FAQs about Studying Physics at IC

Surprisingly enough, I feel as though the transition from high school physics to being a Physics major has been pretty smooth in the sense that I am still challenged in most of my classes but not to the point that it is too overwhelming. I did take both AP Physics Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism in high school, which are 2 of the required courses for the major here, so there is a lot of learning that overlaps. In this situation, I feel hearing the concepts again will just enhance your understanding and prepare you for the more challenging courses in the program. However, high school physics is not required to be a physics major since all the necessary courses are built into the four-year program, so high school physics really just gives you a little head start and may ease you into the college experience with a couple slightly easier classes to start if you already have a foundation.

-Lillian Schick '28

If you change your mind about your current major and you feel another would be a better fit for your needs or desires, it is easy and beneficial to change. The official process of altering your major is literally as simple as submitting a form online and waiting a few days for the request process. In addition, I recommend speaking with a professor to determine what classes you will need to take and or not take for your new major. The process is extremely easy, but more importantly, supportive. When I changed, everyone involved with the change of major only wanted my best interests in mind, and I have found a college plan I feel is best for me.

- Ismael Melendez '28

When I first arrived at Ithaca College, I quickly realized that the major I chose wasn’t the right fit for me. At first, I thought it was just part of adjusting to college-level coursework, but by my second semester, that feeling hadn’t gone away. I hesitated to switch majors because of the stereotypes I’d heard in high school about how changing majors would delay graduation, harm job prospects, or reflect poorly on me. I also worried that my advisor might think I was criticizing the program or that I wasn’t capable of handling it. But when I finally gathered the courage to bring it up, my advisor was incredibly supportive, and the physics department welcomed me warmly. They worked with me to make the transition as smooth as possible, and in the end, I only needed one extra semester to complete my degree. The departments at IC are truly accommodating. I was even able to take a prerequisite class while enrolled in the course that required it, which helped me stay on track.

- Liv Puppo '25

The faculty are very encouraging of student research and will gladly take on any student who shows interest in a project— be it a project that a faculty member is already working on or a new idea that a student wants to explore. The easiest way to get started is to either send relevant faculty members an email stating your interest or you could just pop by their office! Working with faculty is a great way for us to learn about physics because professors will teach and mentor students new topics, and then give them tasks that apply these concepts, so you can get started on research without any prior experience. You just have to take the initiative to ask! 

- Antara Sen, IC’23

The department has so many ways to help students to prepare for a STEM career, but I think there are three big ways. (1) They show us options of what careers we can go into by having people in STEM fields come visit and tell their stories. (2) They help you make your resumés along with helping make connections with people in this field. Finally, (3) they give you plenty of opportunities to get experience that would go on your resumés such as research and being a learning assistant along with other experiences.

- Xander MacKenzie '28

It may take some time to adjust to a new environment, but that’s completely normal! The faculty are very welcoming, and your advisor will help you find classes that are a good fit based on your previous credits. I found getting involved makes everything so much easier! There are bi-weekly seminars through the Society of Physics Students (SPS), which are a great way to meet classmates and learn about the exciting research happening on and off campus. If that's not your thing, there are plenty of other clubs and organizations. Overall, the transition can be slightly uncomfortable at times but there is lots of support to help you find your place!

- Maya Fanti '28

Yes, you are able to work jobs as a Physics major! I am a Learning Assistant for the Physics department as well as a group fitness instructor at the IC's Fitness Center. I coach two classes a week, which ends up being about three hours. My LA job is also about three hours per week, but this can vary depending on the class and the professor for whom you are LA'ing. Jobs on campus are easy to find and cover a wide range of interests. You can find jobs coaching group classes at the gym; you can become a tour guide for the school or a more specialized department tour guide; food service jobs are available at the dining halls and eateries on campus; and if you have an interest in helping others learn, departments are always looking for more learning assistants and tutors. Most jobs only require knowing who to email, a short resumé and cover letter, and a quick low-stress job interview! As a double major in Biochemistry and Applied Physics, I do have to cut back on my work time a bit, but I still find the time to make some money while in school, without it negatively affecting my studies.

- Keely Higgins '27