Physics Major

Physics Major

Physics

Major

Advanced study in physics provides skill in critical thinking valued by all branches of the Army and an academic foundation well-suited for later specialization in virtually any technical field of value to the Army.

Offered by the Department of Physics & Nuclear Engineering.

Are you interested in how the universe works? The Physics major at the United States Military Academy at West Point Physics helps you explore the laws of nature through theory, math, and experiments. You’ll learn how to think like a scientist, solve complex problems, and apply those skills to real-world military and engineering challenges.

Whether you're curious about space, energy, or cutting-edge tech, this major gives you the tools to understand and shape the modern world.

What is Physics?

Physics is the science that explains how the universe works - from why apples fall from trees to how stars burn and how lasers cut through steel. It’s all about using math, logic, and creativity to understand energy, motion, forces, and matter. If an individual has ever wondered how a rocket launches, how a tank’s targeting system works, or how GPS stays accurate, physics is behind it all.

At West Point, the Physics major gives cadets a deep understanding of these concepts and teaches them how to apply it to solve real problems in both military and civilian life.

Why Study Physics at West Point?

  • Military-Relevant Science
    Cadets study physics in a way that connects directly to the Army - topics like ballistics, nuclear science, lasers, and advanced weapons systems. It’s not just classroom theory; it’s training for real-world missions.
  • Hands-On, High-Tech Learning
    Physics majors get lab time with cutting-edge equipment, work on team-based projects, and often get involved in research with military or national labs.
  • Customizable and Challenging
    Cadets in this major can tailor their studies through electives - like optics, astrophysics, or nuclear physics - and even pursue an honors track if they want to go deeper in their studies.
  • Problem-Solving Superpower
    Physics teaches cadets how to think critically, solve complex problems, and lead technical teams - skills that are in high demand both in the Army and beyond.

What To Do With This Major?

A Physics major from West Point prepares graduates to:

  • Serve in technical Army branches, like Engineers, Cyber, Aviation, or Space Operations
  • Work in nuclear safety, missile defense, or advanced weapons development
  • Pursue graduate school in physics, engineering, or space science
  • Lead in roles requiring critical thinking, innovation, and technical leadership

Interested Cadets

Have you ever asked: Why does gravity work? How do lasers guide missiles? What powers the sun - and could it power Earth someday? If that sounds like you, then the Physics major at West Point might be your next step. This program is for cadets who are curious about how the universe works and want to use that knowledge to solve real-world problems for the Army and beyond.

Why Consider This Major

If a cadet:

  • Enjoys solving puzzles and understanding how things work
  • Likes science, math, and hands-on experiments
  • Is curious about space, energy, or advanced technology
  • Wants to lead cutting-edge military missions or help shape the future of defense
  • Hopes to make a difference through science and service

Then Physics at West Point could be a perfect fit. It’s more than a major - it’s a launchpad for becoming a technically skilled leader in the Army and beyond.

What Cadets Learn

The Physics major blends theory with practical applications. Cadets start with a core foundation and then explore advanced topics like:

  • Classical Mechanics – The physics of motion, from cannonballs to rollercoasters
  • Electricity and Magnetism – Learn how electric forces and magnetic fields power everything from radios to railguns
  • Thermal Physics – Understand heat, energy, and how systems behave at different temperatures
  • Modern Physics – Dive into quantum mechanics, special relativity, and atomic structure
  • Experimental Physics – Use advanced lab tools to explore real-world physical systems

In their final year, graduates work on a team capstone project, tackling a real-world physics problem - often sponsored by Army research labs or national defense organizations. They could design better armor, simulate a hypersonic missile flight, or develop a more efficient energy source.

Choice of Electives

Once cadets in this major have built their physics foundation, they can choose electives based on individual interests. Some exciting options include:

  • Nuclear Physics – Explore the particles inside atoms and how nuclear reactions work
  • Astrophysics – Study stars, galaxies, black holes, and the physics of space
  • Plasma Physics – Learn about superheated matter used in fusion energy and space propulsion
  • Lasers and Optics – Understand how light behaves and how lasers are used in targeting and communication
  • Directed Energy and Advanced Weapons – Look into the science behind high-tech military systems

Learn More

Majors can apply to Sigma Pi Sigma, the National Honor Society within the Society of Physics Students. 

Majors also have the opportunity to apply to participate in a summer Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) program, a USMA-run academic enrichment experience. You can be teamed with officers or scientists at Army and other national research laboratories. Previous AIAD work has been conducted at Livermore Labs (CA), Los Alamos Labs (NM), NASA-Johnson Space Flight Center (TX), White Sands (NM), Army Research Lab (MD), CERN Accelerator Lab (Switzerland), and MIT-Lincoln Lab, (MA). For more information about AIAD opportunities, email Dr. Daniel Schultz, supervisory physicist, or call 845-938-5009.

Other Honor Societies:

To learn more about enrichment for this area of study, visit the Department of Physics & Nuclear Engineering or the Photonics Research Center.