Why Physics?

Why study physics at Marquette?

鈥淭he physics department is a phenomenal community to be a part of. The physics [student] lounge is like a second home to most of us, and the physics students and faculty genuinely care about each other....no one gets lost in the masses and forgotten about.鈥�
- Physics Major, Class of 2016

The Physics program at Marquette provides exciting research opportunities alongside faculty, fellowship in student organizations, and a stimulating curriculum to launch your career.

  • Physics at Marquette
  • Undergraduate Opportunities
  • Get involved!

Students pursuing a degree in physics receive the following benefits of studying at Marquette:

  • Undergraduate research opportunities

  • Strong faculty-student ratio

  • Flexible degree path

  • Education at an urban, Jesuit university

  • Laboratory Teaching Assistants: Undergraduate physics majors play an important role as salaried teaching assistants in the introductory physics labs. Not only do they improve their knowledge of physics and technical writing by teaching, they also acquire valuable skills in managing people and working in groups.
  • Research Assistants: Physics majors also have the opportunity to become involved in a research project with a physics faculty member as early as the summer after their freshman year! Research areas include condensed matter physics, theoretical astrophysics, radio astronomy, and experimental nuclear physics.
  • The Society of Physics Students engages in a variety of activities to promote physics, including outreach with local schools, trebuchet launches, rocket building competitions, and traveling to conferences across the country.
  • Women in Physics works to foster camaraderie among women physics majors and to network with both women alumni and prospective students. They also host women speakers and participate in outreach events.


What can you do with a degree in Physics?

Because Marquette Physics majors develop highly organized ways of thinking, they are successful both inside and outside the traditional field of physics. The American Institute of Physics (AIP) Career Network website offers present day employment opportunities for physicists of all degree and career levels. Use this site to see what opportunities are available:

Enter the Workforce

Our graduates are employed in these diverse fields: Law, Engineering, Medicine & Medical Research, Computer & Software Engineering, Armed Froces, Teaching.

Attend Graduate School

Many recent grads have pursued advanced degrees in physics as well as astronomy, biophysics, materials science, and bioengineering at top graduate and professional programs around the country, including: Princeton University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Vanderbilt University, Notre Dame, and Washington University in St. Louis to name a few.

Think you can鈥檛 afford grad school?

Students pursuing an advanced physics degree get paid for it! Most grads have earned a fellowship or assistantship which includes full tuition, plus a substantial salary to support their studies!


Want to learn more? Visit us!

Below are some of the benefits available when you visit us on campus. To arrange a visit, please contact us!

  • Tour the department and labs
  • Speak with professors about their research
  • Attend a physics class
  • Speak with professors about their research
  • Attend a physics class
  • Meet with current students