Explore the most fundamental science

From quarks to supernovas, all known objects in our universe are subject to the laws of physics. Physics, simply put, is the science of everything. It encompasses matter, motion and energy and is the keystone to all sciences. Physics defines life, inside the human body and in celestial bodies. It is nature itself. In fact, the name physics derives from the Greek word for nature, physica.

When you major in physics at Susquehanna University, your professors will take you on a journey from Newtonian mechanics to quantum mechanics. It may sound like a daunting journey, but the curriculum is designed to be flexible so that everyone can participate. If you are someone who needs help with additional math after high school, you can still jump into important physics concepts with course options like Independent Thought in Physics, which offers a hands-on laboratory experience while ensuring you are prepared for future classes. If you don’t need additional help, you can take more challenging courses.

Your professors want you to succeed. The community fostered by the students and faculty of the physics department offers a variety of opportunities for engagement outside the classroom. You can always find a way to interact with the department, such as becoming a teaching assistant, volunteering as a summer camp counselor, working with faculty on summer research, participating in astronomy-observing nights and much more. Best of all, these activities will also give you practical experience that will make you a desirable job candidate.


100%
of students develop and execute an individual research project with a faculty mentor
4
student-maintained 3D printers used for lab and research projects

Using physics on the basketball court and off

Lukas Yurasits ’22 enhanced his physics education with practical chemistry experience and an engineering degree. A student-athlete as well as a budding scientist, he has leveraged Susquehanna’s sophisticated instruments and research-driven curriculum to build his career. He aspires to a career in sports technology, blending his athletic and academic sides.

Read more

Lukas Yurasits '22

Potential Careers

  • Mechanical engineer
  • Medical physicist
  • Research scientist
  • Radiation safety officer
  • R&D engineer

Recent Employers

  • Northrop Grumman
  • General Motors
  • Tesla
  • Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
  • Naval Sea System Command

Graduate School Placement

  • Tufts University
  • Penn State University
  • University of North Carolina, Greensboro
  • Tulane University
  • Wake Forest University

River Hawks find that 3+2=lucrative careers

Susquehanna faculty and students from the chemistry, math and physics programs discuss how the 3+2 Engineering program has forged convergent career paths. The panel shares their experiences, as well as tips for fellow SU students’ success.

Watch now

Studying for a Degree in Physics

Explore the courses you’ll take on your journey to earning a degree in physics at Susquehanna.


Explore other programs and opportunities

See the full list of related programs on the School of Natural and Social Sciences page.

Mathematics

Engineering 3+2 Programs

Computer Science

Chemical Physics


Virtual Tour of Fisher Hall

Click Here for the Accessibility Version

Contact Us

Physics

514 University Ave.
Selinsgrove, Pa. 17870

Get Directions

Location

Fisher Hall

Campus Map

Phone & Email

Carl Faust, department head
570-372-4471
faust@susqu.edu