In the teaching philosophy of the SDSU Physics Department, great emphasis is placed on hands-on experience for students. A notable strength of the physics program is the active involvement of both undergraduate and graduate students in research. Our senior students become research collaborators in a partnership with the faculty. Senior and MS students participate together in a variety of research activities, including research seminars and group meetings.

Students are placed in clinical/research internships at the end of the first year. Students in clinical internship programs who choose the thesis option often work on their research thesis topic with their clinical internship mentors.