Welcome to the Department of Physics at Ithaca College

We are dedicated to teaching and learning physics in a collaborative, performance-based community. We encourage observation and analysis of the natural world, and we seek to provide the tools and skills for solving problems and advancing our knowledge of the universe.

Lofty goals, but what is it like to be a physics major?

• Majors get hands-on, individualized instruction in small classes and well-equipped laboratories. As an example, each first-year student builds an electronic timer out of integrated circuits and performs three mechanics experiments. Professors teach all classes (there are no graduate student instructors) and are available outside class for questions or discussions.

• Majors collaborate with faculty members on their research projects. Recently, for example, our students participated in telescopic observations at Palomar, California; at Mauna Kea, Hawaii; and at our own Ford Observatory on campus. Others have taken geophysical measurements at archaeological sites in New Mexico, studied the vibrational signals of elephants, and developed programs at the Sciencenter, a local science discovery facility. Students present their work at regional and national conferences.

• Majors run the local Society of Physics Students club, which sponsors department seminars, community service projects, and a robotics project. Our SPS chapter has been recognized three years in a row as an outstanding chapter by the national office! There is also a general spirit of collaboration with the faculty and staff as well as frequent social activities: our annual fall picnic and spring banquet are not to be missed!

• Majors learn to think analytically, critically, and logically. In fact, with the problem-solving skills that the study of physics provides, they're prepared for success in a technology-based, rapidly changing world. Physics majors go on to study advanced physics, but also find jobs or graduate school training in oceanography, atmospheric science, engineering, environmental science, and just about any discipline you can imagine.

We also offer a master of arts in teaching degree (M.A.T.) in physics, which can be obtained in 12 to 14 months.  During that time, students perform physics research, learn advanced physics topics and a range of education techniques, and spend a semester student teaching. At the end of the program, you will have your initial certificate to teach physics in New York State.

To find out more, please take a moment to browse our site. If you have further questions, feel free to contact us.