Top Colleges for Physics
Earning a degree in physics can lead to continuing on to graduate studies in physics or potentially choosing a career related to physics such as engineering, research in laboratories or finance. The top schools that offer a physics program combine collaborative learning, experiential learning and independent research. Students who choose to pursue a degree in physics will learn to problem-solve, research and gain an understanding of the universe, as well as take classes in advanced mathematics.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Ranked as the top school for physics by U.S. News & World Report, Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers students an opportunity to work with faculty who are known worldwide for their research in physics. Additionally, four students from this physics program have won Nobel Prizes. There are approximately 300 undergraduate students enrolled in the physics program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This highly ranked program combines four primary research areas in physics that students can focus their studies on.
Harvard University
Harvard University offers a program in physics that allows students to engage in research using the theoretical approach, as well as experiential learning. Ranked second by U.S. News & World Report, the faculty in this physics program have created many research centers on campus for students. Students combine working in laboratories, individual work and group research to complete the physics degree. There are approximately 230 students in the undergraduate physics program at Harvard University.
Princeton University
Princeton University is ranked sixth for its physics program by U.S. News & World Report. This program gives students the opportunity to be part of discoveries in physics. Students will learn how physicists think through scientific research, problem-solving, and understanding the physical law. Students who earn a degree from Princeton in physics may go on to continue the study of physics or find a career in a physics-related field such as engineering, teaching or industrial physics research. The flexibility of this program allows students to gain experience in a wide variety of research.
University of Chicago
The physics program at the University of Chicago is ranked eighth on the list. This program requires students to take advanced physics courses, as well as advanced mathematics courses. Additionally, the University of Chicago offers a specialty in astrophysics for students who are interested. The students in this program focus on experimental learning and research. The undergraduate program in physics at the University of Chicago can be completed in three years.
