Physics Department

Department of Physics Overview

The Department of Physics provides students interested in physics and engineering with a fundamental understanding of and appreciation for science and the scientific endeavor. We help students develop critical thinking and quantitative reasoning abilities so they can make informed decisions regarding matters of science and technology. In addition, we give students in our department the skills necessary to pursue graduate studies or professional careers in industry. This is done by offering students an inspiring mix of courses firmly based on the newest trends in education pedagogy and cutting-edge research opportunities. One of the strengths of the Department is student-faculty research, through which students learn experimental techniques and theories applicable to the latest scientific questions, attend conferences, and co-author peer-reviewed publications.

Many physics majors have been admitted to highly-ranked universities to pursue graduate studies in physics and engineering. Examples include Yale, the University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, Virginia Tech, MIT, Cornell, College of William and Mary, and Washington University at St. Louis. Alumni not pursuing graduate school have been successful in securing positions in engineering firms, teaching, defense corporations, financial institutions, and tech companies.

Physics Major: For students with a drive to answer all the hows and whys of the physical world with hands-on access to great laboratories, insightful professors, thoughtful course sequences, and deep-dive research experiences.
Physics Minor: A strong overview of physics fundamentals.
Physics – Computer Science Specialization: The Physics - Computer Science major will examine how technology has led to advances in physics and computers, and what professionals can accomplish by combining both.
Physics – Engineering Specialization: Designed for students who want to apply their knowledge of physics to the field of engineering.
Physics Major with Education Minor: For students with an interest in teaching Physics at the secondary level.

Apollo Mian, Ph.D. Faculty Feature

Over the past 20 years, Professor Apollo Mian has helped countless students fill their knowledge gaps, allowing them to reach their full potential. His desire to help students who struggle is motivated by his own life’s experience where a compassionate seventh-grade teacher made all the difference in the world. Many of his students have gone on to complete graduate degrees in Physics and Engineering from prestigious universities and now have distinguished careers in the field.

Read a Q&A with Apollo Mian, Ph.D.

Photo of a green McDaniel hat with an M on the front on top of a towel and bright yellow softballs.

Physics professor shares the secret to playing your best game of catch Research in Action

A gentle throw is all you need during a game of catch, but what’s the best angle to get that perfect pitch? Jeff Marx, chair of the Department of Physics, published an answer to this question in the January 2023 issue of The Physics Teacher.

Read the full story

Meet a Physics Graduate Class of 2020: Luke Anthony

Arriving his freshman year “clueless” as to what he wanted to major in, Luke Anthony thought math sounded cool and decided to try it. After collaborative research with Math professor Spencer Hamblen and presenting their findings at a professional conference in Chicago the summer after his freshman year and interning as a software engineer and federal mathematician the following summer, the Math and Physics double major’s future was sealed.

Read Luke's full Q&A.

Connect With Us

Apollo Mian

Department Chair