Outstanding students may be inducted into the national honorary physics society, Sigma Pi Sigma. We also have potluck dinners throughout the semester, hosted by SPS members. Unlike larger departments, our department is so flexible and accessible for students to seek help or just to come in and talk. Our department maintains office hours throughout each day and the faculty always makes time to assist their students. The Department of Physics provides practical experience in physics through the university's work-study program, tutoring, and participation in the lab practicum program.
All majors complete an undergraduate research project supervised by one of the faculty.
The results of this research project are presented in a senior thesis and at a physics seminar. Opportunities exist for research groups. In addition, several students have obtained internships at national laboratories such as Oak Ridge and Argonne, for work on a variety of research projects. Scholarships Physics students may apply for a number of general scholarships which are available to USC students in any major area of study. President's scholarships are available to entering freshmen, continuing students and transfer students.