Studying Physics at WashU
As the most fundamental of all the sciences, physics will lead you to a deeply fulfilling and rewarding undergraduate experience. Not only will a physics major provide you with the skills to excel in a professional career, but you can also apply your studies to a surprising variety of occupations.
Physics majors from our department have seen rewarding careers in science, medicine, law, engineering, computer science, and business, among other professions. Washington University's strong biophysics and neurophysics programs can play an important role in premedical studies, and the opportunities for double majors ensure that students can integrate other subjects into your course of study. Graduates of our department have been accepted into graduate school at every top university in the country, including our own.
Majors and Minors Offered by the Physics Department
The Department of Physics at Washington University is strongly committed to fundamental research and excellence in teaching. We are a medium-sized department with nationally and internationally renowned research groups in the fields of astrophysics, extraterrestrial materials, condensed matter physics, quantum information and quantum materials, particle and nuclear physics, and biophysics.
The goal of the major program is to provide undergraduate students with an outstanding education in physics as preparation for successful careers in graduate school or in the workplace. The physics department offers two majors:
- Physics
- Astrophysics
Physics majors may concentrate in the subfield of biophysics with a separate track that can be added to the Physics major.
Additionally, the department offers three minors:
- Physics
- Astrophysics and Astroparticle Physics
- Biomedical Physics
Undergraduate students have the opportunity to enroll in a large number of specialized courses and to actively participate in research within the department.
About the Program
Major Requirements
Minor Requirements
Undergraduate Handbook
Undergraduate Research Projects
