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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.

More about KU Physics and Astronomy

Undergraduate research in Engineering Physics

Undergraduate Program

Discover information about earning a degree in physics, astronomy, and more!
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Large Hadron Collider at CERN

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!
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Department Newsletters

Check out our newsletters for all the latest department highlights.
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KU Physics & Astronomy News

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Physics and Astronomy graduate program among 48 KU graduate programs in top 50 among public schools

KU has 48 graduate programs in the top 50 among public universities — including 10 programs in the top 10 — in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings.
Undergraduate Students on the University of Kansas Campus

Physics and Astronomy Department REU Program Renewed for 3 Years

The Physics and Astronomy Department REU, a summer program supporting undergraduate research for 10 students from around the country each summer, was awarded a $460,000, 3-year renewal from the National Science Foundation.
Abishai Mathai, Undergraduate student in the Physics and Astronomy Department.

Physics and Astronomy Undergraduate Chosen for Prestigious Summer Research Program

Abishai Mathai, an undergraduate in the Physics and Astronomy department, was accepted to the Global Quantum Leap International Research Training Experience Program at the National Institute for Materials Science in Japan for summer 2025.
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KU senior receives Courtwright Award for Undergraduate Research Excellence

A University of Kansas student who is researching the theory that active galactic nuclei (AGNs) can significantly influence galaxy morphology is the recipient of the summer/fall 2024 Courtwright Award for Undergraduate Research Excellence through KU’s Center for Undergraduate Research & Fellowships.
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KU Physics and Astronomy Undergraduate Researchers

Support Department Undergraduate Research!

Undergraduate and graduate student research forms the backbone of the exciting discoveries made at KU. Without student contributions, our research labs would not function. In an uncertain federal funding landscape, we need your help. Your contributions will ensure our students continue to make impressive breakthroughs in understanding the universe around us

Give to the Physics and Astronomy Summer Research Undergraduate Fellowship

KU Physics and Astronomy Statistics

Top 50
RANKING IN US GRADUATE PROGRAMS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
6
NSF CAREER AWARDS AMONG ACTIVE FACULTY
6
NSF GRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWS IN THE PAST 5 YEARS

Department Efforts

World-Class Research World-Class Research
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Physics and Astronomy Department Events