Students at Elon University learn physics by doing physics. Our department offers two distinct degrees: a bachelor of science for students interested in becoming professional physicists and a bachelor of arts for those that wish to explore the intersection between physics and our society.

All first-year physics majors are encouraged to begin working with a professor to develop their research skills. Freshmen also learn the basics of mechanics and electricity in an integrated lecture/lab classroom. During their second year, majors apply these new skills to problems in astrophysics, optics and special relativity. Junior physics majors cultivate a more scholarly approach to research, working in teams in our lab/seminar course. Before graduating, students planning a career in physics conduct an independent research project and explore the sophisticated ideas of quantum mechanics and electromagnetic field theory.