WLC students using equipment in physics lab

Physics Major

Physics forms the basis of much of modern science and technology. Cellphone and satellite communication; autonomous cars, rockets, and drones; magnetic resonance imaging; atomic clocks — what do these technologies have in common?

Those who created them studied physics.

Throughout history, those who have studied physics (from Aristotle to Heisenberg to today's scientists) have been motivated by a desire to understand nature and to try to answer not just technical, but deeply philosophical questions. Would you like to join the conversation?

Engage in meaningful undergraduate research alongside expert faculty

Recent student research experiences have involved the design and construction of scientific equipment, analog and digital electronic circuitry, computational and experimental modeling of ocean tides and atmospheric dynamics, data acquisition and image processing, spectroscopy, chromatography, and materials science. In these research projects, students learn how science is done—from designing an experiment and collecting data to scientific writing and publication.

You will learn to think clearly and accurately about science and technology and their impact on society.

The WLC physics department has received generous grants from federal and state agencies such as the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the NASA Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium.

Tailor your education to meet your career aspirations

At WLC, you can design your education to meet your passions and aspirations so you can be prepared to live your purpose. Our physics major is easily pairable with other majors at WLC to allow you the flexibility to craft a college experience that meets your career goals, while ensuring that you still graduate in four years.

Give yourself an edge by pairing your study of biology with a major or minor in physics

Cross-disciplinary work at the intersection of biology and physics has recently led to rapid advances in such fields as molecular machines, nano technology, mathematical biology, medical imaging, neuroscience, laser surgery, radiation biophysics, and nuclear medicine.

Maximize your impact by complementing an education major with a physics degree

The Unites States has a shortage of teachers who are able to teach in the mathematical and physical sciences. Maximize your impact by complementing an education major with a major or minor in physics.

Make your mark by combining physics with art and graphic design, or even music

Leonardo da Vinci, Herman von Helmholtz, Doc Edgerton. Many famous thinkers worked at the boundary between science and art, perhaps since these two disciplines share a common history of abstraction, beauty, and revolutionary ideas. 

Whether you decide to major only in physics, or pair your major with other program offerings, you’ll graduate with knowledge that extends far beyond textbooks.

Explore our Physics & Engineering Dual-Degree Program

Take classes either two or three years at Wisconsin Lutheran College, and, having satisfactorily met the requirements for admission to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s (UWM) engineering program, you will take an additional two years of classes at UWM, graduating with both a Bachelor of Science in Physics degree at WLC and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree at UWM.

At UWM, you’ll receive an education centered around a high-quality engineering curriculum and have the opportunity to major in one of the following areas:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Materials Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

Learn More about the physics-engineering dual-degree

Physics Advising Resources

Connect with Physics Faculty