Our program is flexible, so you tailor your studies to fit your interests. You can concentrate in general physics, astrophysics or physics for education, or pursue a five-year, dual-degree program in physics and engineering. Whatever your choice, you work closely with professors and peers on challenging coursework. The low faculty-to-student ratio and the tight-knit, friendly atmosphere in the department ensure you get to know your professors and peers both in and out of class.

Research opportunities

Long- and short-term research projects are integral to your studies. We offer many opportunities for semester-long independent study projects and multi-year projects, including honors theses. Most students also conduct research with professors. You could co-author or even first author an article in a major journal. Students have traveled as far as Paris, Moscow and Zermatt to do research or present their work, and have attended meetings of the American Association of Physics Teachers, the American Geophysical Union, the American Astronomical Society and the National Conferences on Undergraduate Research.

Facilities

Our research facilities include a 1 MV ion accelerator (one of four at undergraduate institutions in the U.S.), the state's largest recirculating flume used to replicate flow in natural rivers, a photonics lab where work is being done on the interface of light and electronics, and a 20-inch telescope.

Special opportunities

You are encouraged to pursue summer internships or research positions either on campus or at other facilities, such as the NASA centers, National Science Foundation-sponsored Research Experience for Undergraduates sites at major universities and national or industrial laboratories. This type of work frequently results in student presentations at national professional meetings or in published papers that are co-authored with research advisers. 

Multi colored C, the logo for Connections

Learn more about Connections, Connecticut College's innovative new curriculum.