Information for Prospective Physics/Astronomy Students

Included here is information to assist you in deciding whether this field is one you wish to study, as well as information to get you started in our department. Please explore all the links provided throughout this site. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

• What is Physics?
• Why study Physics and Astronomy?
• Program options: majors and minors
• Applying to Western
• Declaring as a Physics Major
• Registering for classes
• Need help?

What Is Physics?

Physics is the study of natural law. Physicists develop models (theories) that approximate the dynamics of nature.  They also try to assess the level of confidence we can have in those models.  Areas of interest include such things as motion, heat, electronics, optics, atomic behavior, and astronomy. Investigation of these topics is math intensive.

Why Study Physics and Astronomy?

The academic rewards gained from a career in physics and astronomy come from a series of "vistas of enlightenment" which will help you understand how the world works.

Recent opportunities for employment are as varied as the topics within this diversified field.  For more information, see Career Options.  

Program Options: Majors and Minors

The department has programs leading to the B.S. in physics and the B.A. in Education (secondary) with endorsement in physics. We also offer a minor in physics and a minor in astronomy.

For information about each of these options, see Plans of Study.

Applying To Western

For information about applying to Western, contact the Admissions Office, Old Main 200, (360) 650-3440. An Undergraduate Application for Admission is required of all freshmen, transfer and post baccalaureate applicants. If you're thinking about transferring to Western and you're wondering what courses will apply toward the physics or astronomy degrees, contact the  Physics/Astronomy Advisor. For advice about General University Requirements (GUR's), contact the Academic Advising Center.

Once you have been admitted to Western, we recommend that you formally declare the major as soon as possible in order to establish a plan of study, gain access to classes during the first phase of registration, and receive important information from the department.

Declaring as a Physics Major

Once you have been admitted to Western through the Admissions Office , you may declare as a major in the Physics Department--provided your cumulative g.p.a. is 2.7 or higher.  In fact, it is to your best advantage to declare the major ASAP in order to establish a plan of study, gain access to classes during the first phase of registration, and receive important information from the department.

Procedure For Declaring

Contact the Physics/Astronomy Advisor to declare in person or by mail-at any time throughout the year.  Be sure to provide copies of your transcript(s) (unofficial is fine) in order to verify your g.p.a. and to have your coursework evaluated.  We will determine which courses may be applied toward the major, and develop a Plan of Study for coursework remaining.  Once you have declared, you will also be able to register for classes during the first five days of registration (classes are restricted to majors only during the first five days).

Registering For Classes

The Physics Department "pre-registers" declared physics majors during the first 5 days of Phase I of registration. During this first 5 days, introductory courses are open to all other students. Beginning on the sixth day of Phase I, all physics and astronomy classes are open to all students at Western.  All students are welcome to register for any 300-level physics or astronomy classes beginning on the sixth day of Phase I, provided you have completed the prerequisites.

If you are thinking of declaring the physics major, it is to your advantage to declare as soon as possible in order to gain registration access during the first five days of Phase I. For details about registering for classes, see Registration Information.