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Understand the courses you’ll take, the curriculum requirements to meet, and the concepts you’ll gain mastery of. This program also offers a minor program option. Get the detailed information you’re looking for.
Physics BS
Physics bachelor's degree students discover how the laws of physics keep the world turning.
Set your career in motion with the science of matter and RIC's Physics bachelor's degree.
Semiconductor design. Renewable energy. Space exploration. Mechanical engineering. These are just a few of the high-tech growth industries requiring physicists. RIC's Physics Program combines a rigorous scientific foundation with practical applications in lab work and opportunities to collaborate with faculty on research.
High-Demand Physics Careers
- Physicist
- Science Teacher
- Astronomer
- Nuclear Engineer
- Nanotechnologist
- Research Scientist
Why Earn a Physics Bachelor's Degree at Rhode Island College?
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting higher than average job growth for physics majors over the next 10 years with a median annual wage of more than $150,000.
- Our Physics degree combines a strong foundation in academics with experiential learning and research in the lab.
- Our small class sizes provide Physics majors with opportunities for one-on-one faculty mentorship.
- Topics covered include: quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, electronics and nanotechnology.
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Clarke Science, home of our physics program, just underwent a $60 million renovation. The modern research and teaching workspace now houses 10 teaching labs, 4 research labs, an instrument room, 2 lecture halls, 2 traditional classrooms, and faculty offices.
Physical Sciences Faculty
We are proud to offer one-on-one research with faculty mentors for students interested in pursuing graduate school in physics or engineering.
Dr. Karen H. Almeida
- Professor
Dr. Andrea L. Del Vecchio
- Professor
Dr. Elizabeth Kiesewetter
- Associate Professor
Dr. Sarah Weinstein Knowlton
- Professor
Dr. Marc C. Lamontagne
- Professor
Dr. Chin Hin Leung
- Associate Professor
Dr. Emily McEachern
- Assistant Professor
Dr. Medini Padmanabhan
- Professor
Dr. Steven B. Rivers
- Professor
Dr. Daniel P. Snowman
- Professor
Dr. Jamie B. Towle-Weicksel
- Professor
Dr. Benjamin Young
- Associate Professor
Helping You Find Your Drive
Benjamin Young
“There are students who aren’t strong performers in the classroom who just come to life in the lab. It’s my job to help students decide if they want to work on problems that don’t yet have solutions and that only happens in the lab.”
– Associate Professor of Physical Sciences
Hands-On Involvement in Faculty Projects
"There are few things more beautiful than the core of a nuclear reactor," says RIC Associate Professor of Physical Sciences Benjamin Young.
Program Details
Program/Learning Goals
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to demonstrate:
- Field knowledge: A thorough knowledge, both descriptive and quantitative, of the principles and methods of the field, including an understanding of the questions addressed by the discipline, an appreciation for the historical development of the field and an understanding of the limitations inherent in its study.
- Problem-solving skills: The ability to interpret and solve theoretical and applied problems using established or new techniques.
- Lab skills: The acquisition of a complete set of laboratory skills, including the ability to collect and analyze data using a variety of instrumental and computational techniques, the ability to understand the applicability of each technique to a particular problem and the ability to work cooperatively with their peers.
- Research skills: The ability to plan and carry out research using proper methods, including the use of scientific literature to obtain information.
- Communication skills: The ability to clearly and correctly communicate scientific results and concepts in both spoken and written form.
- Safety skills: The ability to use proper safety measures, to recognize and avoid hazards and to recognize, handle and properly dispose of hazardous materials.
- Ethics: Understand the ethical responsibilities of a physicist/chemist, including the importance of honesty in all scientific endeavors and the consideration of the social and environmental ramifications of their field.
Minor in Physics
Declaring a minor allows you to explore other areas of interest and make interdisciplinary connections. Minor areas at RIC complement and reinforce all major areas of study. By declaring a minor, you can set yourself apart as a candidate for job, internship and volunteer opportunities.
Take the Next Step!
Department of Physical Sciences
The Department of Physical Sciences covers the four main branches of physical science: physics, chemistry, Earth science and space science.
- phone401-456-8049
- placeClarke Science, 1st Fl. Office Suite