Majors


Three different majors in the department provide options for students to choose depending upon their vocational goals and interests. With a preparation in one of these majors, some of our graduates go on to graduate school in physics, engineering, or computer science. Others teach physics and mathematics in high schools. Still others practice vocations in industries such as Texas Instruments, Rockingham Memorial Hospital, Comsonics, Babcock & Wilcox


Triangle Fractal. Generated by a an iterative function system algorithm. Visit the "Interactive Science Activities on the Web" (ISAW) site to experiemnt with your own creations.
  • Physics Major
    A physics major prepares a student for further study in graduate school or for a career in industry. A number of our graduates have used this route to prepare for study towards a master's degree in engineering. Others have entered doctoral study and subsequent vocations in higher education or research. Still others have gone directly into technical jobs in business such as electronics technicians or computer specialists.
  • Applied Physics Major
    The applied physics major (with three different tracks) is an interdisciplinary major in physics and chemistry or computer science and provides the opportunity for a broad and flexible background in physics and related areas. This program was designed for students desiring to participate in our 3-2 pre-engineering program with Virginia Tech or George Washington University or otherwise to prepare for a technically related career. Students interested in engineering may also complete a physics or applied physics major at Bridgewater College and then pursue a master's degree in engineering at a university. It is often beneficial to undertake graduate study after working at an engineering-related job so as to have some experience in the area of interest.
  • Physics and Mathematics Major
    For students interested in a broad course of study in both physics and mathematics, especially those interested in high school teaching., the physics and mathematics major is a good choice. Upon completion of this program and the necessary education courses, a graduate can become certified to teach both physics and mathematics in high school.