SHAPE YOUR
DESTINY.

When our students aren’t in the classroom, they’re learning in the real world. Because sometimes it’s these experiences that make the best lessons.

Learn more about Optical and Laser Physics

Why Physics and Astronomy at WVU?

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at West Virginia University is dedicated to the study of the physical world and the processes that govern it. Our faculty train students in the 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.

Our Research

Condensed Matter

Experimental | Theoretical and Computational Condensed Matter and Materials Physics

Astronomy

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Education

Physics Education Research

Plasma

Plasma and Space Physics

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Physics B.A. Physics B.S. Minor in Physics Minor in Astronomy

GRADUATE STUDENTS

Masters of Science Doctor of Philosophy

In the News

Physics Professor Duncan Lorimer named Associate Dean for External Research and Development

January 15, 2019
2018 Physics Nobel Illuminates us with “Tools made of light”

October 02, 2018
Impact Technology with a PhD in Physics: Blog by Dr. Sobhit Singh, Recent WVU Graduate

September 24, 2018
American Association of Physics Teachers Appalachian Section Meeting 2018

September 10, 2018
A Triple Star System: Putting Gravity to the Test

July 05, 2018

[ read more news ]

Events and Colloquia

21
FEB

Alexandros Gerakis: USING NON-LINEAR OPTICS TO SHINE LIGHT ON AEROSPACE ENGINEERING CHALLENGES

28
FEB

Matt Walentosky: The Physics of Marketing

06
MAR

Katherine Rawlins

13
MAR

Dorel Moldovan

27
MAR

Gretchen Campbell

02
APR

Amber Straughn: BEYOND HUBBLE: A NEW ERA IN ASTRONOMY WITH NASA’S JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE

17
APR

Thomas Baumgarte: Critical Phenomena in Gravitational Collapse

24
APR

COOPER LECTURE

[ view more events ]

PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY COMMUNITY OUTREACH

The Department of Physics and Astronomy engages in an impressive array of impactful community outreach. High school students have discovered pulsars, students statewide compete in robotics competitions, and girls in middle school participate in hands-on workshops. The department has its own planetarium too!

Explore the department's community page

The WVU Planetarium presents free public shows on alternating Friday evenings. The shows provide a glimpse into the night sky, highlighting the wonders of the universe, its origins and our place among the cosmos. The observatory is located atop the physics department and is equipped with a 14-inch Celestron telescope for public viewing in concert with the planetarium shows.

Visit the Planetarium