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The physics program provides comprehensive training in modern physics concepts, combined with hands-on experience in mathematical and experimental methods essential for both fundamental and applied physics research.
The curriculum includes core courses designed to prepare students for advanced graduate-level studies, complemented by optional classes in specialized subjects. While many graduates pursue physics at the doctoral level, the analytical skills developed through physics studies also serve as excellent preparation for diverse scientific and non-scientific careers.
The physics concentration option caters to students who wish to explore physics alongside other disciplines, seek physics-related employment after graduation, or consider professional programs like law or medicine. The department works closely with concentrators to develop personalized academic plans that balance flexibility with academic rigor, allowing students to pursue interdisciplinary interests while keeping graduate physics studies as a viable option.
Research plays a central role in Columbia's physics education. With an exceptionally favorable faculty-to-student ratio, nearly all physics majors and concentrators participate in faculty-supervised research projects—whether experimental, computational, or theoretical—during their time at Columbia.