Physics

Physics, the most basic of the sciences, has intellectual and useful aspects. The intellectual component resides in our innate desire to understand the physical characteristics of our universe.

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Did You Know?

• Wake Forest’s Physics program addresses all core areas and concentrations, and its interdisciplinary nature—other sciences, business, law et al—fosters communication and teamwork skills.
• One ongoing research project seeks to help create foldable smartphones or rollable tablet devices that are as powerful, reliable and affordable as conventional devices.
• Dr. Daniel Kim-Shapiro, in partnership with the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, has developed a promising technology to address a common problem in the treatment of critically ill kidney patients. 
• Over time, five Physics majors have earned a total of six prestigious national scholarships for further study between them. Their honors include four Goldwater Scholarships, one Gates-Cambridge and one Fulbright.

Courses

Sample courses for students studying Physics include:

• Mechanics Waves and Heat
• The Physics of Music
• Electronics
• Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology
• Analytical Mechanics
• Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics

View official major requirements »

Practical Experience & Skills

There are a variety of different opportunities for students majoring in physics. Research jobs are found in industrial laboratories, government laboratories, and universities. Teaching jobs are available at all levels of education, from middle school to the university. University physicists normally teach and do research with students.

The computer industry values the analytical and problem solving skills that physics majors bring. Computational physics is the fastest growing research area within the discipline of physics, and the skills acquired by physics majors in pursuing computational physics nicely complement the expertise they learn in computer science courses. Such students are finding rewarding careers in programming and systems design.

The Physics major is also excellent preparation for students planning to enter science-related businesses, MBA school, medical school, or law school. Medical schools seek out students with majors in physics because of the high-tech nature of medical care. MBA schools consider a major in physics outstanding preparation for an understanding of manufacturing and the high-tech aspect of our economy.

Students in this program will develop the following skills:

• Aptitude toward making critical observations
• Proficiency at reading, writing, and speaking
• Problem solving
• Analytical thinking
• Creative thinking

Clubs & Organizations

Physics students participate in the following clubs and organizations:

• STEM Academy
• Women in STEM

Career Outcomes

Careers that often interest Physics majors include:

• Astronomer
• Cardiac Imaging Researcher
• Educator
• Engineer
• Hydrologist
• Laboratory Technician
• Nuclear Plant Manager
• Operations Analyst
• Optical Devices Designer
• Physicist (various fields)
• Physiognomist
• Satellite Data Analyst
• Seismologist
• Stratigrapher

Physics majors have become financial consultants; data scientists; NASA engineers; airline pilots; physicians; and attorneys, among other professions.

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