Delve into the theoretical and practical aspects of physics — a field fundamental to the science, engineering and technology industries.

Benefit from innovative teaching methods with an emphasis on active classroom experiences. Learn in cutting-edge environments, guided by the best ideas from leading physics education researchers.

Enjoy a learn-by-doing approach that begins with a first-year introductory class taught without formal lectures and continues in upper-division courses where students work on sophisticated, open-ended projects.

 

“Doing summer research has been extremely beneficial to me. I can talk to several professors in my department and try on different approaches to research. And I think it also is extremely helpful in applying to graduate schools, because they really prize that experience of working in a lab and being able to demonstrate the level of self-motivation and responsibility to work on a less tightly defined project.”

— Shannon Gallagher '21

 

Diverse Real-World Experience

In Pacific's physics program, you will work with a diverse group of peers: 30 percent of our physics students are women and 30 percent are from Hawai‘i. Together, you will work in teams to make a wide range of computer-aided measurements to study physics principles and collect and analyze real data (the way a professional scientist would) to discover how physics works in the real world.

Headlines

Members and coaches of the Pacific handball team come together with the College of Optometry and the U.S. Handball Association to develop ASTM eye protection standards for the sport.

Old College Hall is silhouetted against the sun

With eyes on the skies for a pair of solar eclipses, Pacific's Todd Duncan & Karl Citek provide insights into the science behind eclipses and tips for keeping your eyes safe for upcoming events in October and April.

Professor Andy Dawes and Kevin McGee '18 in Pacific's physics and engineering department laser lab

Engineering physics major and astrophysics minor join a robust Physics & Engineering Department that offers hands-on experience. The new major and minor open to students in Fall 2023.