Physics Major

Physics Major
- Apply
- Visit
- Give
- Admissions
- Academics
- Programs
- Student Success
- Associate
- Bachelor's Programs
- Accounting
- Analytics and Technology
- Applied Mathematics
- Art Minor
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Business Administration (General Concentration)
- Engineering & Computing
- Business Communication
- Department of Mathematics
- Catholic Studies
- Modern Languages
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Communication
- Communication Sciences and Disorders
- Computer Science
- Corporate Accounting & Finance
- Criminal Justice
- Cybersecurity
- Economics
- Educational Studies
- Electrical Engineering
- Elementary Education
- English
- Environmental Studies
- Exercise Science
- Film Acting Degree
- Film Studies Minor
- Financial Markets & Economic Analysis
- French
- German
- Health Science
- History
- International Business
- International Journalism
- Journalism
- Leadership Development Minor
- Management
- Marketing
- Marketing Analytics
- Materials Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical Humanities Minor
- Medical Laboratory Sciences
- Medical Spanish
- Music
- Nonprofit Leadership
- BSN
- Peace and International Studies
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Physics of Medicine
- Physics Department
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Public Policy
- Public Relations and Advertising
- RN-BSN
- Secondary Education
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Special Education
- Sport Management
- Statistics Minor
- Theatre Arts
- Theology and Religious Studies
- Theology Teaching
- Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
- Pre-Dentistry
- Pre-Law
- Pre-Medicine
- Pre-Optometry
- Pre-Pharmacy
- Pre-Physician Assistant
- Pre-Veterinary Medicine
- Graduate
- Online
- Schools
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Business, Influence, and Information Analysis
- Saint Luke's™ College of Nursing and Health Sciences
- Academic Support
- Academic Advising
- Aylward-Dunn Learning Center
- Greenlease Library
- Honors Program
- Registrar
- Study Abroad
- Resources
- Academic Integrity
- Center for Service Learning
- Advanced College Credit Program
- Commencement
- Course Schedules
- Institutional Review Board
- University Press
- Humanities
- Communication & Fine Arts
- Campus Life
- Alumni
- Athletics
- About
Program Description
The field of physics is more than just memorizing physics equations and physics formulas. It helps us understand the world around us. The physics degree at Rockhurst University emphasizes both mathematics and a conceptual understanding of the physical world, answering questions like “Why does that happen?” and “How does that work?”
What is Physics?
As one of the basic sciences, physics serves as the cornerstone of engineering. Physics supports and complements the other basic sciences of biology and chemistry. Mastering physics requires the study and understanding of key physical concepts through mathematics, mechanics, thermodynamics and more. Students in the physics major at Rockhurst are empowered with critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills that are in high demand in our modern world. Those pursuing a physics degree leave Rockhurst with an understanding of a large number of physical, real-world applications of physics.
Rockhurst offers a major and minor in physics. The major track leads to a Bachelor of Science degree and consists of 18 upper-division credit hours of physics and a minimum of three hours of upper-division coursework in mathematics.
The physics major is recommended for students considering graduate studies in research or applied physics, or for those interested in engineering, programming or information technology careers. With innovative teaching, individual research opportunities, nationally recognized innovative curriculum, and faculty who know you, Rockhurst pursues and teaches a modern view of physics to take you where you want to go.
Learning Outcomes
- Physics students will demonstrate proficiency in mathematics to understand and learn key concepts of physics.
- Physics students will demonstrate the ability to analyze a broad range of physical phenomena using their understanding of selected topics from mechanics, quantum physics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics.
- Physics students will demonstrate proficiency in oral and written scientific communication, and will demonstrate that they can think critically and work independently.
Course Map
Prospective Students
Current Students
Experiences
- Students pursuing a physics degree at Rockhurst have the opportunity to join the Society of Physics Students
- Physics majors can also become involved in Sigma Pi Sigma, the national physics honor society
- Learn from esteemed faculty that earned the 2019 "Award for Improving Undergraduate Physics Education" from the American Physical Society
Outcomes
- Students with a Rockhurst physics degree go on to graduate school in areas of physics, chemistry, engineering or other non-technical areas like business.
- Graduates of the Rockhurst program have also found successful careers in physics, which includes high-demand professions like engineering, programming or information technology.
Related Degrees:
Academics
- Programs
- Student Success
- Associate
- Bachelor's Programs
- Graduate
- Online
- Schools
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Business, Influence, and Information Analysis
- Saint Luke's™ College of Nursing and Health Sciences
- Academic Support
- Academic Advising
- Aylward-Dunn Learning Center
- Greenlease Library
- Honors Program
- Registrar
- Study Abroad
- Resources
- Academic Integrity
- Center for Service Learning
- Advanced College Credit Program
- Commencement
- Course Schedules
- Institutional Review Board
- University Press
- Humanities
- Communication & Fine Arts