In addition to enrollment in the basic theoretical and laboratory courses, majors, especially those intending to do graduate study, are encouraged to do independent research. Research can take place either independently or on the Oak Ridge Science Semester. Because the physics department is relatively small, most classes have fewer than ten students. Students have the advantage of working closely with highly trained and experienced faculty in both the classroom and the laboratory.
Students often combine a major in physics with a major or minor in another field.
The problem-solving skills developed in physics often complement the methodologies of other disciplines. Double majors with mathematics and computer science are common, but second majors in such fields as philosophy, psychology, English, political science and anthropology in recent years have opened up versatile graduate education and employment opportunities for physics majors. For a full list of majors, minors and respective requirements, please see the Ripon College Catalog . All rights reserved.