Each option includes extensive study in physics, mathematics, and other science and technology areas as well as courses in the arts, humanities, and the social sciences, helping to provide you with one of the most well-rounded science educations available. General Physics helps you prepare for employment opportunities or for graduate studies leading to a master's or doctoral degree. Acoustics includes upper-level courses in engineering acoustics for students interested in employment in acoustics or in graduate studies. Electronics includes upper-level courses in electrical engineering and computer science and engineering for employment or graduate work in applied physics, engineering, electronics, and computer engineering. Medical Physics includes courses in physiology, molecular biology, organic chemistry, biomedical instrumentation, and bioengineering.
Teaching includes education courses and leads to certification for high school teaching.
This option is offered in connection with the College of Education. Other Advantages for Physics Majors Physics majors at Penn State have the opportunity to conduct independent study and research with professors, postdoctoral research staff, and graduate students. Primary areas of research interest in the department include condensed matter physics, elementary particle physics, cosmic ray physics and gravitation, as well as atomic, molecular, and optical physics. Outstanding students may be selected to participate in the University Scholars Program, which requires an undergraduate research thesis. Two units of the same foreign language are recommended, but not required.