Why a Physics degree from Le Moyne College?

Physics makes things possible, from cellphones to solar panels to airplanes. Physics is the study of the fundamental principles by which nature operates. As a physics major at Le Moyne, you will learn about topics like analytical mechanics, electronics, computational techniques, relativity, and quantum mechanics and experience first-hand how theories connect to the physical world around you. Physics students have the opportunity to conduct original research alongside a faculty mentor, and many have published their work and even presented it at national conferences. In addition, the Department of Physics has staff dedicated to helping students find internships and off-campus research opportunities. In short, the physics major, combined with Le Moyne's strong liberal arts foundation, helps you become a versatile problem solver who knows how to think analytically. You will understand – and be able to explain – how things work.

Program Highlights

Physics students at Le Moyne enjoy close working relationships with their classmates and with the physics faculty in a course of study that includes in-depth exploration of the physics of electromagnetic fields, analytical mechanics, electronics, computational techniques, relativity, and quantum mechanics.

  • The Physics Department features newly renovated laboratories and classrooms and its own machine shop
  • All physics B.S. students complete a semester-long capstone project of their own design that marries individual interests with the knowledge mastered in coursework
  • Laboratory courses introduce students to experimental technique and advanced laboratory electronics and equipment
  • Physics students have the opportunity to work with faculty members on their research covering areas such as nuclear and particle physics, particle detector technologies, plasma physics, quantum mechanics, cosmology, general relativity, quantum gravity, planetary astronomy, and electrical engineering
  • Le Moyne is a member of the PROSPECT neutrino detector collaboration
  • Faculty-mentored research opportunities for undergraduate women are available through the Clare Boothe Luce Research Scholars Program
  • Students conducting research have the opportunity to present at regional and national physics conferences and have won awards for their work
  • Le Moyne has staff dedicated to placing interested physics and engineering students in internships and off-campus research experiences

Our Stories
Photo Ryan Bonk

Ryan Bonk

physics / 2015

“It’s one thing to just flick switches and push buttons to run tests, but it’s another to..."

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Photo Tyler Schmitt

Tyler Schmitt

/ 2017

Critical thinking— you use that in every field; it’s just applied differently.

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Photo Chris Bass

Chris Bass

/ 2017

"These types of collaborations are indicative of the high caliber of the research programs at Le Moyne"

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What Can I Do with a Physics Degree

You might be surprised by the range of career options a physics degree opens up for you. When you study physics, you learn a lot about how the physical world works. But you'll also gain computer skills, master powerful mathematical tools, get hands-on experience with sophisticated electronics, and build strong laboratory skills.

At the core of an education in physics are the analytical skills you will learn and master – the ability to tackle complex problems, break them down, analyze the pieces, and synthesize a solution. In short, physicists are master problem solvers. These skills will lead to success in almost any career and are highly valued by employers of all kinds.

Many Le Moyne students go on to prestigious graduate programs in physics. Students who graduate with a bachelor's degree in physics are among the best paid of all college graduates, working in the following fields:

  • Engineering
  • Education
  • Finance
  • Software
  • Technical sales
  • Materials research
  • Green energy
  • Medical physics
  • Big data

Physics Degree Options

Majors
B.A. in Physics
B.S. in Physics
B.A. in Physics (Pre-Medical)

Minor in Physics

Physics-based Engineering Concentrations 
Students participating in the bachelor’s + master’s engineering partnership with Syracuse University must choose the appropriate concentration:
B.S. in Physics with Concentration in Pre-Engineering (Civil with Structural focus)
B.S. in Physics with Concentration in Pre-Engineering (Civil with Geotechnical focus)
B.S. in Physics with Concentration in Pre-Engineering (Electrical)
B.S. in Physics with Concentration in Pre-Engineering (Environmental)
B.S. in Physics with Concentration in Pre-Engineering (Mechanical and Aerospace)
Learn More

Distinctive Courses: Condensed Matter Physics; Nuclear Physics; Atomic & Nuclear Physics Laboratory; Quantum Mechanics; Photography and Photometry
Explore more in our Academic Catalog.

Learn about the Noyce Scholarship The Noyce grant from the NSF provides up to full-tuition scholarships for juniors and seniors majoring in STEM fields to become secondary school teachers. Applications for the 2021-2022 academic year will be accepted on a rolling basis, with priority given to those received by May 1st, 2021. Learn More