, which prepare you for careers in diverse fields.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take advantage of our 3\/2 engineering program, which pairs a B.A. from Clark with a B.S. in engineering from Columbia University.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-gray-100-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-80fb368b wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-1-an-advanced-degree-within-reach\">4 + 1\u2014An advanced degree within reach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The 4+1 Accelerated Master\u2019s provides an opportunity to earn a pathway to a master\u2019s degree \u2014 with one year of additional study and available tuition scholarships. Consider the following options for this major:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"arrow\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/programs\/physics-ms-bs\/\">Physics, B.S. | M.S.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull roomy has-white-color has-blue-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-2049437ebb334cc261c1279634468f09 is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-clarku-clarku-block-tabs clarku__tabs_0cfdd367 outline is-style-default\"><ul class=\"clarku__tab-labels\" role=\"tablist\" aria-label=\"tabbed content\"><li id=\"\" class=\"clarku__tab-label active\" role=\"tab\">Apply<\/li><li id=\"\" class=\"clarku__tab-label\" role=\"tab\">Request Info<\/li><\/ul><div class=\"clarku__tab-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-clarku-child-tab clarku__tab-panel\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"Apply\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-fb200d29 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center intro has-large-font-size\">Are you ready to take the first step?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--1\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/undergraduate-admissions\/apply\/\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-clarku-child-tab clarku__tab-panel\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"Request Info\"><p>Sign up to receive information on academics, student life, and the undergraduate admissions process.<\/p>\r\n<div id=\"form_51beae3e-1ae2-4dd3-a17f-be423f51f3e5\">Loading\u2026<\/div>\r\n<p><script async=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/apply.clarku.edu\/register\/?id=51beae3e-1ae2-4dd3-a17f-be423f51f3e5&output=embed&div=form_51beae3e-1ae2-4dd3-a17f-be423f51f3e5\">\/**\/<\/script>\r\n<style>#form_description { display: none; }<\/style>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-featured-courses\">Featured Courses<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-grid wp-block-group-is-layout-grid clarku_cl_cards clarku-post-filter-grid \">\t \n<div class=\"clarku-course\">\n\t<figure>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/programs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/object-oriented-300x200-jpg.avif\" class=\"clarku-block-card-img clarku-block-card-img-full wp-post-image\" alt=\"object oriented computer simulation lab\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/programs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/object-oriented-300x200-jpg.avif 300w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/programs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/object-oriented-768x512-jpg.avif 768w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/programs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/object-oriented-jpg.avif 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>\t\t<div class=\"course-tags\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/figure>\n\t<div class=\"course-content\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"eyebrow\">PHYS 127<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Computer Simulation Laboratory<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<p><p>Build competency in object-oriented programming while you explore the diverse applications and methods of computer simulation and apply your knowledge to projects of your choice at your own pace.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n<div class=\"clarku-course\">\n\t<figure>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/programs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/nodes-300x200-jpg.avif\" class=\"clarku-block-card-img clarku-block-card-img-full wp-post-image\" alt=\"abstract art of nodes in a network\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/programs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/nodes-300x200-jpg.avif 300w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/programs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/nodes-jpg.avif 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>\t\t<div class=\"course-tags\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ct pill program-of-liberal-studies\" title=\"Program of Liberal Studies\">PLS<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/figure>\n\t<div class=\"course-content\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"eyebrow\">PHYS 169<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Information Theory, Inference, and Networks<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<p><p>Investigate the basic concepts of information theory and its applications to statistical inference and network theory.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n<div class=\"clarku-course\">\n\t<figure>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/programs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/solar-panels-300x200.jpg\" class=\"clarku-block-card-img clarku-block-card-img-full wp-post-image\" alt=\"inspecting solar panels at Clark\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/programs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/solar-panels-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/programs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/solar-panels.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>\t\t<div class=\"course-tags\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ct pill problems-of-practice\" title=\"Problems of Practice\">POP<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/figure>\n\t<div class=\"course-content\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"eyebrow\">PHYS 243<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Technology of Renewable Energy<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<p><p>Get hands on with Clark\u2019s microgrid by mounting solar panels, building wind turbines, and connecting electrical systems while learning about renewable energy.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:4rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns stagger-left no-gap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover abut-end has-true-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ff23ebc037bc59136423f959909c2137\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);min-height:40rem;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-gray-100-background-color has-background-dim-100 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-cover-is-layout-6f90b940 wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\"><div style=\"color:inherit\" class=\"eyebrow  has-text-align-left\">curriculum<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-charcoal-color has-text-color has-link-color has-small-font-size wp-elements-23cf73aa188fe20fa026d4b60364337e\">The physics major, which requires a minimum of 18 courses to complete, can be customized to meet your interests. We offer&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/programs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/09\/physics-major-tracks.pdf\">three tracks<\/a>&nbsp;to choose from, depending on your career goals: the comprehensive physics track, applied physics track, and general physics track. In addition to core physics courses, you can take specialized courses in pre-professional physics, biological physics, fluid dynamics, information theory, the technology of renewable energy, electronics, and computational physics, and explore related fields such as environmental studies, management, government, law, medicine, and teaching. You can also pursue the major as part of the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/departments\/3-2-engineering\/\">3\/2 engineering program<\/a>&nbsp;with Columbia University. If you\u2019re considering a career teaching physics at the high school level, we encourage you to check out the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/departments\/education\/undergraduate-programs\/noyce-scholarship\/\">Noyce Scholarship program<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-charcoal-color has-text-color has-link-color has-small-font-size wp-elements-b87bde14e5b7faa0b4a728448bbfc068\">Our physics program is aimed at helping you develop both an understanding of physical phenomena and your problem-solving and analytical-thinking skills. Throughout the physics major (or minor), you will spend a great deal of time thinking deeply about physics and working in the laboratory to discover how physical systems work. Starting with the introductory physics sequence, all our courses prepare you to apply your knowledge of physics and mathematics to study real-world and unsolved problems. Near the end of your junior year, or earlier, you can choose a topic for your capstone project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><strong>Curriculum update<br><\/strong>Effective fall 2025, Clark offers new majors a B.S. in Finance instead of a B.A. Contact your advisor for details.<\/p>\n\n\n<div style=\"color:inherit\" class=\"eyebrow  has-text-align-left\">requirements<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-small-font-size is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6c531013 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-gray-700-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/catalog.clarku.edu\/preview_program.php?catoid=35&amp;poid=7140&amp;returnto=2879#majorrequirements\">Major<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-gray-700-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/catalog.clarku.edu\/preview_program.php?catoid=35&amp;poid=7141&amp;returnto=2879#minorrequirements\">Minor<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-gray-700-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/catalog.clarku.edu\/preview_program.php?catoid=35&amp;poid=7165&amp;returnto=2879#departmentaleligibilityrequirements\">accelerated BA\/Master&#8217;s<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover abut-end has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d748f060ad1273ad2ed12e18e8801f2b\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);min-height:28rem;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-gray-600-background-color has-background-dim-100 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-cover-is-layout-73b89f41 wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\"><div style=\"color:var(--clarku-color-white)\" class=\"eyebrow has-drop-shadow has-text-align-left\">Career communities<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-drop-shadow has-body-font-family has-medium-font-size\">At Clark you\u2019ll get more than a great education;&nbsp;you\u2019ll also be prepared for a long, productive career and life of consequence. And once you\u2019ve completed your degree, you can join other Clark alumni who have gone on to work for great organizations and attend some of the best graduate schools in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The following communities may be of interest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left arrow has-drop-shadow has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-cdb95e5ecaf7a1467381720d8a9e2149\">Science Data, and Technology<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover abut-end has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-872132d562016d9d326580199f59f63a\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);min-height:60rem;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-light-blue-background-color has-background-dim-100 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-cover-is-layout-3f8c44ea wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\"><div style=\"color:inherit\" class=\"eyebrow  has-text-align-left\">careers<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Physics Assistant<\/strong><br><em>Mevion Medical Systems<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>High School Physics Teacher<\/strong><br><em>Braintree Public Schools<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lab Supervisor<\/strong><br><em>Janis Research Company<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Engineering Intern<br><\/strong><em>SolarOne, Inc.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Web Application Developer<\/strong><br><em>Networked Information Services<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div style=\"color:inherit\" class=\"eyebrow  has-text-align-left\">Graduate School Placement<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Graduate schools attended by physics graduates from Clark include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>University of Chicago<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>University of Southern California<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Carnegie Mellon University<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cornell University<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Harvard University<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-37d695921763b8a3291c1e00b0392d00\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);min-height:32rem;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-deep-red-background-color has-background-dim-90 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-cover-is-layout-da470a24 wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\"><div style=\"color:var(--clarku-color-white)\" class=\"eyebrow  has-text-align-left\">Building your foundation<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Clark Experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">The Clark Experience brings together the exceptional education you\u2019ll receive in the classroom and so much more. Through focus and flexibility, it ensures you\u2019ll leave Clark with the creativity, confidence, and resilience to succeed and lead a life of meaning and consequence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right arrow-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/academics\/the-clark-experience\/\"><strong>See it in action<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-style-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What can I do with a major in physics?<\/summary>\n<p>At Clark you\u2019ll get more than a great education;&nbsp;you\u2019ll also be prepared for a long, productive career and life of consequence. And once you\u2019ve completed your degree, you can join other Clark alumni who have gone on to work for great organizations and attend some of the best graduate schools in the world.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-style-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What skills will I learn?<\/summary>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Practical problem-solving skills<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Critical and creative thinking skills<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Quantitative and qualitative reasoning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Computational and mathematical methods used to learn and explain physical concepts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-style-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What facilities and labs are available?<\/summary>\n<p>You will be able to use research-grade and advanced laboratory equipment, including a scanning tunneling microscope, an atomic force microscope, a SQUID magnetometer, and an X-ray-computed tomography system. We have well-equipped teaching laboratories dedicated to computer simulations, electronics, optics, atomic and nuclear physics, and materials science. You also will&nbsp;have access to the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/library\/special-libraries\/\">Carlson Science Library<\/a>. Our electronics and instrument shops are available for use by faculty and students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"arrow\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/departments\/physics\/research\/facilities\/\"><strong>Learn More<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-style-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can physics majors earn an academic achievement award?<\/summary>\n<p><strong>Roy S. Andersen \u201943 Award<\/strong><br>The Roy S. Andersen \u201943 Award was established by Roy S. Andersen and friends in order to increase the interest of high school students in physics and in the related sciences, including mathematics; to increase the reputation of the sciences at Clark University among high school students, teachers and guidance counselors; and to increase the public\u2019s understanding of science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Albert C. Erickson \u201930 Academic Award<\/strong><br>The Albert C. Erickson \u201930 Academic Award was established by the Tupper Foundation in memory of the late Albert C. Erickson (Ph.D., Physics, 1934), to provide an annual award to a senior at Clark, who has done outstanding work in physics and mathematics, and who shows unusual promise in these fields.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-style-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Is there an honors program in physics?<\/summary>\n<p>During your junior year, you might be accepted into the physics honors program. Joining the program means you\u2019ll work closely with a professor to create a thesis on a topic of your choice. Examples of recent honors theses topics are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Topographic and Spectroscopic Analysis of Cuprous Oxide Nanocubes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chaotic Biophysical Systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Building a Vertical Wind Turbine for the Math-Physics Building Nanogrid<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Analysis of Anisotropic Critical Fields in Superconductors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Phase Relations in Biological Oscillators<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Designing a 2-Axis Solar Tracker in Order to Maximize Efficiency<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull closer is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained has-background\" style=\"min-height:40vh;background-image:url(&apos;https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/programs\/wp-content\/themes\/jonas\/images\/jch-walk.jpg&apos;);background-position:68% 38%;background-size:cover;\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6c531013 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group color has-white-color has-deep-red-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-b285a1c2b7ce1a0d0c0429360243e57e is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c399be0d wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Be a force for change.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Come study at a small research university with a strong liberal arts core.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-icon__location\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"\/undergraduate-admissions\/visit\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-button__link-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 30 30\">\n  <path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M15,26.54h0c-1.68-1.3-3.27-2.72-4.75-4.25-1.23-1.24-2.32-2.61-3.27-4.09-.88-1.27-1.39-2.76-1.48-4.31-.13-5.38,4.12-9.85,9.5-10,5.38.15,9.63,4.62,9.5,10-.09,1.54-.61,3.03-1.48,4.31-.94,1.47-2.04,2.84-3.27,4.09-1.48,1.53-3.07,2.95-4.75,4.25ZM15,9.89c-1.93,0-3.5,1.57-3.5,3.5s1.57,3.5,3.5,3.5,3.5-1.57,3.5-3.5-1.57-3.5-3.5-3.5Z\"\/>\n<\/svg><\/span>Visit<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-icon__apply\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"\/undergraduate-admissions\/apply\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-button__link-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 30 30\">\n  <path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M7.51,21.22v-12c0-.55.45-1,1-1h10c.55,0,1,.45,1,1v7.21l2.83-2.83c.05-.05.11-.09.17-.14v-6.24c0-1.1-.9-2-2-2h-4.06c-.41-1.26-1.62-2.08-2.94-2-1.32-.08-2.53.74-2.94,2h-4.06c-1.1,0-2,.9-2,2v16c0,1.1.9,2,2,2h7.3l.33-2.95s.02-.03.02-.05h-5.65c-.55,0-1-.45-1-1Z\"\/>\n  <g>\n    <path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M10.51,10.22h6c.55,0,1,.45,1,1h0c0,.55-.45,1-1,1h-6c-.55,0-1-.45-1-1h0c0-.55.45-1,1-1Z\"\/>\n    <path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M10.51,14.22h6c.55,0,1,.45,1,1h0c0,.55-.45,1-1,1h-6c-.55,0-1-.45-1-1h0c0-.55.45-1,1-1Z\"\/>\n    <path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M10.51,18.22h4c.55,0,1,.45,1,1h0c0,.55-.45,1-1,1h-4c-.55,0-1-.45-1-1h0c0-.55.45-1,1-1Z\"\/>\n  <\/g>\n  <path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M19.72,25.1l7.07-7.07c.78-.78.78-2.05,0-2.83l-.55-.55c-.78-.78-2.05-.78-2.83,0l-7.07,7.07,3.38,3.38Z\"\/>\n  <polygon fill=\"currentColor\" points=\"15.2 26.24 19.02 25.81 15.63 22.43 15.2 26.24\"\/>\n<\/svg><\/span>Apply<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Leading faculty members will guide your learning across three distinct tracks: comprehensive, applied, or general physics. You\u2019ll merge your classroom knowledge with lab experiences, and collaborate with professors and peers on research \u2014 ranging from renewable energy to molecular lattice systems&nbsp;\u2014 as early as your first year. Department Faculty Major Map All Physics Courses Why [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":150,"parent":0,"template":"single-clarku_program","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"tags":[143],"interest_area":[11],"degree_type":[52,7,8],"class_list":["post-317","clarku_program","type-clarku_program","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-stem","interest_area-science-data-and-technology","degree_type-4-1-option","degree_type-major","degree_type-minor"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Physics, B.S. | Programs | Clark University<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/programs\/major\/physics-bs\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Physics, B.S.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Leading faculty members will guide your learning across three distinct tracks: comprehensive, applied, or general physics. You\u2019ll merge your classroom knowledge with lab experiences, and collaborate with professors and peers on research \u2014 ranging from renewable energy to molecular lattice systems&nbsp;\u2014 as early as your first year. 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