Undergraduate Program

An undergraduate degree in physics will give you a deep understanding of the most fundamental forces in the Universe, and give you problem-solving skills that are valued in both academia and industry. A physics degree can lead to a career in scientific fields other than physics, such as astronomy, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. Physics graduates also pursue careers in fields such as law, financial services, medicine, education, and engineering.

The physics major at Cornell is designed to accommodate the needs of students with a wide spectrum of interests and career goals. The major consists of core courses spanning the field of physics, plus an area of concentration that can be chosen within physics or can be interdisciplinary.

Research is a strong component of the physics major. Research areas at Cornell include:
• accelerator physics
• astronomy
• biophysics
• computational physics
• condensed-matter physics
• elementary particle physics
• general relativity
• nanoscale physics
• quantum field theory

Please contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor Carl Franck, at (607) 255-5215 or physicsdus@cornell.edu with questions.

Undergraduate Program

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