Goshen College’s physics major takes a rigorous and hands-on approach to understanding nature’s most fundamental laws. Our experienced and knowledgeable physics professors will take your natural curiosity to new heights as you dive into the complex nature of our world. Whether you pursue physics at the graduate school level or jump into the professional world, our physics major can give you the edge you need to succeed.
Some physics lessons are learned quite quickly:
Others require further education to understand, and that’s where Goshen College’s modern physics education comes in.
Goshen College’s physics major takes a rigorous and hands-on approach to understanding nature’s most fundamental laws. Our experienced and knowledgeable physics professors will take your natural curiosity to new heights as you dive into the complex nature of our world. Whether you pursue physics at the graduate school level or jump into the professional world, our physics major can give you the edge you need to succeed.
The Physics Department at Goshen College is committed to excellence in undergraduate teaching and research, preparing physics students for career opportunities or advanced study in applied physics, experimental physics, engineering, computer science, astronomy, medical physics and medicine, and other related fields. Physics is the most fundamental of the natural sciences, and its concepts and principles underlie much of modern technology.
Physics also provides a unique way of thinking about and analyzing the world around us. Physics students develop analytical and problem-solving skills that they can apply in many different contexts.
Our instructors are highly-skilled teachers with years of experience in academia and industry. They will guide you through complex topics like quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, condensed matter physics, and thermodynamics to gain deeper insights into the intricate processes that influence everything around us.
Our physics department offers a wide range of courses to meet the needs of students with various backgrounds and interests. Physics majors take a year-long sequence of core classes, allowing them to develop a deep understanding of the subject. Physics majors also can do original research with faculty mentors and present their findings at regional and national conferences of the best physics schools.
Though coursework will be rigorous and challenging, we haven’t forgotten that science can be fun. Our students work with exciting equipment generally reserved for graduate students: specialty x-ray, optics, holography, and biophysics instruments, as well as optical, acoustic, and physical laboratories. Students might design a self-driving car for the college’s bi-annual Electronics Show or create a tuning graph for marimba bars during the Maple Scholars summer research program.
Whether you go on to graduate school or start your career right away, a degree in physics from Goshen College will help set you apart from the competition. Our graduates have gone on to research opportunities, education, engineering, medical school, computer programming, law school, and medicine – and many of them return to campus to mentor the next generation of physics students.
Many different types of industries hire physics majors, and the hands-on experiences you’ll gain at GC will give you an edge if you apply for graduate school or complete your bachelor’s degree at an engineering school through our engineering physics major. In recent years, over 70 percent of GC physics alumni have gone to postgraduate studies. By the time you leave Goshen, you will have the critical thinking skills to develop theories for practical applications needed to succeed in postgraduate studies and the professional world.
If you have an inquisitive mind and love learning about how things work, then a major in physics from Goshen College is for you! Financial aid options are available for those who qualify.
Engineering Physics majors at Goshen College can now complete their studies with a Bachelor’s of Engineering degree from Valparaiso. The recent articulation agreement paves the way for Engineering Physics students to transfer after their third year to Valparaiso, and finish degrees in Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering with two more…
Owen Gingerich ’51 died on May 28. He received the Goshen College Culture for Service Alumni Award in 1991. Owen was a professor of astronomy and history of science emeritus at Harvard University, and also a senior astronomer emeritus at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.
Bryan Nataren Barahona, a physics major and math minor from San Pedro Sula, Honduras, was among the recipients of the new President’s Graduating Leader Award.
Number of years needed to complete the pre-engineering track
of physics majors enter graduate school
Ranking in the percentage of graduates going on to earn doctorates among all Indiana institutions
The average personal annual income of GC physics alumni
of physics alumni are satisfied or very satisfied with their undergraduate education
Learn more about Goshen College's exceptional academic outcomes and national rankings.
Spencer Aeschliman ’19 is a physics major from Salem, Oregon. Outside of his coursework, Spencer plays on the men’s soccer team and sings with the men’s chorus.
Spencer's storySamuel Stoner-Eby '23 chose Goshen College for its small school environment, and the opportunity to take classes in many areas to explore his interests.
Samuel's storyBrian Sutter is a 2016 physics and informatics graduate. Despite facing pressure to attend an Ivy League school, Brian knew Goshen was the place where he wanted to be. So far, it has exceeded all of his expectations.
Brian's storyDrew Smoker ’24, a physics major, came to Goshen College seeking a challenge and opportunities to problem-solve.
Drew's storyUlises Martinez, a 2004 chemistry and physics graduate, developed a clean energy catalyst that powers carbon-neutral vehicles.
Ulises' storyMichelle Espino, a 2014 grad who majored in physics and mathematics, is an avid Colts fan and loves listening to The Beatles. At Goshen, Michelle balanced classes, track practices and mentoring at a local high school.
Michelle's storyDavid Housman
Professor of Mathematics & Department Chair
