Chapman University

What you'll study

The programme combines a strong core in classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics and thermodynamics with focused study in nuclear and particle physics. You will follow a sequence of calculus-based physics courses, supported by mathematics modules in calculus, linear algebra and differential equations, and by computing courses that teach scientific programming and data analysis.

• Core modules: Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Modern Physics/Quantum Mechanics I–II, Statistical Mechanics, Mathematical Methods for Physicists, Experimental Physics and Laboratory Techniques.
• Nuclear & Particle specialism: Nuclear Physics, Particle Physics and Elementary Particles, Radiation Detection and Measurement, Nuclear Instrumentation, and courses on nuclear models and scattering theory.
• Computational and experimental skills: Scientific programming (Python/C++), data acquisition, signal processing, Monte Carlo methods and laboratory courses emphasising experimental design, uncertainty analysis and radiation safety principles.
• Advanced options and project: Seminars on current research topics, specialised electives such as Accelerator Physics or Medical Physics, and an independent senior thesis or capstone research project carried out under faculty supervision.

Undergraduates are encouraged to participate in faculty-led research groups, summer internships and collaborative projects with regional laboratories or industry partners to gain hands-on experience with detectors, instrumentation and large-data analysis.

Entry requirements

Applicants should demonstrate strong preparation in mathematics and physics. Typical successful candidates have high-school qualifications with strong grades in calculus and physics or their equivalents. For example, students presenting A-levels would normally have mathematics and physics included among their subjects; international qualifications are considered on an equivalent basis.

• Strong academic record in mathematics and physics or equivalent secondary-school subjects.
• Preparation in calculus; prior exposure to university-level or advanced secondary mathematics is advantageous.
• Evidence of quantitative skills and problem-solving ability through transcripts, teacher references and a personal statement describing relevant experience.
• International applicants should present recognised secondary credentials and any required proof of English proficiency; advanced placement, IB or transfer credits may be considered for placement in higher-level courses.

Career prospects

Graduates with a physics degree focused on nuclear and particle physics have diverse career paths. Many continue to graduate study in physics, applied physics, nuclear engineering or medical physics; others enter technical roles in national laboratories, energy firms, radiation safety and instrumentation companies.

• Further study and research: MSc/PhD programmes in nuclear or particle physics, accelerator science and related fields.
• Laboratory and technical roles: positions at national or regional research facilities, instrumentation manufacturers, radiation detection and monitoring services.
• Applied careers: medical physics, health physics, nuclear engineering, aerospace or defence sectors.
• Transferable careers: data science, software engineering, finance, science policy, technical consulting and STEM education.

Why study at Chapman University

Chapman offers a student-centred learning environment with small class sizes and close faculty mentorship, which is especially valuable in experimental fields like nuclear and particle physics. The physics faculty are active in research and supervise undergraduate projects, providing opportunities to work on real experiments and data analysis.

• Undergraduate research focus: Regular opportunities to join research groups, complete a senior thesis and present findings at regional meetings.
• Laboratory facilities and instrumentation: Well-equipped instructional and research labs that support hands-on training in experimental techniques, detectors and electronics.
• Interdisciplinary connections: Access to related departments—engineering, chemistry, computer science and health sciences—enables interdisciplinary projects and broadened career options.
• Location and professional links: Proximity to major research centres, industry and national laboratories in the region facilitates internships, collaborative projects and employment pathways.
• Career support: Dedicated career services and mentoring help students prepare for graduate applications, internships and industry roles through CV preparation, interview coaching and employer connections.