Physics

Highlights

Physics at AU

Careers

Most Augustana physics students go on to graduate school, professional school or the dual-degree engineering program. The remainder find occupations in a wide variety of settings, spanning education, finance, programming and entrepreneurship among other fields. Augustana physics alumni have found employment with many companies, both large and small.

Outside of science and engineering, physicists secure careers in medicine, law, finance, journalism, education and public policy.

Hands-On Learning

Undergraduate research is an essential part of a physics education. Augustana excels at providing these experiences for its students through Augustana-based research and finding internship and research experiences off-campus.

Courses & Organizations

Following four semesters of introductory courses, students may select from the following electives:

  • Analytical Mechanics
  • Biological Physics
  • Electromagnetic Theory
  • Electronics
  • Optics
  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Statistical and Thermal Physics

The regular course rotation includes all topics necessary for graduate school preparation in physics or a related field. Special topics are taught occasionally upon demand.

The physics department is also the primary contributor to the energy emphasis within the environmental studies program.

Physics students often participate in:

  • Society of Physics Students
  • Sigma Pi Sigma - The Physics and Astronomy Honor Society | Sigma Pi Sigma chapters are restricted to colleges and universities of recognized standing that offer a strong physics major. Students elected to membership must attain high standards of general scholarship and outstanding achievement in physics. Undergraduate candidates must be in the upper one-third of their class in general scholarship. The Augustana chapter was founded with an inaugural class in 2011.