SCIENCE
The Physics minor gives students from other disciplines the opportunity to develop substantial knowledge of physics while complementing their primary field of study. Students build foundational and upper-level skills through coursework and laboratory experiences.
Students develop a foundation in physics through coursework in mechanics, physical systems, and scientific problem-solving. Foundational courses introduce students to the principles and mathematical approaches used to understand physical phenomena.
Students strengthen their ability to collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data through laboratory experiences. Upper-level coursework gives students opportunities to apply physics concepts to more complex problems and investigations.
Students also develop skills that complement their primary field of study, making the minor particularly useful for students pursuing majors in science, engineering, mathematics, and other quantitative disciplines.
The Physics minor requires 18 hours of physics coursework, including introductory physics with laboratory experiences and at least 8 hours of upper-level physics coursework. At least one upper-level laboratory is required.
The minor can be tailored to a student’s academic and career goals in consultation with a physics faculty member. Students majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, or civil engineering complete additional upper-level physics coursework because of overlap between their programs.
Engineering Physics prepares students to apply physics and engineering principles to technical challenges across a range of industries. Graduates can pursue careers in engineering, research, technology, manufacturing, energy, aerospace, and other fields that rely on strong quantitative and analytical skills.
The major also provides a strong foundation for graduate and professional study. Students may continue into engineering programs, graduate study in physics or applied science, or other technical fields that build on their background in mathematics, physics, computation, and experimentation.
Potential career paths include:
Students gain hands-on experience through physics laboratories, intermediate laboratory work, engineering design, and computational coursework. These experiences allow students to connect mathematical and scientific concepts with experimentation, modeling, and real-world problem-solving.
Students can also pursue internships, research experiences, and other opportunities in physics and engineering. These experiences can help students explore career interests, build technical skills, and prepare for graduate or professional study.
Engineering Physics provides a flexible foundation for students interested in both physics and engineering. Students can use the major to prepare for technical careers, graduate study, or specialized professional programs while developing transferable skills in quantitative reasoning, computation, experimentation, and communication.
Students interested in engineering may also pursue William Jewell’s Dual-Degree Engineering pathway, which allows Engineering Physics majors to continue their engineering education through a 3-2 program with a partner institution.
