Understanding the Universe Starts Here
The KU Department of Physics & Astronomy is a bridge to understanding the world, educating future physicists and astronomers, unearthing new scientific discoveries, and challenging the perception of the Universe. Through the commitment that faculty, students, and staff have to transformational education and interdisciplinary research, "Understanding the Universe Starts Here," at the KU Department of Physics & Astronomy.
Undergraduate Program
Discover information about earning a degree in physics, astronomy, and more!
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Graduate Program
Information about the Graduate Program - including degrees options, resources, and more!
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Department Testimonials
A video from department faculty, students, and staff. See why they chose KU Physics & Astronomy!
To the videoKU Physics and Astronomy Statistics
Top 50
RANKING IN US GRADUATE PROGRAMS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
6
NSF CAREER AWARDS AMONG ACTIVE FACULTY
5
NSF GRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWS IN THE PAST 4 YEARS
KU Physics & Astronomy News
KU Physics and Astronomy Professor receives more than $600,000 from NASA for his research
Associate Professor Ian Crossfield (Physics & Astronomy) was awarded more than $600,000 from NASA to support his group's work characterizing planetary systems around other stars.
KU Planetarium Celebrates its 1000th Visitor
The KU Planetarium celebrated its 1000th visitor on September 18th, 2024. Since its start in 2022 the planetarium has educated and entertained visitors from the public, local schools, rural Kansas, and members of the KU community.
KU Physics and Astronomy Professor receives $1 million award from Department of Energy
Assistant Professor Dmitry Ovchinnikov was awarded a large grant from the Department of Energy to support his research in state-of-the-art nanofabrication techniques.
Researchers show promising material for solar energy gets its curious boost from entropy
In a study appearing in Advanced Materials, researchers in the lab of Wai-Lun Chan, associate professor of physics & astronomy at KU, have discovered a microscopic mechanism partly explaining the outstanding performance of new carbon-based organic solar cells.