Bachelors in Physics

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Geneseo provides an opportunity to learn and develop in an environment dedicated to excellence. Professional and personal relationships between faculty and students both in and out of the classroom and laboratory are cultivated through joint departmental governance, departmental colloquium presentations, trips to professional meetings and informal social events.

The Department offers four-year programs in physics and applied physics, and a (five year) 3-2 program in physics and engineering is offered with ten different colleges. Upon graduation, all undergraduate physics majors receive either the B.A. or B.S. degree in physics. The physics program includes at least 12 courses in physics and four courses in mathematics, two in another lab science and one in computer science.

Program Options

The content and requirements of the B.A. degree in physics allow several options in the design of an undergraduate program: preparation for graduate study in physics or related fields such as engineering, certification in secondary physics teaching, preparation for immediate commercial or industrial employment, cooperative engineering programs and interdisciplinary majors in geophysics and biophysics.

The B.S. degree in physics is directed more toward the student who expects to enter the job market immediately upon graduation. In this program, students would minor in either computer science, mathematics or another science field and take more applied physics courses than are required for the B.A. degree.

Founded in 1871 as a school for teachers, Geneseo has evolved into one of the premier public liberal arts colleges in the country.

As one of the most selective public colleges in the country, Geneseo is highly ranked in national publications for academic quality and value. The undergraduate research grants program allows a host of students to engage in a wide variety of research with Geneseo faculty members and present papers at regional and national meetings.

Geneseo offers 49 undergraduate majors and an array of dual degree and international study programs, including humanities courses in England and Europe each summer, including our core Humanities courses taught in England and Europe each summer.

Student activities include NCAA Division III athletics (2005 national championship in women’s cross-country); 200 student organizations (including 11 student multicultural groups); an active student government; community service opportunities; and a variety of distinguished speakers and cultural events each year. The College also offers a nationally award-winning student leadership program and a nationally award-winning community/college collaboration dedicated to rebuilding areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina.