Physics, B.A., B.S.
For the past two summers, I have been blessed to participate in NASA-funded summer research projects at Whitworth with faculty and classmates from the physics and computer science departments. Last summer, we worked to improve the code of a genetics algorithm Whitworth students have been developing over the past few summers that models the trajectory of spaceflight missions (like NASA's recent DART mission). The existence of opportunities like this at a small liberal arts university are a testimony to the superior faculty in Whitworth’s STEM fields.
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Ask our faculty
Have questions? Our faculty are here to share their expertise and help you learn more about this program.
Ask Associate Professor Larkin
Associate professor John Larkin specializes in photodynamic therapy, laser energetics and photobiology. He teaches courses ranging from First Year Seminar to Experimental Physics and Theoretical Mechanics.
Faculty PageOur physics grads make a difference (and get jobs)
Graduates have gone on to become engineers, science teachers and researchers (conducting both fundamental and applied research). They have also found careers in other fields that value their quantitative problem-solving skills. No matter the career path you choose, you will benefit from the skills and confidence you gain in our rigorous program.
Our graduates are working in a variety of positions and fields, including:
- Ben Hamming, research and development engineer, Amazon
- Katie Olleman, bridge designer, Washington State Department of Transportation
- Robert Aldridge, reactor simulation engineer, NuScale Power
- Cass Busch, math and science teacher, Klahowya Secondary School, Central Kitsap School District
- Peter Landgren, vehicle simulation engineer, Seattle
Our recent physics grads further their studies in top programs at institutions including:
- Texas A&M University (Ph.D. in physics)
- University of Connecticut (Ph.D. in physics)
- University of Texas – Austin (Ph.D. in astrophysics)
- Northwestern University (Ph.D. in physics)
- Georgia Institute of Technology (Ph.D. in physics)
- Columbia University (Ph.D. in physics)
- University of Nebraska – Lincoln (Ph.D. in physics)
- MIT (Ph.D. in electrical engineering)
- Cornell University (Ph.D. in aerospace engineering)
Opportunities outside the classroom
- Gain on-the-job experience through an internship, required of all students earning the bachelor of science degree in physics. Students have recently interned at the University of Rochester, Florida State University, the University of Oklahoma, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
- Use our shop facilities to work on your own projects. We have 3D printers, a laser cutter and more to help transform your designs into reality.