Physics Minor

Hone your skills in quantitative problem solving and analysis.

Physics minor

Interested in adding valuable problem-solving and analytical skills to your major? At Simpson, a Physics minor gives you a strong foundation in physics while complementing your primary field of study. With hands-on learning, faculty mentorship, and opportunities to apply physics beyond the classroom, you’ll develop skills that can strengthen your preparation for careers and graduate study.

Learning goes beyond the classroom. You’ll work closely with faculty while gaining practical experience through laboratory work, research, computational modeling, and other hands-on opportunities. You can explore areas of physics that connect directly to your interests, whether you’re studying engineering, mathematics, computer science, health sciences, or another field.

Whether you plan to enter the workforce, pursue graduate school, or apply physics to another discipline, the Physics minor will help you develop the analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills to succeed. You’ll graduate with an additional area of expertise that sets you apart in a wide range of fields.

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.

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.

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.