What do the inventor of the laser, the former Chancellor of Germany, the creator of the internet, and the Nobel Laureates who discovered the black hole at the center of our galaxy have in common? They were all physicists!
About the Department
Physics is the examination of the natural world at its most fundamental level, serving as the foundation for all of science and engineering. But, more than anything, physics is a way of thinking that is designed for tackling challenging technical problems. This is why you will find physicists working in nearly every field and industry, from digital animation and economics to quantum computing and cancer treatment.
The Saint Anselm physics program prepares students for a wide variety of STEM careers, advanced graduate degrees, and the education profession. The physics department is home to faculty with broad research expertise, ranging from astronomy, laser physics, and remote sensing, to quantum information science, gravitational theory, and the foundations of physics. Physics majors have the opportunity to participate in active research programs with faculty members in any of these research areas, in addition to accessing the on-campus Quantum Optics and Geographic Information Systems Laboratories and the Izart Observatory.
Partnership Programs
4+1 Master’s of Science Program in Physics and Entrepreneurship
University of Notre Dame, ESTEEM Graduate Program
The ESTEEM graduate program emphasizes the action of entrepreneurship, not just the study of it. Due to the rigorous academic experience, exposure to real-life business ventures, and exceptional mentorship, ESTEEM students find their technical skills impactful and marketable in a rapidly changing economy by the time they graduate. Students are launched into career tracks outside of narrow technical roles, taking leadership positions at the intersection of business and innovation.
Students earn a Bachelor of Science in Physics at Saint Anselm College. At the beginning of their senior year, students apply through a preferred partnership agreement with the University of Notre Dame to the ESTEEM Masters of Science program.
Throughout this 11-month Master's of Science degree program at the University of Notre Dame, students from technical backgrounds are equipped with the skills and experience to launch new businesses, become innovators within large corporations, and be leaders of dynamic, innovative teams. Students are immersed in an entrepreneurial sandbox, where they get their hands dirty with entrepreneurship and innovation through a cutting-edge curriculum, a capstone commercialization project for emerging technology, and outstanding out-of-the-classroom experiences.
4+1 Master’s of Science Program in Physics
University of Massachusetts Lowell, Physics Department
Saint Anselm College offers an accelerated five-year program in affiliation with the University of Massachusetts Lowell that culminates in a bachelor’s degree from Saint Anselm College after four years of study and a master’s of science degree from the University of Massachusetts Lowell after an additional year of study, instead of the usual two years of study required for a master’s of science degree. Students can specialize in physics, applied physics, or medical physics. Students are required to work with their academic advisor to ensure that they meet the specific requirements for the program. For additional information, please contact the Chair of the Physics Department.
Saint Anselm College offers a five-year liberal arts and engineering program in affiliation with other institutions. Specialties include civil and mechanical engineering, among others. Requirements vary by program and partner school, and students are therefore required to work with their academic advisor in order to ensure that they meet the specific requirements for the program they choose. For additional information, please contact the Chair of the Physics Department.
Saint Anselm College offers a program of study in physics that meets the requirements of the State of New Hampshire Department of Education for teacher certification (grades 7-12). Students in this program double-major in Physics and Secondary Education, typically completing the requirements for the BA degree. In addition, they are exempt from writing a thesis. Additional technical electives are chosen in consultation with the College's Department of Education, the Physics Department's Education liaison, and the student's advisors (one in Physics and one in Education). For details on requirements for the Secondary Education major, please see the catalog entry under Education. For full details on this program, please contact the Chair of the Physics Department.
Department Contacts
Chair: Ian Durham, Ph.D.
Mailing Address: 100 Saint Anselm Drive #1759
Phone: (603) 222-4073
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Faculty & Staff
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