Widener University

What you'll study

The programme is built around a core physics curriculum complemented by mathematics and laboratory training, with elective and advanced courses that concentrate on nuclear and particle physics topics. Students typically follow a four-year sequence that includes mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, and modern physics. The nuclear and particle physics focus adds courses such as introductory and advanced nuclear physics, radiation detection and instrumentation, particle physics and accelerator physics concepts.

Hands-on work is emphasised: students take applied laboratory courses, electronics and instrumentation labs, and computational physics courses that teach numerical methods and data analysis tools commonly used in experimental nuclear and particle research. The programme also requires general education courses and offers electives that let students explore related areas such as materials science, nuclear engineering fundamentals, or astrophysics.

In the senior years students complete a capstone experience that may be a research project or senior thesis carried out under faculty supervision, and many students undertake internships or co‑op placements with industry, healthcare providers, research centres or government laboratories to apply classroom learning to real-world problems.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requires a secondary school completion certificate and successful completion of preparatory coursework in mathematics and science. Candidates are expected to have studied high‑level mathematics (including calculus) and physics at secondary level. Applications will usually include official transcripts and may request a personal statement and one or more academic references.

For transfer applicants, college transcripts showing successful completion of relevant calculus, physics and general education courses are required. International applicants must meet the university's standard academic and English language proficiency requirements. Admissions decisions consider academic preparation, recommendations and evidence of interest in physics or related fields.

Career prospects

Graduates with a physics degree focused on nuclear and particle physics enter a range of careers. Many continue to graduate study (PhD or MSc) in physics, nuclear engineering, medical physics or related areas. Others find roles in national and regional research laboratories, radiation protection and health physics, nuclear industry support, instrumentation and detector development, and accelerator operations.

The analytical, quantitative and programming skills developed in the programme also prepare graduates for careers in data science, software development, engineering, technical consulting and secondary-school science teaching (often with additional certification). With further professional training, alumni can pursue positions in medical imaging and radiation therapy, regulatory bodies, and high‑technology firms that design sensors and measurement systems.

Why study at Widener University

Widener offers small class sizes and close faculty mentorship, which benefits students undertaking experimental and theoretical research projects. The university emphasises experiential learning, so physics majors have opportunities for laboratory-based courses, undergraduate research under faculty supervision, and internships with regional industry and research institutions.

Students benefit from an interdisciplinary environment that bridges physics, engineering and applied science, giving access to facilities and coursework that support study in nuclear instrumentation, radiation detection and computational modelling. The programme is designed to prepare students both for immediate entry into technical careers and for advanced study in physics and related disciplines.