Mathematics
- M
- m
- T
Physics Major in Pennsylvania
As a physics major at Messiah University, you’ll thrive in a Christian environment known for its intellectually challenging atmosphere as you earn your bachelor's degree.
Study Physics at a Christian University
Messiah’s Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in physics degree program provides you with a rigorous, multi-faceted educational experience combined with a solid introduction into computer science and statistics—all in a Christian context. You’ll take courses such as such as Classical and Analytical Mechanics; Electricity and Magnetism; and Quantum Mechanics and study with professors who have a variety of scholarly interests from cosmic ray detection to thin film physics.
As a physics major or minor at Messiah University, you’ll be able to:
- Choose from a B.A. or B.S. degree.
- Participate in cosmic ray detection research with the support of NASA and the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.
- Take challenging courses such as Classical and Analytical Mechanics; Electricity and Magnetism; and Quantum Mechanics.
- Get involved in hands-on research projects with faculty members within areas of expertise including solid state physics/materials science and particle physics.
- Study with professors whose scholarly interests include cosmic ray detection and thin film physics.
- Work alongside other students in projects related to communications technology, assistance for disabled persons, sustainable energy, transportation technologies and water resources.
- Present your work professionally, on campus at our annual SEH Symposium, or regionally and/or nationally at professional meetings attended by students and faculty.
- Potentially attend graduate school fully funded if you are a strong college graduate in the sciences.
- Earn a minor in statistics, a strong add-on to a physics major and a distinctive program that is unique among Christian colleges and universities.
B.A. degree
The Bachelor of Arts degree traditionally provides a broad-based physics program with more liberal arts emphasis. The B.A. physics degree at Messiah give you a strong physics education while still leaving plenty of room for electives, and possibility to add a minor or second major if desired. The B.A. degree is also the best for students wishing to study one semester abroad.
B.S. degree
The Bachelor of Science degree is designed to offer a stronger technical background in the discipline, with four more required courses. The B.S. degree is ideal for you if you want to get as much physics as you can out of your college experience. Most students heading for graduate school choose this option, but it is not required. You will not be able to fit as many electives in your schedule with the B.S. degree, but with careful planning it is still possible to add a minor, and possibly (especially if you come in with some AP credits) even a second major.
Teaching certification
If teaching physics interests you, you can apply to Messiah’s teacher education program in addition to your physics degree. You’ll take required physics courses and also take a sequence of education courses that prepare you to take the state-required exam to become a certified secondary (grades 7-12) physics teacher in public or private schools.
As a graduate of the physics program, you will be equipped to secure jobs such as:
- Physicist
- Data scientist
- Researcher
- Application engineer
For more information on career planning for the physics program, visit the Messiah University Career and Professional Development Center.
Messiah’s nationally recognized internship program places students in a variety of physics internships. Many physics majors have participated in a variety of internship in the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania region. They've also participated in faculty and student research in cosmic ray detection with the support of NASA and the Fermi National Accelerator Lab.
All majors completing the physics teaching certification complete sophomore and junior field experience semesters in their second and third year, as well as a full-time professional semester (student-teaching) in their fourth year.
Programs related to Physics
In the Physics program, you will take a selection of courses that successfully prepare you for a career in a related field. Hands-on experiences and classroom learning within the framework of Christian faith will give you the skills and knowledge to achieve your goals. Our programs offer a wide variety of courses that will not only help you excel in your future career, but challenge you to develop a deeper understanding of your field of study.
Course options for Physics:
Physics (B.A.)
Physics (B.S.)
Physics (B.A.) with Secondary Teaching Certification
Physics Minor
Physics careers and outcomes
Where our grads work
Graduates of the Physics program work in positions of leadership in their places of employment, using the tools and knowledge a Messiah University education prepared them with. Each year, eager employers and some of the nation's best graduate schools welcome Messiah graduates into their organizations.
96% of the Class of 2022 respondents were employed or in graduate school within 6-9 months of graduation.
Our Alumni
Regional and national employers seek out Messiah graduates for their academic preparation, work ethic and personal character. The transformation you experience at Messiah readies you to transform the lives of others through your chosen career path.
MEET ALUMNI FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTING, MATHEMATICS AND PHYSICS
Research
Both inside and outside of the classroom, you’ll have the opportunity to complete projects and research that you can present during our annual research symposium. And during the summer, you even may be able to participate in summer research funded by the National Science Foundation.
With a solid theoretical and applied core of courses offered in our physics program, you’ll be ready for a career in industry, education, government, or for graduate school where you’ll be well prepared to specialize in a variety of fields.
Messiah's unique approach to hands-on learning
Learning in the classroom is important but actually applying that knowledge in a hands-on way can make all the difference. At Messiah University, the Experiential Learning Initiative (ELI) allows Messiah to take this hands-on learning to a new level by giving students the opportunity to apply what they have learned to various real world contexts--such as an internship/practica, service learning, off-campus program, holding a student leadership position, or participating in undergraduate research.