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EXPLORE THE WORLD INSIDE AND THE WORLD BEYOND

Our faculty train students in a wide-range of fundamental areas of classical and modern physics through a structured program of courses, individual and group research activities, department activities and advanced electives.

Future Students In the Spotlight

Male and female student conduct experiment with optical lens

Major or Minor in PHysics and Astronomy

Choose from two undergraduate degree programs, the  Bachelor of Science  (B.S.) and the Bachelor of Arts  (B.A.) in Physics, or minor in Physics or Astronomy.

Undergraduate Programs

Female professor at chalkboard discussing with group of students and researchers

Masters of Science
in Physics

An M.S. degree strengthens core knowledge in physics and astronomy, involves students in the frontiers of research, and provides marketable skills for scientific careers. 

M.S. in Physics and Astronomy

Two researchers discussing project at laptop

Doctor of Philosophy
in Physics

Our Ph.D. program is designed to give students a fundamental theoretical background beyond that of undergraduate level and a research experience that produces high-quality and novel work.

Ph.D. in Physics

Why Study Physics and Astronomy at WVU?

With active research projects and a graduate program, our physics and astronomy faculty are “working” scientists who know the thrill of doing physics through cutting-edge research funded by, among others, the National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the US Departments of Commerce, Defense, and Energy. While still an undergraduate, many students become “working” scientists through employment opportunities in our research and teaching labs. 

About the Department

Explore Our Research

The physics and astronomy research led by our award-winning faculty and students is making waves around the world with discoveries in fast radio bursts, quantum computing, innovations in energy science and more. 

Astronomy and Astrophysics

The research performed by this group focuses on gravitational waves, pulsars, black holes, fast radio bursts, star formation, galaxy evolution and formation, theoretical astrophysics, and the contents and dynamics of our own Milky Way Galaxy.

: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Condensed Matter Physics

The condensed matter theorists at West Virginia work to provide a better understanding of materials, their interfaces and interactions, and to lay the foundation for applications based on the discovery of new physics.

: Condensed Matter Physics

Medical Physics

Medical physics is an interdisciplinary science focused on the application of physics to the study and practice of medicine. There are three traditional subfields of medical physics: radiation therapy, diagnostic radiology, and nuclear medicine.

: Medical Physics

Optical and Laser Physics

Researchers in this area use light as a probe to learn about the microscopic electromagnetic behavior of novel materials and the thermodynamics of plasma.

: Optical and Laser Physics

Physics Education Research

In this group, members investigate the functioning of physics courses at WVU, what elements in those courses are most effective, and how to make those courses more inclusive.

: Physics Education Research

Plasma and Space Physics

The plasma research program has concentrated on basic problems of plasma behavior that are relevant to the understanding of processes that occur naturally in space plasmas and in magnetically confined fusion plasmas.

: Plasma and Space Physics

News & Social

Physics and Astronomy Education and
Community Outreach

The Department of Physics and Astronomy engages in an impressive array of impactful education opportunities and community outreach through career sessions, field trips, lecture demos, planetarium shows, and more.

High School Career and Research Exploration Sessions

30–60 minute research and career exploration sessions for high school educators and students.

Read More: High School Career Sessions

Field Trips

Immerse your students in the exciting world of science and research through a field trip to the Department of Physics and Astronomy, and the WVU Planetarium and Observatory

Read More: Field Trips

Outreach Programs and Partnerships

High school students have discovered pulsars, students statewide compete in robotics competitions, and girls in middle school participate in hands-on workshops.

Read More: Programs & Partnerships