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Physics
Major | Minor
Understand How the Universe Works, and Build a Future With It
Learn the laws of nature and the analytical skills employers and grad schools want.
As a Physics major in Goshen College you’ll explore the inner workings of the universe. From the tiniest particles, to the vastness of space. You build a deep understanding of the laws of nature along with the critical-thinking and analytical skills that are in demand across engineering, research, education, and technology.
Here, you don’t just study physics, you do it, in a collaborative, supportive environment. Small class sizes and a strong culture of mentorship mean personalized attention and real working relationships with faculty and peers. The program welcomes students of every background, and it’s built to set you up for success in graduate school or whatever career you choose.
Is Physics at Goshen Right for You?
If you want a degree that opens doors and you want proof it does, start with the outcomes. Goshen ranks #7 in Indiana for the share of graduates who go on to earn doctorates. Physics alumni have entered graduate programs at Purdue University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Notre Dame. A physics degree here prepares you for work as a physicist or research scientist, a mechanical or electrical engineer, a renewable-energy specialist, an aerospace analyst, a data scientist, a high school physics teacher, or a medical physicist.
It’s also a place where you can actually finish what you start. A strong culture of mentorship means faculty know you by name and help you through the hard stretches. The program welcomes students of every background, from down the road or around the world, so you can take on a demanding major without doing it alone.
What You’ll Study
The physics major and minor build a strong foundation in classical and modern physics, with the flexibility to aim toward graduate school, teaching licensure, or engineering career pathways. You shape the path with your advisor around where you want to go after graduation.
View the complete program requirements in our catalog. If engineering is your goal, Goshen’s related Engineering Physics program is worth a look too.
Physics You Can Get Your Hands On
Physics at Goshen is rooted in hands-on experience. You’ll work on projects that reinforce classroom learning and give you tangible skills in scientific reasoning, lab techniques, and technical communication. Recent student projects have included designing and constructing electric guitars, exploring solar photovoltaic energy systems, investigating the properties of musical overtones, and developing a ping-pong-ball launcher for motion analysis.
You can also join the eight-week Maple Scholars summer research program, which pairs you with a faculty member for full-time research. You’ll work in modern physics labs with data-acquisition and analysis tools, collaborative student-faculty research spaces, and computer labs with simulation and modeling software.
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Paying for Goshen
It’s worth asking about early. Physics students are eligible for a range of merit-based and need-based scholarships, including awards for students pursuing STEM fields. To see your own price after aid, run the net price calculator and talk with a real person in the financial aid office.
Common Questions About Physics Major
Graduates work as physicists and research scientists, mechanical and electrical engineers, renewable-energy specialists, aerospace analysts, data scientists, high school physics teachers, and medical physicists. Many also pursue graduate study, and Goshen alumni have entered programs at Purdue, the University of Michigan, and the University of Notre Dame.
You’ll take on special projects that build scientific reasoning, lab techniques, and technical communication, individually or in teams. Recent projects include building electric guitars, studying solar photovoltaic systems, and a ping-pong-ball launcher for motion analysis. You can also do full-time faculty-paired research in the eight-week Maple Scholars summer program.
Yes. With 91% of classes under 30 students and a strong culture of mentorship, faculty know you by name and work closely with you through the hard stretches. The program welcomes students of every background, so you can take on a rigorous physics degree with real people in your corner, not on your own.
Physics students are eligible for a range of merit-based and need-based scholarships, including awards for students pursuing STEM fields. Use the net price calculator on the financial aid page to see your real number rather than a sticker price, and a financial aid counselor can walk through scholarships and the steps to apply with you.
Start your application at the Goshen College apply page, or request information first if you’d like to talk through fit, careers, or graduate-school plans before committing. You can also schedule a visit to see the physics labs and meet the faculty. Admission to Goshen is the first step into the major.
Ready to get started?
Manu Bhattarai
Assistant Professor of Physics
David Housman
Professor of Mathematics
Department ChairJoey Lyon
Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Kathryn Marsh
Visiting Associate Professor of Mathematics
Paul Reimer
Professor of Physics
Department Chair
