Physics at St. Olaf
The physics department graduates an average of 14 students a year — a substantial number compared
with other liberal arts colleges. In fact, the American Institute of Physicists consistently names St. Olaf to its list of colleges that produce more than 10 physics majors a year.
FACT: We are 8th among 217 baccalaureate liberal arts colleges nationwide in the number of graduates who go on to earn Ph.D.s in physics.
"Compared with many other physics departments, we are large enough to offer a diversity of faculty perspectives and expertise," Professor of Physics David Nitz explains. "But class sizes are small. We have the appeal of a small program without sacrificing breadth of experience."
Between half and two-thirds of St. Olaf physics students will participate in undergraduate research during their college career. There are research groups in atomic physics, surface physics, positron research and geophysics, and students may spend time on other college and university campuses doing summer research.
Learn more about physics at St. Olaf. Download the physics PDF (Requires Adobe Acrobat).
Visit the physics department website.
