Physics Learning Outcomes

After Pacific | Graduates are able to tackle difficult problems in many fields and their skills are prized by industry, academia and everything in between.


Careers in Physics

The broad training provided by a physics degree from Pacific opens doors to a wide range of career options. Many students go on to graduate school, while others pursue additional education in engineering. Students interested in teaching often complete a master of arts in teaching program at Pacific.

Student Learning Outcomes

A student completing a major in Physics shall demonstrate the ability to:

  • Demonstrate conceptual understanding of fundamental physics principles
  • Communicate physics reasoning in oral and in written form
  • Solve physics problems using qualitative and quantitative reasoning including sophisticated mathematical techniques
  • Conduct independent research or work successfully in a technical position.

Program Purpose

The mission of the Physics program is to prepare students for a variety of career paths including (but not limited to) physics and engineering graduate study, teaching, and direct entry into industry. Physics students gain practical experience through hands-on projects in classes, as well as a senior capstone research project or professional internship. Facilities are available for student research in nonlinear optics, condensed-matter physics, and nuclear physics. The majority of our graduates goes to graduate school in physics and related fields or take engineering-related positions in technical industries.