Physics

Undergraduate

At Simmons, physics is not just theoretical

Physics helps us understand the universe, from the vastness of space to the tiniest subatomic particles. It provides the foundational knowledge behind much of modern technology, including pacemakers, artificial limbs, integrated circuits, and rocket engines.

Earn a bachelor’s degree in physics at Simmons and gain the powerful knowledge of how the world truly works. You will access opportunities in fields that value problem-solving skills — including aerospace, applied science, computer science, data science, engineering, energy, healthcare, and environment.

Simmons is committed to advancing women and gender equity in science and beyond. We provide a supportive environment designed to help you reach your full potential and meet your career goals. You'll benefit from small classes and dedicated faculty members invested in your growth and success.

What Will You Learn as a Physics Major at Simmons?

Simmons’ BS in physics combines a theoretical framework with hands-on undergraduate research opportunities. You’ll explore the structure and properties of materials, develop essential problem-solving skills, and gain valuable experience with computer modeling and data analysis.

Key topics in our bachelor of science program:

Applied Physics
Electricity and magnetism
Foundational and Modern Physics
Mechanics
Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics, and Molecular Structure
Physical Science
Wave Phenomena

You’ll put concepts to the test working alongside our expert faculty on research projects. You are encouraged to jump right in during your first year on campus.

Many of today's most exciting areas of research occur at the intersection of different science and engineering disciplines. Our curriculum, research programs, and collaborations reflect this new interdisciplinary environment.

What Can You Do with a Physics Degree?

Our graduates thrive in a range of innovative careers in both industry and education. Many pursue advanced study in medical school, law, dental, or graduate programs in physics, chemistry, biochemistry, and engineering.

Students interested in healthcare often major or minor in physics to distinguish their backgrounds and widen their research experiences. Explore healthcare careers through our Pre-Health Professions Track.

If interested in engineering, learn more about Simmons’ Dual Degree Engineering program, which includes physics courses.

Program Requirements

Physics majors take the following courses:

PHYS114	Fundamentals of Physics I	4
PHYS115	Fundamentals of Physics II	4
PHYS201	Wave Phenomena and Introductory Modern Physics	4
PHYS300	Mechanics	4
PHYS305	Electricity and Magnetism	4
PHYS331	Thermodynamics and Kinetics	4
PHYS332	Quantum Mechanics and Molecular Structure	4
PHYS350	Independent Study	4
	OR
PHYS355	Independent Study with Thesis	0
PHYS390	Physics Seminar	1

Choose 4 credits from the following courses:

PHYS233	Introduction to Medical Imaging	4
PHYS333	Advanced Topics in Modern Physics	4

Prerequisites and other required courses:

MATH120	Calculus I	4
MATH121	Calculus II	4
MATH220	Multivariable Calculus	4
MATH225	Differential Equations	4
CHEM111	Principles of General Chemistry	4
	OR
CHEM113	General & Quantitative Chemistry I	4
CHEM216	General & Quantitative Chemistry II	4

Minor Requirements

Three Core Courses

PHYS114	Fundamentals of Physics I	4
PHYS115	Fundamentals of Physics II	4
PHYS201	Wave Phenomena and Introductory Modern Physics	4

Choose 8 credits from the following (at least one 300-level):

PHYS233	Introduction to Medical Imaging	4
PHYS300	Mechanics	4
PHYS305	Electricity and Magnetism	4
PHYS331	Thermodynamics and Kinetics	4
PHYS332	Quantum Mechanics and Molecular Structure	4
PHYS333	Advanced Topics in Modern Physics	4

Customize Your Program

You'll meet regularly with a faculty advisor to plan a program of study that matches your interests and career goals. If you're interested in future graduate or professional study, such as medical or dental school, make sure you meet with a health professions advisor as soon as possible so you can meet all the application requirements during your undergraduate study.

Many students choose to combine the study of physics with a complementary major or minor. A minor in physics is also available for students pursuing other majors.

Internships and Research

Research and internships are key elements of our program. You'll grow in skill level and confidence as you master applied physics in the classroom, at the bench and out in the field.

Our students:

Conduct research, travel to scientific meetings, and publish with faculty
Conduct independent research as a senior and write a thesis
Are awarded summer fellowships
Attend graduate or medical school

Recent REU programs and summer fellowship sites that students attended:

University of Washington
Johns Hopkins University
Columbia University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Harvard University
Oregon State
California Institute of Technology
University of Colorado
Cornell University

Our physics majors/minors recently attended or are attending graduate programs or medical school at:

Auburn University
University of Western Australia
NY Medical College
Columbia University
Northeastern University
McGill University
Tufts University
George Washington University
Washington University
University of Oregon
Boston University
Emory University School of Medicine

A sample of student thesis topics:

Degradation of [Ir(ppy)2(dtb-bpy)]PF6, Heather Bankowski
A Study of Thermal Noise for Enhanced LIGO, Lucienne Merrill (The experimental work was carried out at MIT under the supervision of Dr. Gregg Harry.)
A Green Process to Depolymerize PLA, Jennifer Boice
Characterization of Poly(lactic acid) in Various Standard Acidic Conditions by Scanning Electron Microscopy, Lauren Morrell
Microfluidics: Electrowetting, Regina Yopak
Dynamic light scattering analysis of aggregation processes in ß-amyloid fibrils, Kathy Chaurasiya
Templating the growth and nucleation of calcium oxalate monohydrate on gold via microcontact printing, Tania M. Cabrera
Identification of steroids by post-source decay fragmentation MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, Sheri Benson
Synthesis and Aggregation of New Colloidal Particles, Pamela Sahota
Synthesis, Characterization and Use of Bipyridyl Ruthenium Complexes in Organic Light-Emitting Diodes, Erica Gunn.
Characterization of an FSIR Sensor, Emily Coombs
A Validation of Two Forensic Procedures for the Detection of Salivary Amylase, Hannah Knowles

Employment and Careers

Who Is Hiring Physics Bachelor’s?

A state-by-state listing of the many employers who recently hired physics bachelor’s into science and engineering positions.

Latest Employment Data for Physicists and Astronomers

Reports that provide the latest data on where physicists work and what they do throughout the economy and at different degree levels.

Statistical Research Center

Current data on education and employment in physics, astronomy, and allied fields, including interactive resources, full reports, and individual graphs and tables.

Our Faculty

Michael Jordan

Associate Professor of Practice

Rich Gurney

Professor and Chair of the Chemistry and Physics Department

Michael Paul

Associate Teaching Professor

Jason White

Professor and Director of the Dual Degree Engineering Program

Spotlight on Physics Students and Alums

View All News

Annabelle Hannah ’25 on the Simmons campus

Finding Support in STEM and Relishing Urban Life

Chemistry and Physics double major Annabelle Hannah ’25 discusses her laboratory research experiences and how she found community at Simmons.

Annabelle Hannah ’25 seated by a waterfall

Chemistry/Physics Student Accepted into Research Experience at UPenn

Annabelle Hannah ’25, a double-major in Chemistry and Physics, was accepted into the 2024 summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn). The 10-week program is funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF).

STEM Student Attends Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics

CJ ’24 (Chloie Johnson) attended the American Physical Society’s Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics (CUWiP) at Boston University in January 2023. They spoke with us about their experience at the conference and their love for science. Tell us about...

Dan Nguyen ’23 Receives Robert Y. Young Award

Physics major Dan Nguyen has received a prestigious award from the Acoustical Society of America (ASA). Nguyen began her research as a SURPASs (Summer Undergraduate Research Program at Simmons) scholar and is now testing her theories at the new science building. She spoke with us about her project, what drew her to Simmons, and her future plans.

Associate Professor of Physics Phillip Jason White with BMUS Lab Students

Simmons Students Experiment with Focused Ultrasound

"I like to connect physics to healthcare, to give my students context," says Associate Professor of Physics Phillip Jason White. "I’ve worked in healthcare for over 20 years — in radiology, transplantation, cardiology, neurology — and I use all of...

Simmons Taught Hannah Sieber '14 to Speak Up, Now She Teaches Students to be Confident

Software engineer, Hannah Sieber '14, followed her passion for teaching and launched TriTutoring LLC in May 2020. In addition to tutoring, Sieber helps students be their best selves and gain confidence.

From top left: Catherine Cox '23, Brianna Desharnais '22, Julia Hart '21, Lauren Howard '22, Evangeline Kennedy '21, Irmana Monem '21, and Graciella Rios Ortega '21

Passionate Leaders Project: Spring 2021 Cohort

The Passionate Leaders Project supports undergraduate students seeking to enrich their academic and professional interests by funding learning opportunities beyond the boundaries of the traditional classroom. Learn what the Spring 2021 cohort is up to!

Julia Hart '21 on Taking our Last Chance to Combat Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Julia Hart '21 is a keynote speaker at the 2021 Undergraduate Symposium! Learn more about her project, "Engineering a Bi-functional Heterostructure for Enhanced and Selective CO2 Adsorption/Reduction Under Visible Light Irradiation."