Physics

In fall 2014, physics will move into the Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life, a 101,000-square-foot facility equipped with 30 state-of-the-art labs and technology-enhanced classrooms. Built to meet LEED-certification standards for environmental responsibility in construction and operation, the Johnson Center will be the hub of scientific life at North Park and a stunning addition to the campus community.

More about the Johnson Center

Hands-on research is an integral aspect of a physics education. Students conduct research and experiments alongside faculty in the classroom and course labs, or as independent projects. North Park physics students have also spent summers participating in the Research Experiences for Undergraduates program, sponsored by the National Science Foundation. Faculty will help you find a program that’s right for you at places like NASA, the Mayo Clinic, Kitt Peak National Observatory, Scripps Oceanographic Institute, and the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.

Why Study Physics?

Gain experience with both experimental and theoretical physics while you are prepared to pursue a wide range of of jobs and graduate programs. You’ll learn valuable critical thinking, data analysis, and technical and technology skills. Physics students go on to careers as engineers, business owners, astronomers, teachers, doctors, and computer programmers—a physicist’s skills are valued in all industries and fields.

Why North Park?

North Park’s physics program offers both a world-class city as a classroom and personal attention from dedicated faculty. Whether you’re in the lab or off-campus for research or an internship, your instructors will help you develop important skills and plan for your future. A physics degree paired with North Park’s strong liberal arts curriculum prepares you to lead a life of significance and service in whatever field you choose after graduation.

Careers In Physics

Medical physicist
Engineer
Astronomer
Theoretical physics researcher
Computer programmer

Career Development and Internships

Where Alumni Work and Study

Alumni Profile: Equipped to Lead

“My experience as a physics major was extremely important in preparing me for what I do now,” says Tait Swenson C’00, who works as a data scientist for the digital storage company Seagate Technology. “The well-rounded education provided by North Park equipped me to become a successful leader in the workplace.”

Read more about Tait's experience.

Meet the Faculty

Johnny Lin received his PhD in Atmospheric Sciences from UCLA and uses this special area of interest to operate a weather station on North Park’s campus.

Linda McDonald, a PhD candidate at the University of Chicago in the history of physics, is infectiously passionate about the possibilities of a physics degree—and helping her students explore them.

Learn more about Johnny and Linda.

Johnny Lin, Physics professor

Linda McDonald, Physics professor

Interesting Classes

Choose from unique courses like Climate Dynamics, where you’ll study large-scale climate variability, ranging from days to millennia, or Quantum Mechanics, emphasizing both mathematical formalism and philosophical implications, as well as alternatives to the theory.

Learn more about physics program requirements.

Undergraduate Research

North Park physics students have spent summers participating in the Research Experiences for Undergraduates program, sponsored by the National Science Foundation. Faculty will help you find a program that’s right for you at places like NASA, the Mayo Clinic, Kitt Peak National Observatory, Scripps Oceanographic Institute, and the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.

Next Steps

Major Requirements

Major coursework:
36 (BA) or 40 (BS) credit hours
46 general education credits
120 total credits for graduation
Full program requirements