Physics is the study of the laws of nature that describe the universe we see around us.

At JMU, our physics majors have the opportunity to customize their degree program to suit their interests and career goals. We offer courses that focus on multiple facets of physics, including materials science, computational physics, electronics and applied nuclear physics. Students are strongly urged to conduct research projects with our faculty, and often present research at professional conferences and produce co-authored publications. Additionally, there are multiple opportunities within the physics and astronomy department for paid research experience.

The major is a part of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, an academic unit within the College of Science and Mathematics.

Physics is the study of the laws of nature that describe the universe we see around us and the relationship of energy and matter. This includes the study of nature on every scale from the smallest subatomic particles to the evolution of the universe itself. The study of physics is more than the pursuit of basic scientific knowledge. It is the development of a way of thinking about problems whether learning what is inside a proton or how to use knowledge from biology, chemistry or geology to solve an interesting practical problem.

In this major, students will be immersed in a program that integrates a comprehensive classroom curriculum with extensive hands-on experience working in research laboratories with our faculty. Students have opportunities to work both on campus and at national and international facilities to conduct research in nuclear physics and astronomy, and use state-of-the-art equipment on campus in materials, computational physics and non-linear dynamics. To find out more about the major and what the program is like consult the Physics & Astronomy program page.