Physics Major Physics Major Advanced study in physics provides skill in critical thinking valued by all branches of the Army and an academic foundation well-suited for later specialization in virtually any technical field of value to the Army.Offered by the Department of Physics and Nuclear Engineering. Breadcrumb academics majors and minors physics major academics-sidebarnav MENU Academic Program Majors & Minors Annual Theme Enrichment Opportunities Internships Study Abroad Scholars Program Service Academy Exchange Program Departments Overview Program Enrichment The physics major integrates phases of modern technology to develop a fundamental knowledge that can support a variety of technical interests and activities in future years. The major is designed to provide cadets a solid foundation in the essential pillars of theoretical physics, classical mechanics, electrodynamics, statistical physics, and quantum mechanics. Additionally, a strong experimental component emphasizes the skills necessary to design and build experimental apparatus and applies these skills to modern physics, lasers and optics. Physics majors have a lab requirement component. Opportunities in PhysicsCadets who study advanced physics can serve the Army as maneuver commanders, battle staff officers, astronauts, acquisition project managers, Army scientists, nuclear weapons experts, space Operations specialists, intelligence specialists, engineers, and doctors. Career Field Designations (CFDs) that require advanced physics specialists include Functional Area (FA)40 - Space Operations, FA47 - Academy Professor, FA49 - Operations Research and Systems Analysis, FA51 - Acquisition, and FA52 - Nuclear and Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction. Master's and PhD graduate-level education opportunities include Advanced Civil Schooling (ACS) with top-tier universities (MIT, Stanford, and Harvard), Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), and the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT).Why Study Physics?Throughout history, physicists have observed and recorded the phenomena of the natural world, sought explanations of these phenomena, and developed mathematical models to predict the outcomes of experiments. Over the centuries, some hypotheses have become well-respected laws, while others have become stepping stones to better models. In the last 100 years, physicists have pioneered the development of the electrical power grid, radio and microwave communications, nuclear power, and modern computer technology. The U.S. Military relies on physicists to maintain its lead in cutting-edge armaments. Officers with a physics background understand the obstacles and possibilities of present and future technologies. Senior military leaders who control the appropriation of funds need advanced scientific training to make wise purchases. Senior leaders are also responsible for the development of new technologies. Junior officers with physics training understand the limitations of specific technologies and can troubleshoot and repair equipment in the field. Their physics education empowers them with skills to solve complex problems logically and accurately in various situations.Student Learning OutcomesCadets majoring in physics can:Apply the laws of physics to formulate mathematical models of physical systems, solve the resulting equations, and use the solutions to hypothetical and real-world problems.Apply the laws of physics to formulate and test hypotheses in an experimental setting.Complete academic assignments and research using accepted ethical and scientific standards.Communicate logical solutions to scientific and technical problems to superiors, peers, and subordinates.Are prepared for graduate education in physics, engineering or related fields.Contact PaNE faculty and staff.To learn more about this area of study, visit the Department of Physics and Nuclear Engineering. Required CoursesPH365 MODERN PHYSICS PH381 INTRMED CLASSICAL MECHANICS PH382 INTERMEDIATE ELECTRODYNAMICS PH384 APPLIED OPTICS PH481 STATISTICAL PHYSICS PH482 ADVANCED CLASSICAL MECHAN PH484 INTERMEDIATE QUANTUM MECHANICS PH485 LASER PHYSICSPH486 EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS PH487 ADVANCED QUANTUM MECHANICSSample ElectivesEE301 FUNDAMENTALS OF ELEC ENGIN MA364 ENGINEERING MATHEMATICS MA365 ADV MATH FOR ENGRS/SCIENTISTS XE383 ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVESThis major offers an honors track. To learn more, view the full Physics Major Curriculum. Majors can apply to Sigma Pi Sigma, the National Honor Society within the Society of Physics Students. Majors also have the opportunity to apply to participate in a summer Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) program, a USMA-run academic enrichment experience. You can be teamed with officers or scientists at Army and other national research laboratories. Previous AIAD work has been conducted at Livermore Labs (CA), Los Alamos Labs (NM), NASA-Johnson Space Flight Center (TX), White Sands (NM), Army Research Lab (MD), CERN Accelerator Lab (Switzerland), and MIT-Lincoln Lab, (MA). For more information about AIAD opportunities, email Dr. Daniel Schultz, supervisory physicist, or call 845-938-5009.Other Honor Societies:Golden Key - International Honour SocietyPhi Kappa Phi - Oldest and Largest Collegiate Honor SocietyTo learn more about enrichment for this area of study, visit the Department of Physics and Nuclear Engineering or the Photonics Research Center.