Physics

Physics On the Forefront of Discovery

Physics has been a part of Carnegie Mellon University (originally known as Carnegie Technical Schools, and later as Carnegie Tech) since the first class of students entered in 1906.

Carnegie Mellon’s Department of Physics was designed to provide a firm knowledge of the basic principles of physics, an appreciation of a wide range of physical problems of current interest and the capacity to formulate and solve new problems.

Physics offers introductory courses for scientists, engineers and “future presidents,” as well as advanced courses in both classical and modern physics and astronomy.

Students can take advantage of core courses in:

• classical mechanics
• quantum mechanics
• electromagnetism
• mathematical methods
• statistical physics
• thermodynamics

The department also offers specialized courses in:

• relativity
• astrophysics
• biological physics
• nuclear and particle physics
• computational physics
• condensed matter physics
• nanoscience

Physics research is considered to be a key part of the undergraduate experience and the Department of Physics offers research in the fall or spring, as well as summer research opportunities. Our physics majors have assisted faculty members with software development, helped in our laboratories and one even spent a semester at the South Pole installing the Viper Telescope

Undergraduate Degrees in Physics

• BS in Physics
• BA in Physics

Students can also choose from a variety of tracks within the BS in physics, such as:

• Applied Physics
• Astrophysics
• Biological Physics
• Chemical Physics
• Computational Physics