Department of Physics & Astrophysics

Study the natural laws of the universe and develop the skills for scientific discovery.

The Department of Physics & Astrophysics offers excellent academic opportunities for both undergraduate (B.S.) and graduate (M.S. and Ph.D.) study in physics and astrophysics.

Our Programs

Undergraduate Degree

Undergraduate students have the option specializing in one of four tracks; Applied physics, Astrophysics, Computers in Physics, and Materials Science, or earning a traditional physics degree.

Combined 4+1 Degree 

Graduate Degrees

The Department of Physics & Astrophysics also offers a Minor in Physics as well as a Minor in Astrophysics.

The research interests of the faculty lie in the general areas of astrophysics and condensed matter physics. Both graduate and undergraduate research/teaching assistantships, various scholarships, and other forms of financial assistance are available to interested students.

About the Department

Classes for both physics and astrophysics undergraduate and graduate students are generally small and provide ample opportunity for informal contact between students and faculty. The faculty have a strong commitment to teaching as well as research. There is a deep concern for preparing students for existing jobs in physics/astrophysics and related disciplines.

Our Mission

The primary functions of the Department of Physics and Astrophysics are teaching, research, and service. In accordance with the mission of the University, the department provides courses for physics majors and minors, and service courses to students in other programs in the College of Arts & Sciences and other units of the University.