Undergraduate
Main Content
Courses
This page lists information about all courses, irrespective of whether they are offered in the current semester. This page is still under development.
Degrees
Whether you are already a physics major needing guidance or information on the next stage in your studies or you're considering a major in physics, the information below might help answer some of your questions.
Undergraduate Research
The department provides many opportunities for undergraduates to get involved in research. Direct research experience is exciting, and a great way to prepare for careers in science and engineering. If you're interested in doing research, feel free to explore the research programs in the department and don't be shy to approach faculty members and ask to chat about possible opportunities.
Penn State Society of Physics Students
The Penn State Society of Physics Students is a supportive community for those interested in physics, regardless of major. We hold weekly meetings, have social events, build projects, and spread our love of physics in the community through various outreach activities, all while having loads of fun! We also offer academic resources to both our members and other Penn State students through peer-to-peer tutoring and GRE review sessions.
Take a Professor for Lunch
Penn State is a big place, so students are sometimes hesitant to make a professor's acquaintance, even though they probably share a great many interests. We know that many students enrolled in large lecture classes feel that faculty members giving the lectures can know them only by student ID number. We cannot make Penn State smaller, but we can facilitate the social interactions between students and faculty that will enable each to know the other a lot better. The "Take a Professor to Lunch" program runs each fall and spring semester. Each Physics student is eligible to participate once per semester; faculty however, may participate as often as they are asked and as long as their digestion holds up.