Physics

Physics
Offered as a major (B.A. or B.S.) and a minor

Our Physics program offers a comprehensive exploration of the natural world, equipping you with critical thinking skills, technical expertise, and hands-on experience essential for success in a wide range of STEM careers. Whether you're pursuing a career in research or planning advanced graduate study, our program provides the perfect foundation.

Advanced facilities
Practical experience in diverse areas including astronomy, laser physics, quantum information science, and gravitational theory
High-level research
Mentorship

At Saint Anselm College, you will have access to the resources, mentorship, and opportunities necessary to excel and succeed in today’s rapidly evolving job market.

To view degree requirements, click the "Academic Catalog" button, navigate to "Programs by Area: Majors and Minors," and select your program.

Academic Catalog

physics department

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Andras Bencze ’25

Andras is earning his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at Boston University. He completed multiple prestigious research experiences through the National Science Foundation, winning a poster award for his undergraduate work at the American Physical Society’s Division of Fluid Dynamics conference in 2024.

“You always have some sort of problem to solve, using the tools of physics. You always make a model; make some assumptions, right down some equations, apply math to the problem. I always enjoy that part of the applying of math and then physical principles too. What you can do with physics—that kind of carried me to applying for a mechanical engineering programs.”

Emma Goulet teaching physics to Buddhist monks

Emma Goulet '23

After graduating in May 2023, Emma, with the support of Professor Ian Durham, spent three months teaching physics to Tibetan Monks and Nuns in India and is working on a textbook for future courses. She credits the Physics and Psychology Departments for her professional and personal growth.

“The Physics Department was an amazing supportive community. As my advisor and an incredible mentor, Professor Nicole Gugliucci pushed me to attend conferences and internships, supported my leadership roles, and opened my eyes to issues of marginalization in STEM that continue to influence my professional goals.”

Michael Rochette ‘24

Michael is pursuing his Ph.D. in Physics: Applied Science and working as a lab instructor at University of Colorado. While at Saint Anselm, he built a 20'x25' "Radio Jove" antenna outside of the observatory to capture radio waves from Jupiter and also completed an internship at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.

“It was extremely exciting to be able to do a hands-on project and to see it come to life. We also did capture an emission from Jupiter which is exciting. I completed a lot more in my undergraduate years than I could have ever expected or anticipated.”

The extraordinary mentorship I received at Saint Anselm quite literally changed the trajectory of my life.

— Emma Goulet ’23, Physics and Psychology Double Major

Research Opportunities for Hands-on Learning

100% of physics majors conduct research before graduation. Physics faculty encourage students to get involved. You could build an antenna to capture radio waves from Jupiter or study fluid dynamics by mixing sea levels. Find a subject that interests you and work directly with a faculty member to see your work come to life.

A sampling of recent research projects:

Studying remote telescopes to review double stars
Building an autonomous drone

Internships

Hands-on experience helps you make the transition from college into the workforce. Through the department’s internship program students gain valuable work experience in private industry, research laboratories, and academic institutes.

Past Internships included:

NASA
UMass Lowell Radiation Lab
DEKA Research & Development Corp.
ENCON Evaporators
Merrill Lynch
Next Step

Facilities

The Physics Department and several labs are found on the second floor of Goulet Science Center. The department’s various state-of-the-art facilities support students’ hands-on learning both in- and out-of-the-classroom during coursework and labs as well as community events and programs. Alumni say their research in our labs made their applications stand out.

Quantum Optics Laboratory
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Laboratory
Izart Observatory

Learn more about physics facilities →

Additional Physics Major and Minor Information

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Physics provides a deep, focused education in physics and is ideal for students aiming for careers in research, technology, engineering, or who plan to attend graduate school. This program emphasizes hands-on laboratory experience, mathematical modeling, and computational skills, preparing students to tackle complex scientific problems and analyze data sets.

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Physics offers more flexibility, allowing students to combine their interest in physics with other fields, such as science journalism, secondary education, or pre-professional tracks like medicine or law. The B.A. is perfect for students who want a strong foundation in physics while also pursuing interdisciplinary academic goals.

Post-graduate Partnerships

Saint Anselm students will find a number of opportunities available to support their post-graduate goals including 4+1 programs: the ESTEEM Program at the University of Notre Dame and a program through the University of Massachusetts Lowell. These specialized graduate programs can take students’ careers to the next level.

See our Partnership Programs →

The Saint Anselm Physics Department has a long history of educating leading scientists, engineers, and teachers in the liberal arts tradition. Our alumni go on to work in a wide range of fields and receive graduate degrees in science and engineering.

Recent Career Outcomes

Amazon Robotics
BAE systems
Covidien
DEKA Research and Development
Intel
NH department of Transportation
Rolf Jensen & Associates
Spincraft
Texas Instruments
Whiting-Turner Contracting Co.

Recent Graduate Schools

Boston College
Brown University
Dartmouth College
Georgetown University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Tufts University
University of Colorado
University of Notre Dame
Yale University