The Physics Department offers two dual majors, an Engineering Transfer program (2+2 or 3+2) and a Physics Minor.
Mathematics/Physics: provides a solid basis in the tenets of physics along with an in-depth education in mathematics. This major is perfect for anyone considering going to graduate school in the sciences or directly into industry. Additionally, this is the major that students in the Engineering Transfer program take, so it is also conducive to students wanting to pursue Engineering in industry or in graduate school.
Chemistry/Physics: gives the student a comprehensive understanding of both chemistry and physics. This major affords the possibility of getting teacher certification in K–12 for both chemistry and physics. Students interested in pursuing chemical engineering or any similar field in industry or in graduate school would find this major a perfect fit.
Engineering Transfer Program:this is broken into 2 parts. The 2+2 implies that the student will take 2 years of courses at Keene State College as a Mathematics/Physics major and then transfer at the end of the 2nd year to the Engineering school of their choice. The 3+2 program is special in that at the end of 5 years time the student will have a B.S. in Mathematics/Physics and a B.S. in Engineering. It is understood by Keene State College that the last 2 years spent in engineering school would cover the necessary material to complete the Mathematics/Physics major requirements. The engineering school the student would transfer to must have an agreement with Keene State College that the materials covered in the first 3 years will satisfy the requirements of the engineering school and complete courses for the 2nd degree. Currently, Keene State College has 3+2 program agreements with:
Clarkson University: Aeronautical, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental & Mechanical Engineering
University of Massachusetts at Lowell: Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical, Plastic & Nuclear Engineering
University of Massachusetts at Amherst: Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental & Mechanical Engineering
Worcester Polytechnic Institute: Aerospace, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil & Environmental, Computer Science, Electrical & Computer, Environmental, Fire Protection, Industrial, Interactive Media & Game, Development, Mechanical and Robotic Engineering as well as Liberal Arts & Engineering
University of New Hampshire–Durham: Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, Mechanical and Ocean Engineering
It is most important that the student get started immediately upon entering Keene State College as a Mathematics/Physics major and takes Calculus I their freshman fall semester. Come speak with either Dr. Wolf or Dr. Harfenist as soon as you can if you feel you’re interested in any of these engineering programs.
Physics Minor: a student minoring in physics will get a solid education in the basics of physics and is a perfect minor for any science major wanting to go to graduate school, any mathematics major that wants to have more applied skills or any computer science major who would like to model physical systems.