Think of the biggest questions you can imagine: How old is the universe? What's inside a black hole? What are atoms made of? Physics can tell us the answers.
Why Study Physics?
Physics tells us nothing less than the structure of the universe itself. If you're curious about the structure of the smallest building blocks of matter, or if you want to explore age-old questions about how time began and what lies ahead, physics can show the way.
In your classes, you'll learn how matter and energy behave. The answers you find shed light on these big-picture mysteries, but have practical everyday uses. Technologies like lasers and superconductors wouldn't exist without physics.
You don't have to become a physicist to use a physics degree, though. Many other sciences, from astronomy to chemistry, are built on the foundation laid by physics.
Why Study Physics at CSUN?
Explore the Cosmos
You can travel millions of miles without ever leaving campus. The San Fernando Observatory, rebuilt in 2016, provides a critical eye on solar activity, such as sunspots and flares. And our campus planetarium recreates the night sky in shows open to students and the public.
Sweat the Small Stuff
Journey into the still-mysterious realm of quantum physics at PREM, the Partnership for Research and Education in Materials. This joint program between CSUN and Princeton University's Center for Complex Materials opens doors to careers in nanoscale science.
Build Your Network
Make connections with other students, alumni and employers through student chapters of organizations such as the Society for Physics Students, American Physical Society and the American Institute of Physics.
What You'll Learn
All Physics majors take courses in chemistry, calculus, differential equations and physics. The track you take from there depends on whether you want to explore other subjects or pursue a physics-related career.
You can choose from options that offer either a bachelor of arts (B.A.) or bachelor of science (B.S.) degree:
Gain a broad foundation in physics as part of a liberal arts education in the arts and sciences. If you're interested in a secondary teaching career or pursuing a second major in a non-science field such as music, law or business, this program is ideal.
This option is meant for students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. or a career in physics-related research and development. The program provides a balance of experimental and theoretical physics, but can be tailored if your interests run more toward math or engineering.
This option is meant for students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. or a career in astrophysics-related research and development. You'll learn to apply physics to astrophysical problems, taking classes in subjects including quantum physics, electromagnetism and more.
Careers & Outcomes
A physics degree gives you the background to succeed in teaching, engineering or any career that relies on problem-solving and careful observation.
Employers of recent alumni include:
- Northrop Grumman
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
- College of the Canyons
- Moorpark College
- West Los Angeles College
- Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO)
Common career paths for Physics graduates include:
- Engineer
- High school teacher
- Astronomer
- Data analyst
- Programmer
- Lawyer
Are we alone in the universe?
That's probably the greatest unanswered question of all. CSUN professors Damian Christian, Deqing Ren and Luca Ricci are exploring the far reaches of the cosmos to find out. They're pushing astronomy's limits by developing cutting-edge techniques.