B.S. In Physics

The Physics major provides the opportunity to investigate and study areas of physics essential for graduate work in physics and a variety of engineering fields, as well as physics-related careers in industry, government, or secondary education. In the physics curriculum, the emphasis is on experimental investigation that stresses physical principles and on theoretical developments and problem-solving.

Academic Opportunities

​​Laboratory Experiences Whereas programs at other institutions may incorporate all of their laboratory experiences into several “Advanced Laboratory” courses, our program offers a number of advanced lab experiences that are associated with specific courses. Through an experimentally oriented curriculum, students can acquire a number of valuable experimental skills—in fact, seven of our advanced course offerings have associated labs.

Student-Faculty Research The department has a strong history of students performing independent research, either through the senior Honors program, or independent studies and SOAR. Research areas of department members include granular materials, fluids, magnetic thin films, physics education, atomic and molecular computational physics, astrophysics, and atmospheric physics. In addition, the department has a strong record of placing students in Research Experiences for Undergraduates programs (REUs) during the summer term at other institutions, such as UPenn, Miami University of Ohio, Notre Dame, Brigham Young University, and University of Glasgow. Faculty have collaborated on projects with other institutions such as Kutztown, Lehigh, Iowa State, and Susquehanna Universities.

Student Research Labs As upperclassmen, our majors may be assigned to a student research lab that they can use as their own personal space, and are granted access to all of the teaching and research labs. This allows students to feel very connected to the environment within the department and spend time in the labs and common spaces doing science and performing research, while developing a community with their peer physics majors.

Study Abroad Sophomore year is the perfect time for an optional short-term study abroad opportunity, or, as Moravian likes to call it, a “Global Greyhound Trip.” The Elevate experience includes a trip to one of our featured destinations—the Czech Republic or Costa Rica—at no extra cost to students! For physics majors, junior year is a great time for additional travel—students have studied in Scotland, Australia, and Japan in recent years.

Engineering The department offers several types of opportunities for students wishing to pursue a career in engineering. Two of these options involve dual degree programs (the 3/2 at Washington University in St. Louis and the 4/1 at Lehigh University) in which the student will study at Moravian University for several years and then transfer to the associated institution to finish up the program of study, resulting in a degree being granted from each institution. In all cases, while the student is at Moravian University, the program of study will be as a physics major.

3/2 Undergraduate Program In cooperation with Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, Moravian University offers the following cooperative engineering programs:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Systems Science and Engineering

Upon successful completion of three years at Moravian University and upon recommendation of the University, a student in the cooperative engineering program may apply for transfer to the appropriate engineering department of Washington University. Upon completion of the engineering program, the student is awarded the Bachelor of Arts from Moravian and the Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Washington University.

4/1 Graduate Program A combined bachelor's and master's degree program in mechanical engineering or mechanics is offered in cooperation with Lehigh University. This program enables qualified students to earn a Bachelor of Science in physics from Moravian University and a Master of Science in mechanical engineering or mechanics from Lehigh University with an average total time of 5.5 years of full-time study.

Moravian University has deep roots and a record of success longer than that of our nation. The iconic Moravian star is engraved in our history and is present everywhere you turn. Moravian’s feel is entwined with that of Bethlehem’s, carrying both the resilience of its steel town lore and the lightness of the window candles that glow each night in Moravian tradition.

Bethlehem is so regarded for its history that it’s been added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site shortlist, hoping to join such historic sites as Independence Hall, the Statue of Liberty, and the pyramids of Egypt.

Undergraduate Academics

For a small school, the Moravian experience has a broad reach. You can choose from more than 70 areas of study or even design your own major. Plus, the graduate program provides more than 45 doctorate and master’s degrees and certification options. But you don’t have to decide anything right now. At Moravian, we want you to take the time to explore all of your academic interests and then focus on your chosen path.

View all undergraduate programs.

Additionally, you can participate in our Honors Program, SOAR research, local internships, student clubs, study abroad, and more.

Our average class size is 16 students, with an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio. That means your professors know you by first name and care about your success! You’ll be given a Macbook Pro and an iPad to use during all four years of school, and you can even keep them once you graduate.

Graduate Academics

Moravian Graduate offers more than 50 graduate and certificate programs in behavioral health, business, education, fine arts, nursing, rehabilitation sciences, and theological studies.

Moravian's graduate and certificate programs are designed to prepare top-notch graduates to meet the needs of growing industries—and they're also designed to fit into your life, not uproot it. That’s why graduate courses are offered in traditional, accelerated, blended, and online formats. You’ll also have the best of Moravian University's resources at your fingertips, and our faculty, staff, and Student Experience Mentors are committed to your success.

View all graduate programs.

Location

Located along the east coast of the United States, Moravian calls Bethlehem, Pennsylvania home. In this bustling small town you’ll find yourself just a short drive away from major cities, like Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington, D.C. Just imagine all the weekend trips and new adventures! But don’t worry, there’s plenty to do right in the Lehigh Valley too. Whether you’re attending one of the best music festivals in North America (Musikfest) or enjoying a baseball game at Coca Cola Stadium, there’s never a dull moment in Bethlehem, PA.

The Bethlehem community is always very welcoming of Moravian students and often partners with the University to offer internships, hands-on learning opportunities, and free events.

Weather

Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley experiences all four seasons to the fullest. Fall brings crisp sweater-weather and colorful leaves. Winter coats our campus with snow. Spring offers rain showers and blooming flowers. And summer is sunny and warm. Every season brings a little something different to Bethlehem and we love it!