At a Glance
I’m interested in this field of study. Can you tell me more about it?
Offered through the Department of Natural Sciences of Pitzer and Scripps Colleges, physics is an exceptionally versatile major that helps you develop a broad range of scientific, computational, and mathematical modeling skills. The sought-after ability to think through complex, quantitative problems you’ll gain as a physics major open doors to many different career paths, including physics research, robotics, renewable energy, rocket science, finance, law, medicine, mathematics, software engineering, economics, teaching, and even art. If you’re curious about Scripps’ physics program, please reach out to us—we’d love to have a conversation and connect you with recent alums!
What are some courses appropriate for first-year students interested in exploring this field of study?
Potential physics majors should take PHYS 33 in the fall semester of their first year of college, followed by PHYS 34 in the spring. You’ll also want to finish at least through second semester calculus by the end of your first year. Please talk to us first so we can give you firsthand guidance.
If I decide to major or minor in this field, are there certain courses that need to be taken in a specific sequence?
Yes, see above. We encourage you to consult with our physics faculty and we’ll help you with course selection as you progress through our program.
Can students who major or minor in this field complete a second major or minor (as a double major or a major/minor combination)? If so, what are some common pairings?
Yes! Our physics majors very frequently double or dual major. Graduation requirements for the major are fewer than you might expect, making the pursuit of dual majors much more possible, even if you spend a semester abroad!
Common major combinations include math, computer science, and chemistry, but current students and recent grads have also paired physics with philosophy, art, and even international relations. The list of minors that our students have pursued with the physics major is too long to list!
What other useful information should I know about this field of study?
Many courses are offered in specific semesters and must be taken in a certain order. If your assigned academic adviser is not a physicist, please chat with one of the physics faculty so we can guide you appropriately.
Additionally, we offer two different minors in physics and applied physics for students who do not wish to commit to the full major. The physics minor emphasizes physics-specific skill sets and broad quantitative skills, while the applied physics minor emphasizes skills transferrable and valuable to fields outside of physics. Please do not hesitate to reach out for further information.