Message from the Chair

Welcome to the Department of Physics at Central Washington University.

Physics is the study of the universe and its elements, from investigations in nanoscale science to the evolution of galaxies. Physics involves discovering the fundamental rules that describe matter and energy and thus is the basic science that underlies all of the natural sciences.

The CWU physics curriculum prepares students for professional employment in technical fields as well as for entry into graduate and professional schools. Depending on the career path a student would like to pursue, the Department offers a B.S. in Physics, a B.A. in Physics (which doubles as a teaching degree), an Astronomy minor (which doubles as an emphasis for Physics majors) and engineering opportunities through the dual-degree Physics/Engineering program. These programs are designed to give students flexibility in their career choices as well as making them more marketable, whether as applicants for jobs in the high-tech industry or in their pursuit of an advanced degree.

As part of our degree requirements, students work alongside faculty members on research projects in acoustics, laser physics, computational physics, physics education and astronomy. Students also participate in outreach programs to the local community through our local chapter of the Society of Physics Students (SPS). These programs range from planetarium shows to physics and laser light programs. The CWU-SPS chapter was recognized as an "Outstanding SPS Chapter" by the National Office for the 2006-2007 academic year. This award has been received by the CWU chapter for eleven of the past fourteen years!

If you are considering transferring to Central or beginning your college career and would like to visit the department, please contact me to make an appointment. I look forward to answering any questions you have about our degree programs or the opportunities our degrees have to offer.

Dr. Mike Jackson

201 Lind Hall

400 E. University Way

Dept. of Physics, MS 7422

Ellensburg, WA 98926-7422

Office Phone: 509-963-2914

E-mail: jacksonm@cwu.edu