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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:

The department also offers specialized courses in:

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

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

Where is the Class of 2018 now?

Job and Salary Data for the Class of 2018