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B.S. in Physics/Computer

 

BS-Physics-Computer-main

Apply physics to the technical world.

Grove City College offers a computer physics major that will prepare you for diverse computer-related careers where a solid understanding of the laws of nature is critical. With concentration options in hardware and software, this four-year program combines physics courses with rigorous coursework in computer studies — distinguished by unique research and internship opportunities, as well as accomplished faculty mentors who will help you solidify your path and hit the ground running with respected institutions like the U.S. Air Force Space Command and the Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

Program Highlights
  • Personal access to highly accomplished, passionate teaching faculty who serve as guides and mentors in and out of the classroom and laboratory.
  • Concentration options in Physics/Computer with Hardware Option (87-88 credit hours) and Physics/Computer with Software Option (88-90 credit hours). For students whose main interests lie in writing computer software or computer programming, our B.S. in Computer Science or B.S. in Computer Engineering may be the best fit. For detailed course descriptions, refer to the College Catalog.
    • Concentration requirements include:
      • (Computer Hardware Concentration) Computer Programming II, Linear Circuits I and II, Digital Logic Design, Linear Circuits Laboratory, Digital Circuits Laboratory, Design of Digital Systems, and Microcontrollers with Robotic Applications.
        • In this concentration, students receive additional instruction in analog and digital electronics, microprocessors, and robotics, enabling them to easily step into myriad industrial and research positions that involve automation, data acquisition, and computer interfacing/communications.
      • (Computer Software Concentration) Computer Programming II, Introduction to Data Structures/Algorithms, Computer Architecture and Organization, Operation Systems, Software Engineering, Electronics, and various options in electrical engineering, physics, computer science, and math.
        • In this concentration, students learn how to create software and operate system architecture, databases, artificial intelligence, and more — developing a marketable combination of skills in computer software to solve physical problems or model experimental situations. Because physics majors understand how matter and energy work, they are exceptionally prepared to intelligently create software that applies to real conditions in factories, laboratories, or natural environments.
    • With either concentration, physics core requirements include General Physics I and II – Engineering, Horizons in Physics, Modern Physics, Introduction to Theoretical Physics, Intermediate Laboratory, Mechanics I, Radiation Laboratory, Computational Methods in Physics, Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, & Cosmology, Computer Programming I, Computer Architecture, Parallel and Distributed Computing, Database Management Systems, and Data Communication and Networking.
    • With either concentration, technical electives include Mechanics II, Electricity and Magnetism, Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics, Medical Physics, Advanced Topics, Quantum Mechanics, Astrophysics, and Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science.
    • With either concentration, technical core requirements include Chemistry for Engineers, Calculus I, II, and III, Differential Equations, and Numerical Differential Equations.
  • Optional minors in medical physics and astronomy (rarely offered as a minor at most schools).
  • Many research opportunities beginning freshman year that will give you hands-on experience in scientific research, strengthen your teamwork and communication skills, and help you solidify your career path.
    • Our students frequntely present their research across the country at conferences and poster sessions, often pursuing publication in leading science and education journals.
    • As you conduct research, you will benefit from our high-end facilities (including two astronomical observatories) and cutting-edge equipment including a high-resolution fluorescence spectrometer, ultra-fast high-power infrared laser, several sputtering systems, atomic force microscope, Tescan Vega II scanning electron microscope with X-ray spectrometer, Micromanipulator 4600 probe station, oxygen plasma cleaner, profilometer, ellipsometer, and much more. 
  • Summer research opportunities in a wide range of labs and institutions worldwide.
    • Grove City students have obtained summer positions with Los Alamos National Laboratory, Army Research Labs, InterSystems, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Notre Dame, Boston College, Cornell University, Purdue, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, among others.
  • Vocation-enriching humanities core classes woven into your academic schedule that will cultivate greater empathy, critical thinking, writing and other communication skills, and a well-rounded understanding of the world and your place in it.
  • Major-related student groups on campus including the Grove City College Physics Club and Association of Computing Machinery, in which you will have opportunities to build community with fellow students and grow in servant leadership.
Career Outcomes
  • If you are like 96% of Grove City graduates, you will be ready to pursue further education at some of the best schools in the country or compete for full-time employment in a variety of technical fields.
    • Many of our graduates have gained admittance to leading graduate programs at University of Pennsylvania, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Oxford University, Johns Hopkins, Temple, Vanderbilt Medical Physics, University of Maryland, Georgia Tech, and Penn State.
    • Others are working with respected companies and institutions such as U.S. Air Force Space Command, Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, Westinghouse Electric, NSA, Intel, Google, Lockheed Martin, John’s Hopkins Research Lab, Edmund Optics, U.S. Army, Prison Fellowship, and Lincoln Electric.
      • Common career areas include mathematical modeling of systems, optics research, particle physics, computer engineering, biomedical engineering, nuclear medicine, artificial intelligence, geophysics, technical support, and data analysis (particularly as it applies to research in medicine, astronomy, and meteorology).
  • Whether you become a computer engineer, research physicist, or technical support specialist, you will have great expertise in applied physics and strong problem-solving skills to successfully launch into your career and help advance life-improving science and technology.
Physics Graduates in High Demand

According to the Statistical Research Center of the American Institute of Physics, physics graduates are in high demand across a variety of fields nationwide.

To learn more about physics and astronomy-related career opportunities, take advantage of the following resources.

  • State-by-state listing of the many employers who recently hired physics graduates to fill science and engineering positions.
  • Latest employment data showing the variety of work settings and positions in which physicists at different degree levels are employed.
  • Statistical Research Center home page, where you can find current data on education and employment in physics, astronomy, and allied fields, including interactive resources, full reports, and individual graphs and tables.
Student & Alumni Stories

“I love the environment at the College. It is a rare thing to be able to openly discuss just about anything and be challenged in an environment that will pick you back up after it is done.” — Benjamin Zerbe ’17, B.S. in Applied Physics-Computer, B.S. in Computer Science

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