Physics and Astronomy

If you have ever been curious about how the universe works, then physics may be for you. Maybe you are drawn to astrophysics, particle physics, or data science. Perhaps you want to apply physics to engineering and technology through Applied Physics or Engineering Physics. Or maybe you want to teach physics.

Regardless of your end goal, studying physics and astronomy will strengthen your problem-solving, quantitative, experimental, and computational skills. You will explore concepts ranging from the smallest subatomic particles to the largest cosmological scales, and you will be well prepared to enter the technical workforce or pursue advanced study in science, engineering, and related fields.

Physics and astronomy students have dedicated access to the Breyo Observatory, a state-of-the-art 0.7-meter optical telescope (the largest in the Capital Region and the fourth-largest in New York State!) right on the roof of the science building. 

Equipped with modern instrumentation, students can undertake research projects of their own design, gaining valuable experience for technical careers or graduate study in physics, astronomy, engineering, and other allied fields.

Our faculty are leaders in their respective fields, with active research grants from the National Science Foundation, NASA, and the Department of Energy. 

Students across the department can get involved in research as early as their first year, with opportunities to present their work at national conferences or to travel for research around the world, from Chile and Switzerland, to the Canary Islands and Greenland.

Thinking about graduate school, a career in industry or technology, or teaching? Explore the many paths available to Physics and Astronomy graduates.