Join us in asking and exploring answers to the age-old question, Why does it work?
As a physics major or minor, youll find that youre able to contribute to our research programs right from the beginning. Even before you enroll as a physics student, there are opportunities for you to start taking part in our research programs. Once youre a student in our courses, we listen to what you want to learn, designing our elective options based on your interests.
Explore how the world works
Physics is an investigative science testing theory against experimental measurements.
Discover something new
Learning through experimenting and collaborative research is a hallmark of our department and of 做厙輦⑹. Its important for our students to learn directly alongside faculty members as research apprentices. Not only will you be learning something new, but youll be contributing directly to the field. View our for more information about our research groups.
Learn from the best
Each faculty members research program is supported by external grants theyve earned through competitive programs. External funding has come from several nationally prestigious agencies and endowments, including:
For detailed information, view our faculty pages.
Hear from our Physics community






Recent blog posts
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Open seminar by Dr. Loren Haarsma on 9/24 at 11 am in VWF 102
Posted by parkj71Title: The Big Bang, the Multiverse, and God Abstract: During the past 100 years, scientists disc...
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Upcoming annual event: Magic of Physics at Hope
Posted by parkj71The Physics Department at Hope College is proud to present the annual “Magic of PhysicsR...
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Dr. Chos research featured in Hopes main YouTube channel
Posted by parkj71Check out Dr. Cho’s research with superconductors, and how they can impact the world in the...
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Physics Seminar by Miguel Castelan Tanner, Thursday (3/5) at 11 am VWF104
Posted by parkj71Title: Particle Heating in 3-Species Driven Turbulence Abstract: Plasma simulations for relativis...
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Physics Seminar by Dr. Evan Boote, Thursday (2/26) at 11 am VWF104
Posted by parkj71Title: Sound Medicine – Therapeutic applications of Ultrasound in HealthCare today Abstract...
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Physics Seminar by Dr. Brett Bouma, Thursday (2/12) at 11 am VWF104
Posted by parkj71Title: White Light Interferometry: from a basic research tool to advanced medical imaging. Abstra...
We have a proven formula for success
This formula combines rigorous classroom work and true hands-on research. It combines caring, available instructors with experienced research mentors.
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physics@hope.eduHope by the Numbers
- 1.7 millionVolts
Our laboratory houses the 1.7 million volt Van de Graaf particle accelerator.
Learn more - 80%Graduate School
Our department sends students to graduate school in physics, materials science, medical physics and medicine. Those who dont pursue further education often succeed in careers in national and industrial labs, business and secondary education.
- $1 millionRecent Grants
Our faculty has received over $1 million in recent grants toward their research.
Find research opportunities - $70kMedian Salary
The median salary for physicists with bachelors degrees is $70,000, and can increase by 41% for physicists with graduate degrees.
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