What do the co-discoverer of DNA’s double-helix structure, the inventor of the rocket, the founder of Tesla and SpaceX, the inventor of the World Wide Web, and the co-inventor of calculus all have in common? They were physicists! Without physics, there would be no computers, lasers, light bulbs, cell phones, or solar panels. In fact there would be no electricity at all. Nor would there be automobiles, rockets, or planes.
Physics is the most fundamental science. It serves as a foundation of science and engineering. But, more than anything, physics is a way of thinking. 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 Department of Physics at Saint Anselm College has a long history of educating leading scientists and engineers in the liberal arts tradition.
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Engineering
Engineering students obtain both a bachelor of arts degree in physics and a bachelor of science degree in engineering. Three years are spent at Saint Anselm College following our liberal arts core and taking science and mathematics courses. In the subsequent two years, the remaining engineering requirements are fulfilled at a cooperating university chosen by the student.
Upon fulfillment of the requirements for graduation the student receives a degree from Saint Anselm College. Then, after successful completion of the fifth year, the student receives an engineering degree from the partnering university's school of engineering. Students major in Physics before entering engineering programs to earn degrees in Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering. Students who want to pursue degrees in Chemical Engineering or Computer Engineering major in Chemistry or Computer Science, respectively.
Official Partnerships exist with:
- The University of Notre Dame (South Bend, Ind.)
- The University of Massachusetts-Lowell (Lowell, Mass.)
- The Catholic University of America (Washington, D.C.)
- Manhattan College (Riverdale, N.Y.)
Students may also pursue completion of the program with a non-official partner school. However, admission to those schools is not guaranteed as there is no official agreement in place between the schools.
Students pursuing this option are exempt from PS 452, a written thesis, and the comprehensive exam. Technical electives are chosen based on the engineering discipline and partner school of interest to the student. Students complete the first three years at Saint Anselm and the final two years at the partner institution. In the spring of their junior year, if students meet certain minimum requirements (that vary by partner institution), they are guaranteed admission to the partner institution. After their first year at the partner institution (fourth year overall), students in good standing at the partner institution graduate with their class at Saint Anselm.
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Teacher Certification
A program of studies in physics, which meets the requirements of the State of New Hampshire Department of Education for teacher certification (grades 7-12) is offered. Students pursuing this option are exempt from PS452 and a written thesis. Students in this program must take the following as their Technical Electives: PS 241, PS 245, and ED 442. Interested students should consult with the Department of Education for specific requirements.
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Minors
The department offers minors in Physics and Astronomy and Planetary Science. Additional related minors include Computational Physical Science, in the Computer Science Department, as well as a STEM in Education minor.
