Department of Physics

Physics: A foundation for success. Physics is the study of the universe and everything in it. It’s the framework through which we seek deep understanding of the smallest, biggest, oldest and newest things—and everything in between.

About Us

The Department of Physics offers both a bachelor of arts degree and a bachelor of science degree option. Our bachelor of science degree prepares students to pursue a graduate science degree, while our bachelor of arts degree caters to those seeking a broader educational experience.

Our Programs

Want to empower future physicists?

Both the bachelor of arts and bachelor of science physics degrees prepare graduates for teaching physics at the high school level.

Discover Physics

Learn more about why you should pursue a physics degree at Seattle University.

Two men standing in a hallway talking to each other.

SciTechathon: Experiment With Student Life

SciTechathon is an exclusive prospective student event that offers high school seniors who are interested in physics a taste of campus life. Join us for a weekend of invaluable access to faculty, current students, laboratories and more.  

A man in front of a blackboard pointing to a machine.

Conduct Experiments Alongside Professors

Help answer science’s great questions by assisting one of our physics faculty. Their active research programs allow you to conduct ongoing scientific investigation. Learn more about the intriguing experiments and research you can be part of.  

8:1

Physics Students-to-Faculty Ratio

Physics students benefit from small class sizes averaging 8-12 students, providing opportunities for in-depth faculty mentorship and collaboration.

A blackboard in a classroom.

The Invaluable Lessons of Physics

We designed our physics curriculum to best benefit you, both as a person and as a future scientist. Click here to see what you’ll learn in your physics classes.  

Students working on a plasma tube

What You Can Do with Your Physics Degree

Whether you choose to pursue an advanced degree or enter the career field, there's no limit to what you can do with a degree in physics. Alumni have used their physics degrees to fly converted spy planes for NASA and to pursue PhDs at institutions such as MIT and Stanford. Explore what a physics degree can do for you. 

5%

Job Growth for Physicists

Employment of physicists is projected to grow 5 percent between 2022-2032, faster than the national average (Burea of Labor Statistics, 2022).

Student Resources

Learn more about the resources available to students in the Department of Physics, such as advising, scholarships and more.

Gain a Partner in Academic Advising

The College of Science & Engineering’s Advising Center provides practical resources and personal support specifically for physics students. Learn more about how a partnership with an advisor can benefit you.

Your Future Can Be Funded

Scholarships reduce financial stress and allow students to focus fully on student life. Learn more about scholarship opportunities that'll allow you to more freely enjoy your education.  

Physics Faculty and Staff

Our physics students benefit from close faculty connections. Meet our dedicated faculty below.