Good College for Astronomy
With a strong curriculum, a close working relationship between students, faculty and staff, and facilities providing many opportunities for student involvement in research projects, the department of physics, astronomy and geophysics offers you an excellent education if you're interested in studying physics, astronomy or geophysics at the undergraduate level.
Our department is housed in the F. W. Olin Science Center, pictured above. Most of our classes and labs are taught in this contemporary facility and all research labs are located here. You'll be encouraged to get involved in research work and independent study projects with faculty members at any time during your four years at Connecticut College. The department's research facilities include a flume, a 1 MeV accelerator, a photonics laboratory, a laser spectroscopy lab and an observatory.
The physics major is designed to provide flexibility so that students can tailor a program of study to their own interests. You have a choice of majoring in physics with
- a general concentration
- a concentration in astrophysics
- or a concentration in physics and engineering (a dual-degree program)
Whatever options you select, you'll experience small, challenging classes and a close, collegial, working relationship with your professors and fellow students.
Options once you graduate with a degree in physics
Our majors have followed many different career paths. Some elected to continue their studies of physics and astronomy in graduate school; they have attended such institutions as the University of Washington, Penn State, Stanford, the University of Maryland - College Park and Dartmouth. Some students chose to pursue a career in medicine and attend medical or veterinary school, some chose law. Still others opted to go into engineering, teaching, or computer support. A physics major provides a strong foundation from which to build a good career - the choices of where to go with your degree are extensive.
