Physics and Astronomy

With major tracks in physics, astronomy, and adolescence education in physics, our students graduate with excellent employment potential in industry, teaching, research, and government.

Our department features: 

• Small class sizes and individual attention to students and advisees 

• Cutting-edge technology, including a 14-inch Celestron Schmidt reflecting telescope at the Smolen Observatory, a state-of-the-art digital planetarium projector at our John R. Kirk Planetarium, and research-grade optics and photonics equipment

• Student involvement in public outreach events (planetarium operation and show presentation, telescope operation)  

• Faculty-led undergraduate research projects including optical micromanipulation, computational materials science, observational astronomy, and quantum computing

• Graduates go on to pursue Ph.D. and master’s degrees, find employment in the materials science, photonics, and engineering industries, and teach high school physics