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Physics and Astronomy

About the Physics Department
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Western Washington University offers a B.S. degree in physics and a B.A.Ed. degree in physics/mathematics education. The physics B.S. is based on a core curriculum that covers the five fundamental theories of physics: mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, relativity, and quantum mechanics. Laboratory work forms an important part of many of the core courses, including sophisticated upper-division laboratories. Students graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in physics are well prepared for graduate school in a variety of fields including physics, astronomy, engineering, and materials science.


Physics majors at Western Washington University have a wealth of opportunities available to them to participate in meaningful hands-on research and teaching experiences. Such opportunities include working as laboratory teaching assistants for lower-division classes. In addition, active research programs in astronomy, theoretical and experimental condensed matter physics, and physics education research actively recruit students, providing them the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research. 



Impact

Your gift to Physics and Astronomy will fund student summer research awards. The awards help students cover their summer living expenses so that they can devote themselves to cutting-edge research in astronomy, theoretical/experimental condensed matter physics, or physics education with a WWU faculty member. Undergraduate research complements our students’ educational experiences and provides them with many benefits. These benefits include enhancing their communication and problem-solving skills, developing their professional identities, and building meaningful relationships with faculty mentors. We're grateful for your support of our amazing students! 

2
Match
Recent Grad Match Opportunity!
Thank you new Vikings! You've raised an additional $3,000 in support for current WWU students and programs!
$3,000 MATCHED
Completed
2
Match
The Number One Vikings Match!
Thank you, Vikings! You who made the first $1,000 in gifts earned an ADDITIONAL $1,000 through a generous match!
$1,000 MATCHED
Completed
$750
2,000th Donor Challenge!
Thank you! The 2,000th donor has unlocked an additional $750 for the designation of choice.
2,000 / 2,000 Donors
Completed
$5,000
Last Call!
Thank you! You've unlocked an additional $5,000 as a matching gift!
Completed
Leaderboard
Lunchtime Crunchtime
Thanks, Vikings! You've unlocked an additional $5,000 in support for students on your lunch break.
Rank Prize Lunchtime Crunchtime Challenge Donors
1 $2,500 Cross Country & Track and Field 90
2 $2,500 Western Symphony Orchestra 57
3 Varsity Volleyball 49
4 Men's Rowing 28
5 Ice Hockey 15
Ended
2
Match
Early Bird Challenge!
Thank you! Your generosity has unlocked an additional $5,000 match before most people even got up for the day!
Completed
$750
3,000th Donor Challenge!
Thank you, Viking supporters! We haven't hit 3,000 yet, but we're still tallying all the offline gifts we've received and will update the numbers ASAP!
Completed
$2,000
Night Owl Challenge
Thank you! Your gifts helped raise an additional $2,000 for the Western Welcome Scholarship!
2,615 / 2,615 Gifts
Completed
Leaderboard
College of Science and Engineering Donor Challenge!
The department, project or program in CSE that received the highest number of unique donors will receive an extra $1,000! Final results available after we process all Give Day gifts. Inflating donor count using fake donor names may disqualify a project, department, or program.
Rank Prize CSE Donor Challenge! Donors
1 $1,000 Computer Science 42
2 Chemistry Department 36
3 Geology 28
4 Biology 27
5 Mathematics 21
Ended
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