Explore everything from the largest galaxies to the smallest particles as a physics major at Wells College. You'll study the fundamental laws of nature through investigation and mathematical formulation and examine the roles of computers in the sciences. You'll also learn how physics interconnects with other sciences through an interdisciplinary, liberal arts program that will enable you to bring a broad perspective to any problem. Hands-on learning opportunities in the New York region and beyond enable you to apply your learning to real-world challenges, discover your interests, and prepare for career success. The Physics program at Wells leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree and is also available as a minor.
In the Physics bachelor’s degree program, you’ll use mathematical formulas to explore the laws of our universe. You’ll also have a great deal of flexibility within the major—at Wells College, a liberal arts education provides physics majors with opportunities to build strengths in computer science, business, and other diverse areas of study. Your senior thesis in physics also allows you to design an original project and apply your undergraduate education toward your specific career objectives.
At Wells, you’ll get to know your professors and work closely with your peers in the collaborative learning environment of a small college. With small classes and highly accessible faculty, you’ll benefit from a level of one-on-one mentorship that you won’t find at many universities. Our professors also offer opportunities to conduct research and present your work at national conferences, helping you to gain valuable networking and presentation skills that will serve your professional career.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in engineering, you can also join our 3/2 program with Cornell University, in which you can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Physics from Wells College as well as a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Cornell.
Take your study of physics beyond the classroom to gain hands-on experience in the field, build a professional network, and discover what you’re passionate about. We offer a wide range of internships, study abroad programs, and co-curricular activities on campus and beyond as part of the Physics program at Wells.
Required internships give you the chance to gain first-hand career experience in the field of your choice while you pursue your bachelor’s degree. These are just a few examples of recent internships held by Wells students in the science programs:
You can also take your study of physics around the globe. Try a semester in Scotland, England, Ireland, or New Zealand and expand your horizons along with your academic resources. Learn more about study abroad programs at Wells.
Explore your scientific interests further with out-of-the-classroom opportunities for learning, leadership, and fun.
The Physics Club on campus meets regularly to watch science-related films, celebrate "Pi Day," and spend time with like-minded people. There is also a Science Colloquium Series featuring lectures by faculty, students, and guests. Drawing on our interdisciplinary, liberal arts focus, many physics majors also participate in the annual Business Idea Competition held on campus, applying their analytical thinking skills to real-world business challenges.
If you’re interested in Physics, you might also consider a minor in programs such as:
Physics students go on to careers in scientific research, astronomy, meteorology, technology, engineering, and many other industries. But a degree in physics does not limit you to working in specifically scientific careers: employers in all types of fields are looking for the kind of inventive thinking and analytical problem-solving skills that physics majors bring to the job. A bachelor’s degree in physics is also an excellent foundation for careers in healthcare, law, finance, education, and government, just to name a few of your options. The interdisciplinary perspective you’ll develop as part of the liberal arts program at Wells will broaden your prospects even further.
In Professor of Physics Scott Heinekamp's research, he strives to learn more about experimental techniques in collaboration with scientists doing x-ray diffraction work at Cornell University. Under his direction, Wells hosted the Topical Symposium of the New York State Sectional Meeting of the American Physical Society, with the theme “Recent Advances in Physics.”
Take the first step toward earning your bachelor’s degree in Physics at Wells College. Apply now.
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