Physics, BA & BS
Become a physics major and gain a diverse education with real-world applications. Seattle University's program prepares you for careers in engineering, physics and more.
About this Program
Physics Major: Scientific Excellence That Leads to World-Changing Work
Physics is the foundational science upon which all other natural sciences and most types of engineering are built. This makes physics the most diverse and applicable technical major you can have.
Physicists work to deeply understand the smallest things, the biggest things, the oldest things, the newest things and everything in between.
People with physics degrees or who worked as physicists invented such major innovations as electric power, the electric battery, the electric motor, radio, X-ray imaging, the mass spectrometer, the electronic digital computer, NMR and MRI, PET scanning, the nuclear reactor, the transistor, the integrated circuit, the laser, the first video game, wireless LAN and the Internet.
Personalized Attention, Innovative Professors
The Seattle University Department of Physics offers small classes and personalized attention to the education of undergraduates majoring in physics.
The active research of our faculty contributes to knowledge, keeps classes lively and provides opportunities for motivated students to participate in ongoing research projects.
At Seattle University, you are always taught by caring, dedicated and highly capable professors. None of your classes are taught by graduate students—in any department, ever.
Inclusive, Justice-Focused Education
Our Jesuit and Catholic educational approach means that you’re taught to explore ideas through a forward-thinking, justice-focused lens. And you’ll be challenged to bring your full self to your academics, to your community, and to your career for the biggest positive impact—and a more just and equitable society.
You’ll also be able to work for equity and justice through the Youth Initiative. You can help children and teens in the neighborhood with math and science and make a difference right away!
Explore Physics
Meet Dr. Alberg and hear what makes a Seattle University physics education special.
Top 25% in Science & Engineering
Seattle University ranks #40 in the nation —U.S. News & World Report, 2023
In National Universities Category
College of Science & Engineering is ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report, 2023.
Best Undergraduate Engineering Program
In the nation —U.S. News & World Report Rankings, 2024
Research Excellence for Your Career
Research with Physics Faculty
You’ll have opportunities to work one-on-one with a faculty member on publication-quality research. This real-world research prepares you for the best jobs, top graduate programs and postdoctoral training at internationally recognized institutions.
Experimental Projects
Professor Woo-Joong Andy Kim, Ph.D. is researching the quantum vacuum—matter interaction experimental physics. Andy's experimental work involves sensitive measurements of the Casimir force and of quantum conductance of nanowires. This is the kind of exciting project you could work on—and the kind of scientific experimentation you can look forward to in the classroom.
Popular Careers for Physics Majors
Our Physics Department graduates have been finding interesting technical jobs or have gone on for further graduate study in physics, astronomy, geophysics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and biomedical fields.
We have graduates flying converted spy planes for NASA, working as engineers and physicists for private corporations, government labs and universities, and programming computers or managing computer networks.
Prepared for Top Graduate Programs
In recent years, we have sent SU physics major graduates to PhD programs in physics, mechanical engineering, planetary sciences, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering and mathematics.
You’ll find our graduates in programs at:
- Stanford
- UC San Diego
- Arizona
- Ohio State
- UC Santa Barbara
- Michigan
- Oregon
- Vanderbilt
- Penn State
- Wisconsin
- Texas A&M
- Purdue
- San Diego State
From Our Faculty
David Boness, PhD
“Advances in science and technology come from young minds pushing into the unknown. As professors teaching courses and in supervising undergraduate research, my colleagues and I emphasize this creative spirit of inquiry, and not just learning what has already been established. An open mind is more vital than ever.”
Physics Professor
Discover More Programs to Explore
Contact
We’re here to help. For information about Physics degrees at Seattle U, contact:
Physics Department
Get in Touch