The curriculum is continually reviewed to keep it relevant to the needs of today's scientific and technical world. A variety of technical laboratory facilities including equipment for measurements in nuclear physics, optics and lasers, microwaves, high vacuum, and electronics, and an astronomy observatory which is equipped with a 14-inch telescope, several smaller telescopes, and various photographic, photometric, and spectrographic capabilities are available. Students have access to a number of computers. The Al Harris Library on campus has a broad range of holdings in physics and engineering. Students have the opportunity and are encouraged to conduct undergraduate research with supervision of faculty members who have experience in research, engineering, and consulting.
Some students also gain experience through work as laboratory assistants, tutors, and graders.
Application for such employment can be made in the Physics Office. The Physics Division at Southwestern has a strong orientation toward applications of physics to solving real problems in industry and society. Career counseling by the experienced faculty is available to students. Applications for scholarships can be obtained in the Physics Office. The Southwestern chapter has been nationally recognized many times as an Outstanding SPS Chapter for its accomplishments and level of activity.