Physics has always played ubiquitous, critical and indispensable role in the understanding of our world and the development of technological applications to enhance and improve the human condition. Its role in economic development cannot be over emphasized. Physics serves as the foundation upon which all science, both pure and applied is built. As a result, science (Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Pre-Med, Sports Science, Earth Science etc), engineering and technology programs have, as pre-requisites, varied degrees of introduction to Physics to lay the necessary foundation required for success, understanding and application. The current and future economy is more and more requiring a labor force with strong analytical and critical thinking skills, both of which are obtained by the study and application of physics. The study of physics is thus also very highly recommended for general education of non-science majors.
The Department of Physics & Engineering Physics here at Central Connecticut State University is preparing students to be active and significant participants in the 21st century economy as well as in life in general. Gone are the days when students specialized, graduated and had one or two jobs for life. The “New Economy” involves a new paradigm where professionals will be expected to have multiple skills, and where it is expected that the average person will have over ten different jobs in his/her lifetime! The CCSU Physics & Engineering Physics Department is preparing students to meet these future challenges by providing multidisciplinary programs with physics as its hub. The study of physics is just what “the doctor ordered” to address the expected ability to be versatile professionals without skimping on quality and effectiveness. We encourage our students in physics to be multidisciplinary, with physics as the core subject. This takes advantage of the versatile nature and ubiquity of the analytical, critical thinking skills obtained in a physics curriculum, and needed for success in practically every area of life. We also encourage students in other disciplines, with the requisite background, to consider a Concentration in Physics or a minor in Physics. As a young student once put it, “To make any program better just add Physics!” We thus continue to work to create rigorous programs with the appropriate level of flexibility as evidenced by our current and proposed programs.
We continue to seek and apply the best practices in physics education, involve students in productive research activities, support and provide pertinent advising to students to make the most of their years at CCSU and prepare them to be skilled professionals as well as contributing citizens of society.