Exploring the Unknown
Explore biophysics, condensed matter and materials physics, and astrophysics through innovative coursework, collaborative projects, and faculty-led research.
OUR DEGREES
Curriculum that fits your passion.
Physics
Study light, radiation, thermodynamics, mechanics, energy, and the universe!
Apply your knowledge in studying cosmology, biological systems, polymer and material sciences, and engineering.
EXPLORE:
Biophysics
Apply physics ideas and knowledge to biological systems.
Study macromolecules, cells, tissues, and their interactions to gain a better understanding of biological processes from a physics perspective.
EXPLORE:
OUR STRENGTHS
Why Physics at Wake Forest?
Mentorship & support from day one
Students work closely with faculty in classes and research groups, with opportunities to begin research early in their programs.
Research across physics
Our faculty and students study living systems, materials, black holes, and gravitational waves through research in biophysics, condensed matter and materials physics, and astrophysics.
Where our graduates go
Wake Physics graduates build careers in data science, engineering, finance, research and development, and continue to graduate and professional schools.
Where Physics Deacs Go
Our graduates work in industry, government, national laboratories, and universities, and pursue advanced degrees in physics and related fields.
SPOTLIGHTS
Hear from Physics Alumni
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Alumni Spotlight – Jill Bjerke
In the following interview with Professor Paul Anderson, Jill shares the story of her career path…
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Alumni Spotlight – Peter Groves
Dr. Peter Groves graduated from the Wake Forest Ph.D. program in 2003 and now works as…
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Alumni Spotlight – Laura Jennings
Laura Jennings graduated from Wake Forest in 2018 and now works in Fiber Optics for a…
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Alumni Spotlight – Peter Diemer
Dr. Peter Diemer graduated from the Wake Forest Ph.D. program in 2016 and now works as…
Events
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August 28, 2026 | 11:00am
Olin Physical Laboratory -
August 29, 2026 | 9:00am
Farrell Hall
Physics Colloquium
Most Thursdays during the semester, students and faculty gather to hear visiting researchers discuss their latest work and the methods behind it.
News
- Congrats to Drs. Cai, Chapman, Ganter, Lynch, and Siggia!And with our celebration of Dr. Lynch, Summer 2026 defenses are a wrap! Congrats to Drs. Cai, Chapman, Ganter, Lynch, and Siggia!
- Fifth PhD defense of the summer: Cory LynchCory Lynch’s PhD defense will be the final one of the summer, for five PhD defenses! ZSR 404, 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29th; […]
- Second annual Physics Graduate Student Symposium!The second annual Physics Graduate Student Symposium is being held Saturday, August 29th on the Wake Forest Campus! Support physics students sharing their active […]