Physics
What if you could ID molecules—in liquids and powders being analyzed by drug enforcement, for example—using a laser to measure light scatter...
Physics works to understand
the universe and the laws
that govern it
To be or not to be
If it exists, physicists study it. And we even study things that don’t exist in any conventional sense. Take the particle believed to be the Higgs boson, for example, and its role in giving mass to particles. Physics explores the deepest questions about the universe and how things work in the simplest terms.
Every game-changing technology in our world is applied physics. Our majors participate in real research in lasers, quantum optics, spectroscopy, atomic and molecular physics and biophysics.
In Drew’s RISE program, you also have the rare opportunity to conduct research alongside top veteran scientists from industry, the only program of its kind in the nation.
We like to say that physicists have done as much for health care as physicians. From ways of seeing inside the body for diagnosis to methods for curing without cutting, physics research has resulted in the wide array of modern tools for medicine.
Our program is especially hospitable to women. About half of our majors have been women; this is a long-term trend recognized in a national American Physical Society survey.
Our dual-degree engineering program puts you at Drew your first three years, then at Columbia University for another two years. You graduate with a B.A. degree from Drew and a B.S. degree in engineering from Columbia.
Careers Made easy
Critical Mass
Three-quarters of our physics majors go on to advanced studies, pursuing astrophysics, engineering (electrical, mechanical), energy and environmental policy, law school, medicine and secondary education. Most receive fellowships and research/teaching assistantships that cover full tuition and living expenses for grad school.
Our basic toolkit in physics is clear: strong mathematics, reasoning and critical-thinking skills. The result? The ability to solve problems that will equip you for success in many fields.
The American Institute of Physics reports that physics majors scored the highest of all majors on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and second highest on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT).
Full-Impact Students
Ashish Shah
I did a Research Experience for Undergraduates program this summer at Lehigh University, where I studied carbon nanotubes. What I learned about Raman spectroscopy and optics at Drew helped me understand the material for my research at Lehigh.
Passionate Faculty
Minjoon Kouh
Assistant professor of physics
I’m working on computational neuroscience research projects—we study the brain as a computational and information-processing organ, using numerical and theoretical methods. I also play the traditional Korean drum in the Pungmul tradition.
Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Passionate Faculty
James M. Supplee
Professor & chair
I’m working on a calculation in semiclassical optics, though I’d call myself a teacher first. In my spare time I play bass guitar with a band at Drew.
Ph.D., University of Texas at Dallas
Passionate Faculty
Robert K. Murawski
Assistant professor
I once had a student tell me, “I never thought I’d be able to do math like that until now.” In my research, I’m working on a paper that will show a simple solution to a complex quantum mechanical problem.
Ph.D., Stevens Institute of Technology
Successful Alumni
- Atomic molecular optical physicist
Draper Laboratory, Cambridge, Mass. - Senior systems performance analyst
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission - Launch site support manager
NASA
The average IQ of Ph.D.s in physics (143)
edges out the average IQ of other Ph.D. recipients.
My Favorite Course
“It gave me an opportunity to build and perform my own experiment. I was able to experience graduate-level work and see what would be expected of me in the future.”
Ashish Shah on Advanced Lab I