Bachelor of Arts in Physics
Program Overview & Goals
The Physics major at Hendrix College provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles governing matter, energy, motion, and the physical universe. Through theoretical study, laboratory investigation, mathematical modeling, and experimental analysis, students develop strong analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills.
Via Hendrix
During your time at Hendrix, we will help you create a clear pathway between where you are now and where you want to go.
With a four-year approach centered on experiential learning, mentorship, and professional development, Hendrix helps students connect their passions with meaningful opportunities. Every course, collaboration, and hands-on experience is designed to help you develop the knowledge, confidence, and adaptability needed for life after college.
Careers & Outcomes
A Hendrix Physics education is a gateway to a wide range of career paths, providing the analytical, quantitative, experimental, and problem-solving skills that employers value and preparing students to contribute in research, technology, engineering, education, health professions, and beyond.
Salary Projections
The median salary for a nuclear engineer is $127,520, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Top Industries
- Engineering
- Technology
- Research and Development
- Data Science
- Aerospace
Career Options
The Physics major is as versatile as it is intellectually challenging. Hendrix Physics alumni can pursue a variety of interesting and meaningful careers, including:
- Research Scientist
- Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Medical Physicist
- Software Developer
- Physics Teacher or Professor
Co-op Opportunities
Experience separates good job candidates from great ones. Via Hendrix, Physics students build practical experience through laboratory research, independent projects, and engaged learning opportunities that connect scientific theory to real-world discovery, and innovation. Students may pursue experiences with organizations such as:
- Research Laboratories
- Engineering Firms
- Technology Companies
- Health Care and Medical Physics Organizations
- Energy and Environmental Organizations
Roadmap to the Bachelor of Arts in Physics
Every Physics major studies the principles that govern matter, energy, motion, and the physical universe. Through laboratory work, research, and experiential learning opportunities, students learn to think critically, solve complex problems, analyze data, and apply scientific reasoning to real-world questions in technology, engineering, health care, energy, and research.
Year One
Our First-Year Experience gives you the freedom to discover what you care about most and find a path to get there. Your coursework this year allows you to master the foundations of physics, mathematics, and scientific inquiry. You also begin to learn how to solve complex problems, design experiments, and apply physical principles to understand the world around you.
Year Two
In your second year, you will have a stronger vision of what your academic experience and career planning look like. Your integrated advising team of faculty, career counselors, and mentors will ensure that the things you study align with your future goals while still providing room to explore.
Year Three
Your third year includes a required full-time co-op. For one semester, you earn credit while applying knowledge from your coursework in a professional setting.
Year Four
Your last year is not the finish line. It is where everything starts. Conduct original research, tackle advanced scientific challenges, and graduate ready to solve the problems shaping tomorrow.
Meet the Faculty
Faculty in the Physics Department bring deep expertise in theoretical and experimental physics, giving students opportunities to learn in the classroom, laboratory, and research setting. Just as importantly, they work closely with students as teachers and mentors, supporting their growth as scientific thinkers and helping them prepare for graduate study, professional school, and careers in science, technology, engineering, education, and beyond.
Related Programs
Via Hendrix, you can explore the laws that shape matter, energy, motion, and the universe, gain hands-on experience in laboratory and research settings, or even build your own major around scientific discovery, technology, and innovation.
Your Next Steps Via Hendrix
Every scientific breakthrough begins with curiosity, evidence, and problem-solving. Learn how much value the Physics major Via Hendrix can deliver for you.