Physics major in the nation
Physics is the most fundamental of all sciences. At WPI, we encourage the curiosity physicists have about how the world works by giving them the resources and the tools to further the study of the nature and properties of matter and energy. Physicists are problem solvers. They are always looking for new ways to approach questions and challenges and develop solutions based on our observations and experimentations.
We want students to follow their passions so a physics degree from WPI is apt to look different for each person. The program is structured so you can take the path that appeals to your natural curiosity. Through project work, students explore everything from developing more protective equipment for athletes to exploring nanoparticles. Students in our specialized master’s in physics education program work in classrooms to improve physics education, teaching methods, and student learning.
WPI’s world-renowned faculty members inspire both undergraduate and graduate students to become engaged in research projects—which often leads to students making important contributions and writing articles for research journals before graduation. Our faculty works collaboratively with students across disciplines, making discoveries in nuclear science, photonics and optics, new materials, biophysics, statistical and solid state physics, spectroscopy, and electromagnetism.
Contact
Degrees & Certificates
Area of Study | Bachelor | Minor | Certificate | Master | PhD | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
{{department.departmentName}} | {{track.field_education_level_value}} | ||||||



The Annual Goddard Cup - Water Rocket Competition
June 5, 2019
The Annual Goddard Cup - Water Rocket Competition is hosted by the Department of Physics and honors the legacy of Robert Goddard at WPI.
This event is open to middle to high school student teams. We look forward to you joining us in striving for the Cup!

Enriching Summer Programs
Now is the time to start planning for enriching pre-collegiate summer STEM programs hosted by the Department of Physics. Registration for our various programs opens on February 4, 2017. Students of many ages are invited to find out why STEM fields are so exciting and how they can turn their interests into a career.
SPARK is for rising 4th, 5th, and 6th graders.
IGNITE is for rising 7th and 8th graders.
LAUNCH is for rising 9th and 10th graders.
Frontiers is an on-campus residential program for rising 11th and 12th graders.
The Department of Physics also hosts summer programs for Girls Inc. Eureka!® -- a year-round STEM-focused cohort program for girls in 8th through 12th grades.
Facts and Figures
current faculty members have won the NSF Career Award
best career placement
for mid-career salary earning potential of undergraduates
News


Announcements
Media Coverage
More than 70 media outlets, including the Latin Trade , Pittsburgh Post Gazette, and the Oklahoman carried the news of WPI welcoming 19 full-time educators and researchers to its faculty for the 2020-21 academic year.
Rolling Stone interviewed Marco Kaltofen, associate research engineer, physics, for this article. (17th graph). “Essentially what you are doing is taking an underground radioactive reservoir and bringing it to the surface where it can interact with people and the environment,” he told the publication.