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A Penn State Behrend physics student holds a glowing orange vial of liquid in front of a blue light.

Physics

The fundamental laws of physics govern all matter—from the largest galaxy to the smallest subatomic particle. Does that make physicists masters of the universe? We like to think so. With the B.S. in Physics from Penn State Behrend, you’ll explore energy, motion, and matter in preparation for any number of career fields in the sciences, engineering, research, education, or health care.

Why Penn State Behrend?

At Penn State Behrend, you’ll learn in small classes with close faculty interaction, and you’ll reinforce your lessons with hands-on work—including in introductory classes, which are taught not in a lecture hall but in a studio-style lab where you'll work on experiments or problem-solving activities.

You'll supplement your lessons in theory and your laboratory work with undergraduate research. And, if your interests lean toward astronomy, you can make use of our Mehalso Observatory and Yahn Planetarium.

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What Will I Study in Physics?

Your coursework will include lessons in electricity and electronics, magnetism, thermodynamics optics, mechanics, and condensed matter. In addition to your foundational courses, you’ll choose to focus on either General Physics or Computational Physics.

To see the full Physics curriculum, visit the Undergraduate Bulletin.

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Who Hires Physics Majors?

Our graduates are working as astronomers, materials scientists, research and systems engineers, and data analytics specialists. Their employers include colleges and universities, industry leaders like GE Healthcare, Medtronic, and Rolls Royce, and government agencies like the Los Alamos National Laboratory and the U.S. Department of Energy.

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More to Love

Looking to expand your employment opportunities? With careful planning, you can add a minor without adding time to your overall studies. Popular minors for our Physics students are Mathematics, Computer Science, and Chemistry.

Ready to learn more about Behrend’s B.S. in Physics? Contact our Admissions team or the School of Science.

 

Physics

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See Also

  • Curriculum
  • University Bulletin
  • Physics Minor
  • Biomedical Engineering Minor

DEPARTMENT CHAIR

Dr. Chuck Yeung
118 Witkowski
814-898-6309
[email protected]

UNDERGRADUATE COORDINATOR

Dr. Darren Williams
120 Witkowski
814-898-6008
[email protected]

Apply Now
Learn More
A Physics student at Penn State Behrend raises his hand in class.
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Physics at Penn State Behrend

Penn State Behrend

4701 College Drive
Erie, PA 16563
814-898-6000
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Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, offers the learning opportunities of a major research university in a welcoming, student-centered campus environment.
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