Skip to main content

Problem solvers wanted

Making physics models that work in the real world

Physicists use mathematical models to create and fix mechanical, electromagnetic, thermodynamic and atomic/molecular systems. An Eckerd physics degree prepares students for this fascinating work in classes of fewer than 30 students. Graduates of our program go on to work in research and development, science, engineering, education, medicine, law, business and the military.

Only@Eckerd

More attention from Ph.D.s

Introductory courses usually have between 20 and 30 students, while upper-level Physics classes have five to 10 students. This means better learning for everyone.

A student-run MakerSpace

Many physics students are leaders in the campus MakerSpace. They use what they’ve learned to lead activities for first-year students, Open Make Nights and weekend workshops.

Paid summer gigs

For one week every summer, select Eckerd physics majors get paid to show 140 middle-schoolers how to do things like make solar cells and silver glass.The week-long Summer Science Splash camp provides valuable experience in teaching.

Physics major Helena Hurbon '18

In Their Own Words

“I cannot stress more to new students how wonderful it is that a professor knows your name and your story. Eckerd supported me as an individual. This support allowed me to grow in my confidence as a learner and as leader. Dr. Cox mentored me throughout my Eckerd career. She recognized my potential and helped me through challenges I faced including applying to dual degree programs.”
— Helena Hurbon, Class of 2018

Beyond the Classroom

Interested students who are able and motivated are often invited to work with faculty in the summer — sometimes as early as their first year. Recent projects include:

Students work on all the projects Eckerd Physics professors undertake. These fall into four categories:

  • Atomic Cluster Studies
  • Theoretical Nuclear Physics
  • Plasma Engines
  • Theoretical General Relativity

Not all research takes place on campus. One student spent a summer doing computational biophysics research at the University of South Florida. Another interned with the American Physical Society in Maryland, where she wrote up current events in physics for web publication

Every year, Physics majors volunteer at the St. Petersburg Science Festival. Many also teach computer aided design (CAD) to middle school students through the first-year Physics course “Engineering a STEM Exhibit.”

Service Pics on Flickr

In the last three years, physics majors have spent semesters abroad in Australia, Chile and Denmark. Others have spent the three-week Winter Term in Morocco, Spain, Cuba, Martinque, Nepal and France.

Study Abroad Pics on Flickr

Popular classes

Quantum Physics I

This class explores modern quantum theory and relativity, including a comparison of classical and quantum results.

Electricity and Magnetism

Study electric and magnetic fields, AC and DC circuits, using Maxwell’s equations. Includes an introduction to electromagnetic wave theory.

Eckerd College students work with a hydrogen-powered car in a physics class

Outcomes

What can I do with a physics degree?

  • Accelerator Operator
  • Applications Engineer
  • Data Analyst
  • Design Engineer
  • High School Physics Teacher
  • Information Technologist
  • Lab Technician
  • Laser Engineer
  • Optical Engineer
  • Software Developer
  • Systems Analyst
  • Technical Specialist
  • Web Developer

Where our physics majors go to graduate school

  • Florida Institute of Technology
  • Georgia Institute of Technology
  • John Hopkins University
  • University of South Florida
  • University of Virginia

Where our physics majors go to work

Sign up for more about Eckerd and our physics program