Homepage
Majors & Minors
We offer degrees in physics and in physics and astronomy, as well as many research opportunities for undergraduates.
Graduate Studies
Our PhD programs rank in the top twenty nationwide, according to the National Research Council.
Research
From subatomic particles to the structure of the Universe itself, our award-winning faculty study nature on every scale.
Partnerships
The Department of Physics and Astronomy is committed to increasing the diversity of its student body, faculty, and staff. We are a partner institution in the APS Bridge, CAMPARE, and Cal-Bridge programs.
Spotlight
Kelly Douglass gives an interview about AAS Journal article on cosmic voids
Kelly Douglass (University of Rochester) chats about her AAS Journal article on voids, and where we can go from here given the published article.
Women in the Physics & Astronomy Department
In honor of International Womens day, in a series of videos and articles, members of our department reflect on their experiences as women in Physics. We also include perspectives from male faculty on the women who most inspired them in their professional careers.
Life of a Cosmology Graduate Student
Growing up, I never imagined that I’d become a physicist. I always enjoyed my physics classes, but was convinced that I’d study engineering in college. Yet as a high school senior, I took an electricity and magnetism course that really caught my attention. And as it happened, I attended a small liberal arts college without an engineering program. I made the decision to major in physics instead.
USRA Establishes the Judith L. Pipher Memorial Scholarship Award
Columbia, MD—June 27, 2022. Universities Space Research Association (USRA) proudly announces the addition of a new award—the Judith L. Pipher Memorial Scholarship Award—to honor the memory of Dr. Judith L. Pipher. With the establishment of this new award, USRA will now routinely offer five Distinguished Undergraduate Award scholarships.
Physics, Optics, and Astronomy (POA) Library
The POA library houses a comprehensive collection of journals, monographs and online data bases, supporting the research and teaching activities of the department.
Learn More