Bachelor’s Degrees in Physics
When you look at the world, do you often find yourself asking How? and Why? and What if? If so, a degree in physics might be for you.
Physics is the study of the laws that govern the physical world, from quarks to tsunamis, from black holes to blue skies. Its concepts are fundamental to engineering, chemistry, geology, and the life sciences, and to much of the technology that shapes our lives.
At the heart of physics is a method of thinking and a set of approaches to complex problems. Through coursework, research, and hands-on experience, our students develop the tools to ask meaningful questions, build models, and apply logical reasoning to real-world situations.
Whether you aim to pursue research, innovate in industry, or simply understand the universe more deeply, a physics education equips you with a powerful framework for exploring the world.
If you are interested in becoming a physics major or minor, or just want to learn more:
Academics and Degree Programs
Our department offers several pathways through physics, depending on your interest and future career goals.
Bachelor of Science in Physics
Our Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree is an in-depth study of the physical sciences. It develops a strong foundation in many areas of physics and math, and offers opportunities for breadth courses in the sciences and beyond. The BSc provides the rigorous training needed for students intending to pursue graduate work in physics or engineering.
Our Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree gives you a solid grounding in physics while allowing you to study — and even double major in — another field of your choice, from mathematics to philosophy and anything in between. Our BA may be a good fit for students who desire to pursue climate science, science journalism, the history or philosophy of science, patent law, economics, business, pre-medical studies, or K-12 science education.
Bachelor of Science in Biological Physics
Our Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biological Physics is an innovative, interdisciplinary program that combines physics, mathematics and biology. This is the perfect major for students who are interested in applying strategies from the physical sciences and applied math to complex problems in biology.
In addition to our Bachelor’s degrees, we offer a minor in physics to complement a major in another field. With only six (4-credit) courses required for the minor, it is easy to add a minor to many majors offered at Brandeis, including, for example, computer science, economics or mathematics.
Opportunities for Undergraduate Research
Whichever Brandeis physics degree you pursue (including a minor), you are strongly encouraged to conduct research to complement your coursework. In research, you have an opportunity to apply the tools we develop in the classroom to real problems in the field.
Our physics majors participate in undergraduate research, working side-by-side with faculty and graduate students both during the school year and over the summer. Our department boasts several laboratories outfitted with the latest technologies and state-of-the-art equipment. You can be part of one of the many research groups focusing on microfluids, condensed matter, particle physics, string theory, the early universe, and a number of other topics.
You can read more about opportunities for undergraduate research, or reach out to individual faculty for opportunities.
If you wish to conduct interdisciplinary research at the interface of the physical and life sciences, check out our unique Quantitative Biology Research Community program for undergraduates.
Senior Thesis
Many academic or paid-research positions throughout your time at Brandeis can result in a capstone or senior thesis. Recent senior theses have surveyed high-redshift quasars, new approaches to theoretical questions in physics, and thermal fluctuations, by students who have gone on to do excellent work in physics, applied engineering, and teaching.
Why Brandeis?
The highly ranked Martin A. Fisher School of Physics at Brandeis University has an international reputation for excellence in research. This, combined with Brandeis’ commitment to fostering close faculty-student interaction, means you’ll have direct access to physicists who are changing the world through research — and you’ll contribute to their research as you work side by side.
Because we’re located just outside of Boston, a major locus of physics research and home to some of the world’s best universities, you’ll be exposed to a steady stream of distinguished speakers and important colloquia.
Our undergraduate program in physics will prepare you for more in-depth study in the field, or for an exciting career in the public or private sector — in sustainable energy, for example, or nanotechnology.
“Right off the bat, I was given these substantial tasks and assignments that kind of grew in both scope and size, allowing me to learn about the inner workings of the lab in a really hands on way.”
Benjy Hetchman ’16