Department Overview

The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers several degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Our undergraduate degrees: BS in physics and BA or BS in Astronomy involve the study of a solid core curriculum in the first three years, with a specialization in one of eight concentrations in the senior year. Majors receive a solid foundation in the basics of physics and astronomy and are taught analytical and problem-solving skills that are essential to any career. Upper-level physics and astronomy classes are small, typically ten to fifteen students, an optimal size that guarantees individual attention. These courses are taught by faculty members who bring their research interests into the classroom.

The department offers an accelerated five years B.S./M.S. program and a M.S. program in Applied and Engineering Physics, as well as a Ph.D. program in Physical Sciences. The doctoral program in Physical Sciences is offered jointly by the Department of Physics and Astronomy, and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The astronomy and physics concentrations prepare graduates for research in these fields.

The faculty members in the department have diverse research interests that span most of the fields of astronomy and physics. Whenever possible, undergraduates are offered the chance to participate in vigorous faculty research programs. Areas of faculty research includes:

Applied Physics, Astrobiology, Astrophysics/Astronomy, Atmospheric Physics, Atomic physics, Biological Physics, Complex Systems, Computational Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, Material science, Particle/Nuclear Physics, Planetary Science, Nonlinear Dynamics, and Space Weather Physics

George Mason University recently opened the Research 1 building. An observatory sits atop this building, which houses a large optical telescope used in teaching and research.