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This degree program offers a comprehensive blend of technical and general education for students pursuing careers in physics and related areas.
The General track delivers extensive coverage with the highest number of physics and mathematics requirements, ideal for those considering advanced studies in Physics or comparable fields.
The Medical and Electronics tracks integrate specialized coursework to apply physics and mathematics in life-science or engineering contexts.
A Computational track equips students with skills to apply physical principles and mathematical approaches to scientific problem-solving, simulations, and visualizations through computing and numerical methods.
The Nanotechnology/Materials Science track prepares students to understand condensed matter physics at both nano- and macro-scale levels.
Physicists explore natural phenomena across all scales of the universe, uncovering fundamental laws that govern our physical reality. Understanding physics is essential for comprehending our immediate environment, our internal biological processes, and the vast cosmos beyond. This program equips students with core conceptual, mathematical, computational, and experimental skills necessary to address current and future scientific and technological challenges.
The majority of Penn State’s applications come from traditional, first-year students. The following types of students are considered first-year applicants (or freshman applicants, as some refer to them): Current high school student in his or her senior year; Student who has earned a high school diploma or a GED and has no post-secondary coursework; Student who has attempted 17 or fewer credits (semester hours) of college coursework at a regionally accredited college/university before attending Penn State; Current high school student who may have enrolled in another institution(s) before graduating from high school (dual enrollment); Student who may have attended Penn State on a nondegree basis.
English Language Proficiency
The following are ways in which you can satisfy the language proficiency requirement: TOEFL: A minimum TOEFL score of 80 on the Internet-based TOEFL or 550 on the old paper exam and a minimum of 20 in each section of the new paper exam (code #2660); IELTS: A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 on the academic test.