Physics

Hone your skills in quantitative problem solving and analysis.

Physics major and minor

Interested in a career in science, technology, engineering, or another STEM field? At Simpson, our Physics program prepares you with a strong foundation in physics, hands-on research experience, and personalized support to help you achieve your goals. Explore research across science and engineering, from high-altitude balloon experiments near the edge of space to paid industry projects developing AI tools and computational modeling.

Learning goes beyond the classroom. You’ll work closely with faculty while gaining hands-on experience through undergraduate research, industry internships, independent projects, engineering design, and makerspace projects. You can also participate in national and international competitions, present your work at conferences and research showcases, and collaborate on projects that connect physics to real-world challenges.

Whether you plan to become an engineer, scientist, data analyst, medical physicist, sports analyst, teacher, or pursue another STEM career, the Physics program will help you develop the analytical, computational, and problem-solving skills to succeed. You’ll graduate with the confidence, experience, and foundation to turn your curiosity into a career.

View major course requirements

View minor course requirements.

Why Simpson College for Physics?

What Will I Learn?

You’ll learn how to apply physics principles to real-world problems while developing strong analytical, mathematical, computational, and problem-solving skills. Through hands-on labs, research, modeling, and projects, you’ll explore topics across science and engineering and gain experience with the tools and techniques used in physics-related careers.

Graduate School Ready

Our faculty will prepare you for every step of applying to and getting accepted into high-quality graduate schools after graduation. Here are a few examples of schools where Simpson alumni have studied:

Wake Forest University
University of Houston
University of Michigan
University of Iowa
Iowa State University

Career Ready

Our graduates are prepared to launch successful careers and make an immediate impact in the workforce. Here are a few examples of where Simpson alumni are building their careers:

3M Company
John Deere
Ames Research Laboratory
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Dee Zee. Inc.
Air Force Research Laboratory

Take Learning to New Heights

Explore cutting-edge research through projects like Thunderoon P1, Simpson’s high-altitude balloon experiment, which collects atmospheric and magnetic-field data near the edge of space. Students can also work with NASA’s EZIE mission through Simpson’s ground magnetometer, analyzing real-world data to study how the Sun interacts with Earth’s magnetic field.

Why Simpson College for Physics?

$167k

Median annual national pay

- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2025

Anticipated job growth between 2025-2035

- Bureau of Labor Statistics 2025

Highest starting salary among all job positions at the bachelor’s degree level

- NACE 2026 Winter Salary Report

Explore Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

Interested in the unique opportunities the department has to offer? See more opportunities and experiences that will shape your future at Simpson.

Physics and Engineering Club

We’re an organization dedicated to interacting with the wonderful world of physics beyond the classroom. We have “Star Parties” where we break out the nice telescope to get up close and personal with Jupiter and its many moons and Saturn’s radical rings. We’ve recently begun to turn our eyes to the sky even more with Astronomy nights weekly on Tuesdays around 9:00 (outings dependent on weather and sunset time). We’re looking to bring even more ways to engage in physics in our daily lives to Simpson’s campus. Stay tuned for construction projects, outings, and an overall really nice time!

Diversity in STEM

This club aims to foster future STEM professionals from diverse backgrounds to bridge equity gaps and ensure a prosperous future for Simpson STEM students. This club will provide various opportunities for students to enhance their academic potential. Students will obtain the necessary skills to create a compassionate and supportive environment. Additionally, students will experience diverse viewpoints and discussions from external sources in the STEM field. These activities will build awareness amongst students regarding the journeys they may pursue during their post-collegiate endeavors.

Mathematical Contest in Modeling

Put your problem-solving skills to the test in the Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM/ICM), a prestigious international competition where student teams tackle complex, real-world problems. Working collaboratively, you’ll use mathematics, data analysis, and computational modeling to develop solutions and present your findings—gaining valuable experience in teamwork, communication, and applied problem-solving.

Research Opportunities

At Simpson, you can explore research in areas such as atomic and laser spectroscopy, computational modeling, atmospheric science, and magnetic fields. Work alongside faculty on independent projects, use advanced laboratory equipment, participate in summer research, or pursue research opportunities at universities and national laboratories. Your work can lead to presentations and publications.