Home of the Physics Department at Wheaton College

Why Should You Study Physics?

The physics program is recommended for anyone pursuing a career in physics, astronomy, and certain engineering fields. Today, more than at any previous time, physicists are following nontraditional paths such as law, medicine, or business; patent law and medical physics are two rapidly growing fields.

For our students, we recommend they study physics because they think it is fun. In the Physics program at Wheaton, students enjoy the advantages of small classes (often lower than 10 students in the more advanced courses) and a close contact with the faculty. We encourage all students to do independent work in the laboratories, and many of our students work together with the faculty to do original scientific research as part of an honors thesis.  The research in the department is concentrated in the areas of optics, lasers, and spectroscopy of solid-state laser materials, as well as research in astronomy and planetary science. Our physics club also contributes to a general sense of camaraderie in the department.

As you navigate through this site, you will be able to read about all of the opportunities that await you here at mecca of Physics in Norton, MA!  If, at any point you have a question regarding specific information that you cannot find on this site, please feel free to contact by e-mail any of the professors or students found on the Faculty page or on the Student Research page.