Physics

 

Physics

Physics provides much of the conceptual foundation and instrumentation fundamental to astronomy, engineering and other sciences. It has inspired the creative work of mathematicians, philosophers and social scientists. Drew’s program is designed to provide rigorous preparation for those planning careers in the field, while also serving the needs of liberal arts students interested in a variety of other careers.

 

Ten Drew physics students attended Physics Congress (the largest known gathering of undergraduate physics students in the United States!) in Providence, RI in 2019.

 

Annual Physics Banquet, celebrating another great year!

 

Physics students presented their research projects at the Day of Scholars in 2019.

 

With generous endowed funds, like the Fenstermacher Research Fellowship, physics students are supported to do summer research at Drew.

 

I chose to major in physics because I really enjoyed studying it. Studying physics helped me with problem solving skills, critical thinking, and identifying the core issue before coming up with a solution. A physics degree shows that you are a good learner. The physics department at Drew is welcoming, supportive, and made my college experience a great one. I accepted a job offer from Lockheed Martin before graduation and I’m currently working as a systems engineer on the Aegis combat system. The skills I acquired at Drew have led me to a rewarding and exciting career. ”
Ashley Bloodgood '17
I LOVED my time at Drew and always felt that the professors truly cared and helped the students excel. After getting a graduate degree in ocean engineering and sustainable energy, I currently work as an electrical engineer, designing commercial solar PV (photovoltaic) systems. The physics classes really do prepare you for all of the tough math you'll be doing in engineering school. They give you a great foundation to build off of. What I learned in electronics class at Drew has been an important part of my engineering career. The highlights of Drew are the tight-knit community, the professors, and the curriculum. ”
Alexa Daly '16
When I graduated from high school I knew I wanted to go into some sort of STEM major as I enjoyed my science courses. While taking the introductory mechanics course taught by Dr. Supplee, I knew I wanted to major in physics. Graduating from Drew with a physics degree was the best choice that I could've made for my education/career. Not only did I enjoy my time as a physics major but I learned the fundamentals to set me up for success in three engineering sectors: Mechanical Engineering, Test Engineering, and Systems Engineering. ”
Sam Zorn '15
When I decided to major in physics, I didn’t expect it to be a life-changing decision. I knew I liked science and math, and I knew that I wanted to have challenging classes. What I didn’t know is that learning physics involves learning totally new ways of thought. Now I approach everyday problems in the same way that I was taught to attack physics problems – logically, precisely and with an awareness of the bigger picture. Now that I can look back at the point where it all started, I can say that becoming a physics major was the best choice I made in college. ”
Natalya Shcherban '18

The Physics Major

The physics curriculum at Drew is designed for flexibility. The department encourages all students to choose courses that suit their interests and goals. Students also freely elect supplemental experiences beyond the classroom, such as paid internships, off- or on-campus research, and independent study projects. Many Drew physics majors choose to continue their studies by pursuing a Ph.D. in physics. Other physics majors choose postgraduate training in engineering, law, medicine, or education, or choose to directly enter the workforce after college. The logical thinking and problem-solving skills learned in the study of physics serve our students well in a wide range of post-college endeavors.

View the College Catalog

The Engineering Physics Major

Drew’s engineering physics major is designed to provide an ideal pathway for students interested in a career in engineering. The core curriculum is built around the physics, mathematics, chemistry and computer science courses that form the foundational knowledge of engineering and introduce the engineering/design mindset required to solve today’s complex problems. Students pursuing engineering physics at Drew will be broadly trained with both strong technical skills and other critical transferable skills for effective communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. Some graduates continue their engineering studies through combined degree programs with Columbia and Washington University or through other graduate programs. Others pursue careers in fields ranging from acoustical engineering to computer aided design or solid state device fabrication.

View the College Catalog

Combined Degree Programs for Engineering

Drew University has combined-degree programs for engineering with Columbia University and University of Washington in St. Louis. This program leads to an undergraduate physics degree from Drew and an undergraduate engineering degree from a partnering university. Participants commonly follow a “3-2″ or “4-2″ scheduling, entering the engineering school after their junior or senior year at Drew respectively. Possibilities also exist for earning a graduate engineering degree (MS) in six total years.