Physics
The physics program at Carthage ranks among the nation’s best in preparing students for STEM careers, according to the American Institute of Physics.
Introducing students to fundamental physical principles underlying the natural world, the the Carthage physics major provides a strong foundation for careers in engineering, medical physics, teaching, finance, data analytics, and other fields. Given the department’s deep involvement in space science research, the physics major often appeals to those interested in aerospace careers.
Student Opportunities
Conduct research with NASA
Learn more about space sciences at Carthage
Home to the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium
Carthage is the home institution for the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium, the second-largest space grant consortium in the country with more than 40 affiliate members across academic institutions, government agencies, aerospace industry, and nonprofit organizations. The WSGC mission is to support STEM research at both the undergraduate and graduate level, aerospace workforce development, and K-12 STEM education and outreach at our affiliate institutions.
Learn more about the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium
Access to Top Facilities
Physics students at Carthage have access to some of the world’s best telescopes, from Yerkes Observatory near Lake Geneva, Wis., to Kitt Peak in Arizona. Students are involved in forefront research activities with faculty, including galaxy imaging for the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and cutting-edge research for the NSF Center for Adaptive Optics. The department’s dynamic faculty is actively involved in many different research areas. Prof. Jean Quashnock studies the formation of the universe using data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. Prof. Brian Schwartz uses lasers to study the basic building blocks of matter.
Active Physics Community
The Carthage chapter of the Society of Physics Students (SPS) is active and award winning. The chapter has earned distinction as a national Outstanding Chapter for two consecutive years. SPS is a student-led organization that runs education outreach to local schools.
Learn more about Student Organizations
Recognized for Excellence in STEM Careers
When it comes to preparing undergraduate physics students for careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, Carthage is among the best in the country, according to the American Institute of Physics (AIP). The AIP selected the Carthage Physics Department for its new study on effective undergraduate physics programs. According to the AIP, Carthage was selected because of its strong record in preparing students with bachelor’s degrees in physics and placing them immediately into careers in STEM fields.