What is Physics?
Physics is the most basic science and seeks to answer the question “why.” Physics covers the universe from the smallest sub-atomic particles to the largest supernova. The study of physics is the quest to understand the laws that govern everything we see (and many things we don't) and how those laws can be used to make new devices.
Read about what our physicists have been up to.
Why get a Physics Major?
A Physics Major from Walla Walla University puts you on a path to an exciting, well-paid career. Because a Physicist is the high-tech "Jack-of-all-Trades", you can work almost anywhere doing anything. Because the future is so limitless, here is a short list of career paths and steps along the way to give you an idea of what to start considering.
High School:
- Take math classes and the physical science class (if it is offered at your school).
- Read the book "Chaos" by James Gleick.
- If your school has a weather or geology club, join it.
College at Walla Walla University:
- Freshman year: Take the calculus sequence and programming.
- Sophomore year: Start working on a small research project under the direction of a WWU faculty member as time allows.
- Junior year: Take Biophysics and Astrophysics as two of your electives. You might also consider taking a biology class such as Ecology or Biostatics.
- Summer after Junior year: Do a Research Experience for Undergrads (REU) with an climatology or earth science emphasis.
- Senior year: Present at a department event about your summer research. Apply to graduate schools with climatology or earth science programs.
Graduate School:
- Option 1: Do a PhD in Physics with emphasis in Climatology, Earth or Atmospheric Science.
- Option 2: Do a PhD in Climatology, Earth or Atmospheric Science.
Job Options:
- Climatology career options include working for the Nation Weather Service, state, and non-profit organizations.
- Atmospheric career options include working for aviation companies as well as the climatology companies.
- The highest paying jobs in the earth science will be working for oil and natural gas companies helping them find new areas to drill.
- Other earth science jobs involve earth quake tracking and studying volcanoes.
High School:
- Take as much math as you can. Ideally you will be ready for calculus as you start college.
- Read books about scientists, astronauts, and space.
- If an astronomy club exists in your area, join it.
College at Walla Walla University:
- Freshman year: Take the calculus sequence and programming.
- Sophomore year: Start working on a small research project under the direction of a WWU faculty member as time allows. You might consider taking a chemistry minor.
- Junior year: Take Astrophysics and Optics as two of your electives. Also take your choice of Robotics, Mechanics of Flight, Welding, Machining, etc.
- Summer after Junior year: Do a Research Experience for Undergrads (REU) with an astrophysics emphasis.
- Senior year: Present at a department event about your summer research. Apply to graduate schools with ties to space programs.
Graduate School:
- Option 1: Do a PhD in Physics with emphasis on Astrophysics.
- Option 2: Do a PhD in Material Science.
- Option 3: Do a PhD in Mechanical Engineering.
Job Options:
- Designing the next, best telescope for space or ground will require physicists who know about light, electronics, and optics. It could be you.
- Spacecraft will be needed for exploration. Physicists will need to work out better methods of propulsion. Rocket engines take too much fuel which weighs too much.
- Spacecraft will need better skins to withstand the harsh conditions of space. Nanotechnology and material science breakthroughs will be needed.
- Better heating systems, suits for astronauts, recovery systems .... the list goes on and on. Physicists will be on the front lines of all this development.
High School:
- Take as much math as you can.
- If your school has classes in a machine shop (welding, wood working, etc), take them.
- Read books about airplanes.
- Buy or build a Radio Controlled plane, join a RC club, and fly whenever you can.
College at Walla Walla University:
- Freshman year: Take the calculus sequence and programming. Take an electives in welding or machining.
- Sophomore year: Start working on a small research project under the direction of a WWU faculty member as time allows.
- Junior year: In addition to your required classes take Robotics and Mechanics of Flight.
- Summer after Junior year: Do a Research Experience for Undergrads (REU) with an aviation emphasis (Boeing would be an excellent place to apply).
- Senior year: Present at a department event about your summer research. Apply to graduate schools with ties to aviation programs.
Graduate School:
- Option 1: Do a PhD in Physics with an emphasis in computation or material science.
- Option 2: Do a PhD in Mechanical Engineering.
- Option 3: Do a PhD in Material Science.
Job Options:
- Aviation companies like Boeing hires physicists to think beyond the ordinary. You could be tasked with developing a better wing material, a better design for the shape of the wing, or placement of the engine. The sky is the limit.
- In a drone company, you might get a job working on the control software for the drone or maybe you might be responsible for the design of the airframe or the antenna.
- In a battery company, physicists work along side chemists and material scientists to design batteries that hold more charge in less volume or weight.
High School:
- Take as much math as you can.
- Take as many computer classes as you can.
- Join a computer programming club if it is available.
College at Walla Walla University:
- Freshman year: Take the calculus sequence and programming. You might consider added a minor in computers.
- Sophomore year: Start working on a small research project under the direction of a WWU faculty member as time allows.
- Junior year: As your electives, take Physical Science and Nanotechnology.
- Summer after Junior year: Do a Research Experience for Undergrads (REU) with an Nanotechnology emphasis.
- Senior year: Present at a department event about your summer research. Apply to graduate schools.
Graduate School:
- Option 1: Do a PhD in Physics with an emphasis in computation or material science.
- Option 2: Do a PhD in Computer Science.
- Option 3: Do a PhD in Material Science.
Job Options:
The High-Tech industry, including companies like Intel, Applied Materials, and Samsung, employs physicists in many different roles. Here are just a few:
- Equipment designer for building the equipment that builds the next generation processing chips and memory chips used in phones and computers.
- Process scientist working on the chip design making sure each step in the chip build can be done.
- Vacuum designer building better pumps to get more contamination out of the build area.
- Vibration specialist working to minimize vibrations during chip building.
- Programming the build tools to maximize yield and reduce waste.
High School:
- Take as much math as you can.
- Take a physical science if your school has one.
College at Walla Walla University:
- Freshman year: Take the calculus sequence and programming. You might consider added a minor in chemistry.
- Sophomore year: Start working on a small research project under the direction of a WWU faculty member as time allows.
- Junior year: As your electives, take Physical Science and Nanotechnology. You might also consider taking an energy class or two from the engineering department.
- Summer after Junior year: Do a Research Experience for Undergrads (REU) with an energy emphasis.
- Senior year: Present at a department event about your summer research. Apply to graduate schools.
Graduate School:
- Option 1: Do a PhD in Physics with an emphasis in material science.
- Option 2: Do a PhD in Physics with an emphasis in nuclear power.
- Option 3: Do a PhD in Mechanical Engineering.
- Option 4: Do a PhD in Material Science.
Job Options:
- Work for a semiconductor company researching new methods of making solar cells.
- Work a company like GE to design improvements for energy systems such as windmills, generators, or transformers.
- Design nuclear reactors by working for the government or in private industry.
Why get a Physics Major from WWU?
The WWU Physics Department focuses on hands-on physics, with a machine shop designed specifically for undergraduate students in the department. As a physics major at WWU, you'll spend significant time in advanced labs and doing practical work with faculty. You will be encouraged to participate in undergraduate research programs—many of which will pay you to work in the summer. Most WWU physics majors take a summer to do research at other facilities—including trips to Asia or Europe as part of summer work.
As a WWU physics major, you can have confidence in your education—all but two of our physics graduates from 2010–2021 who applied were accepted into graduate schools with tuition and living expenses covered.
What do WWU Physicists do?
WWU physics majors go on to exciting careers. Here are things majors from the last 15 years have done:
- MS in nuclear physics. Works as a nuclear officer for the Navy on board an aircraft carrier.
- PhD in physics. Works for a defense manufacturer building the next generation missile defense shield. Recently received the highest award the company gives.
- PhD in physics working on dark matter. Works for a research company building dark matter detectors.
- PhD in physics. Works for a marine company building antenna arrays allowing communication to submerged vehicles.
- BS in physics. Works for an aviation company programming the hardware used in planes flown by Icelandair.
- PhD in engineering/physics. Works for a company that corrects navigation problems in satellites.
- BS in physics. Works for a company designing hydroelectric generators that can be used in low pressure applications.
- BS in physics and electrical engineering. Designs drones used in ocean search and rescue.
- PhD in mechanical engineering. Works a defense company on secret projects.
- BS in physics. Works for a company building high power lasers.
- BS in physics. Works for a company that makes optical supplies.
- MS in Education. Teaches high school.
- PhD in Physics. Teaches college.
What do Physicists earn?
Salaries depend on the type of job you take and on the education level you have. Salaries for a bachelors degree range from $50k to $70k per year. If you teach high school, your salary will be on the lower end of that range. If you work for the government, it will be in the center. If you work for a company like Intel, Google, AMD, TI, or Applied Materials, it will be on the higher end of that range. Completing a Ph.D. in physics increases this amount considerably. Starting salaries in the private sector range from $95k to $125k per year. This salary increases further with experience.
The following links go to the American Institute of Physics where more information can be found:
Research Experience for Undergrads
Students are encouraged to participate in a Research Experience for Undergrads (REU) during the summer between their junior and senior years. REU programs are conducted at many universities and national labs throughout the United States.
View potential research locations through the National Science Foundation.
In the last few years WWU physics majors have completed REU sessions at Kansas State, the Laboratory of Atmospheric and Space Physics, Loma Linda University, Oregon State, Princeton, Purdue, University of British Columbia, University of Florida, and the University of Washington.
Find more information about REU programs.
Research at WWU
Each summer, research projects are conducted on the WWU campus.
The construction of the Kretschmar Observatory has allowed Walla Walla University to take a leading role in supporting students in an age when they are being challenged to learn and integrate tremendous advances in the understanding of our universe. This is an opportunity that should not be missed.
The observatory is situated on the roof of Kretschmar Hall and is accessible via stair from the third floor of Kretschmar Hall and via elevator from Chan Shun Pavilion. It is currently equipped with a 16" Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and an external observation deck for use by smaller telescopes.
The observatory is open for majors in the department and is used in several classes including Physical Science and Astrophysics.
Learn more about the observatory and public observing opportunities.