Majors and Minors (<<Back to Majors and Minors list)

Physics
Major and Minor

Physics is the science that seeks to understand the material universe at its most fundamental levels. It is the discipline that deals with the nature of space and time, matter and energy, simplicity and complexity.  The laws of physics, which are expressed through mathematics and which depend on experiment for validity, apply from subatomic to cosmological scales.  Further, the goals of physics include extending its principles to provide deeper understanding of ever more complicated systems, from fluids and solids, to galaxies, to living organisms.

Highlights of the Hopkins Program
At Hopkins, physics majors encounter the vitality of the field, learning the laws of physics as we understand them today and the processes by which new phenomena in physics and astronomy continue to be uncovered.  From the day a student walks in the door and partakes in the department's integrated curriculum, he or she will find small classes designed specifically for majors.  As the student progresses, he or she will have the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research, either experimental, computational or theoretical, in a variety of areas of physics and astrophysics.

Departmental Homepage
Direct access to the department’s undergraduate information and their own description of their programs.
http://www.pha.jhu.edu/admiss/ugrad/

Scheduling

Sample First Semester Schedule

  • Mechanics I, 171.105
  • Mechanics Lab, 173.115
  • Calculus I, 110.108 or higher level
  • Elective H or S course
  • Elective course
  • Total 12-16 credits

Major and Minor Checklists
A checklist which can be used for exploring the requirements of a potential major or minor and monitoring your own degree progress.

Major BA: http://www.jhu.edu/~advising/images/checklists_pdf/PhysicsMajorBA.doc
Major BS:
http://www.jhu.edu/~advising/images/checklists_pdf/PhysicsMajorBS.doc
Minor: http://www.jhu.edu/~advising/images/checklists_pdf/PhysicsMinor.doc

Career Exploration

Skill Set
The “real world” skills you’ll develop with a major in Physics:

  • Organizing and presenting data
  • Creating mathematical models through measurement
  • Establishing and controlling experimental designs
  • Designing and using computer simulations
  • Scientifically investigating problems and summarizing the results

Career Center
What have alumni done with their major in Physics?
http://www.jhu.edu/careers/students/explore/majors/physics.html

More information about career possibilities with a major in Physics:
http://www.jhu.edu/careers/students/explore/sheets/physics.pdf

Looking for information about majors, careers, and finding jobs and internships? Visit the Career Center’s website:
http://www.jhu.edu/careers/


Last modified: December 9, 2008