Why study computational physics at Washburn?

If you’re interested in physics, you may know computational physics is the study and implementation of numerical analysis to solve problems in physics for which a quantitative theory already exists. Our department specializes in computational physics research, with a wide-range of applications, from the dynamics of neutron stars to how life on Earth is affected by radiation from space.

When you study with us, you’ll get personal attention not available at larger universities. You’ll participate in research projects in one-on-one collaboration with your mentor professor, and you’ll be ready for graduate study.

Career Forecast Growing OutlookAverage Salary $128,950 with terminal degreeon campus
A student smiles while using a computer in a classroom for an experiment.

What sets Physics at Washburn apart?

  • The Physics Department offers lots of supports to help you reach your goals, including free tutoring, varied research opportunities, and several internship sites.
  • Physics Department Scholarships are available to incoming and returning majors.
  • Find your people on campus with Physics and Engineering Club.
  • Graduate with research experience guided by a faculty mentor, which could lead to a conference presentation and/or publication. Our faculty work in the areas of astrobiophysics, biophotonics, and numerical relativity.
  • Get an internship! Physics faculty and prior students have built strong relationships with local and regional companies and agencies who are looking for interns.

What’s right for me: Physics, Computational Physics, or Engineering?

This is the right program for you if you know you want to continue with advanced study in physics. Our department specializes in computational physics and recent graduates have gone to graduate school at a variety of institutions.

Current research within the department includes:

  • Astrobiophysics: Students doing projects in astrobiophysics use computational models with observational and experimental data to answer questions about how astrophysical phenomena effect the Earth.
  • Biophotonics: Students doing projects in the biophotonics lab use digital holographic microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and/or quantitative phase imaging to address biophysical problems.
  • Numerical relativity: Students doing projects in numerical relativity create and run simulations of astrophysical phenomena involving compact objects (e.g. black holes) and gravitational waves.

Physics at Washburn

A physics student holds up a beaker with clear liquid inside.

Physics

  • This is the right program for you if you’re not certain where you want your degree to take you, or if you want to prepare for intellectual property law or another field where a strong science background is necessary.
An engineering student and professor smile while working on a project on a lab table.

Engineering Transfer Program

  • If you know you want to study engineering, our program allows you to take foundational courses in a small-class environment then transfer to a school of your choice.

Set for success

CAREER FORECAST: growing outlook

Qualities for success

Curiosity

Integrity

Creativity and patience

Ability to work collaboratively

Student/faculty ratio

14:1

Top tools

The Physics & Astronomy Department houses the High Performance Academic Computing Environment (HiPACE), which provides research computing resources for students and faculty. In this major you’ll utilize its super-computing power in your research.

GET IN TOUCH WITH Physics & Astronomy Department

Physics & Astronomy Department
Stoffer Science Hall, Room 210
1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621

Phone & Email
Phone: 785.670.2141
physics@washburn.edu
engineering@washburn.edu

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