All of the technological achievements we rely on daily, from power generation to transportation and communication, are based on our understanding of the physical laws of nature. To maintain and improve humankind’s standard of living, it is imperative that we continue to study nature and gain a better understanding of its laws. The Department of Physics and Astronomy is committed to this process of creating and disseminating new knowledge, and to preserving the knowledge created by previous generations of physicists, through the principle of combining research with teaching.
Theoretical physicist Tien-Tien Yu's quest to understand the nature of dark matter has earned her a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor the US government bestows on early-career scientists. The associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy is an academic expert in dark matter and cosmology.
What You Can Do with a Degree in Physics and Astronomy
Graduates with a major in physics and astronomy find employment in the various areas of physics, astronomy and other physical sciences; in technological and health industries; in financial services; and in computer science, library science, education, communication, law, and medicine. Physics and Astronomy provides students with a foundation for employment in:
- Electronics industries
- Engineering firms
- Telecommunications companies
- Financial services
- Health care practices
- Research institutes and organizations
- Federal government agencies
- Scientific journals and book publishing
- Colleges and universities
How Physics Catalyzes Your Career
“I genuinely love physics and the challenges it presents. Physics is literally everywhere, everything, and always working!”
—Nicole Wales, Physics, '21
Our Degree Programs
The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers multiple degree paths, allowing students to choose a course of study oriented toward either scientific research or a career in the applied sciences. Many students who earn a bachelor’s degree in physics and astronomy continue their studies toward a graduate degree in physics, astronomy or a related field of natural science or engineering.
Get a Materials Science Degree
Want to help develop the next generation of sustainable materials? Or land a high-demand job in the semiconductor industry? Oregon's first materials science and technology undergrad major offers an interdisciplinary grounding in both the chemistry and physics of materials science.
Our faculty members, including one member of the National Academy of Sciences and 15 Fellows of the American Physical Society, engage in research that ranges from fundamental questions to work that spins off high-technology companies. They instill excitement about their research discoveries in our students, both in the classroom and in the research laboratory, and train students to become part of the exciting intellectual endeavor we call science.
Physics students at all levels have the opportunity to design their own experiments and conduct authentic research. Explore the frontiers of modern physics using research-grade equipment in the Advanced Projects Lab, participate in outreach or student-driven research at Pine Mountain Observatory in central Oregon, or join one of our many research groups.
Scholarships and Funding
Physics majors can apply for undergraduate scholarships through the College of Arts and Sciences and a variety of other sources. The Department of Physics and Astronomy provides funding for doctoral candidates through teaching and research assistantships.
Academic Support
The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers extensive academic support services. Students can seek college and career assistance from advisors from Tykeson Hall or meet with our departmental advisors for help navigating their degree requirements and educational explorations. We also offer tutoring support through our drop-in help center.
