Explore the Universe with Physics and Astronomy Degrees

Dive into Nano-Materials, Dark Energy, Particle Physics, Neutron Stars & More

For many of us, the secrets of the universe are the most compelling of all. Join our faculty as they take the world's first X-ray of a single atom, map 11 billion years of cosmic history, develop a new carbon solid, and much more. With a physics degree or astronomy degree from Ohio University , you can explore everything from astrophysics to particle physics.

You'll have multiple opportunities for internships and research projects, including in our very own Edwards Accelerator Lab . By the time you graduate from our physics and astronomy program, you'll have the laboratory experience and confidence you need to succeed in graduate school or high-tech careers. Read on to learn about:

Careers in Physics, Astronomy & High-Tech

Students studying physics and astronomy at OHIO get the experience they need to succeed in science and technology, business and industry, government and public affairs—and even careers of the future that don't exist yet.

Imagine getting experience with nuclear physics experiments in the Edwards Accelerator Laboratory. Or working with faculty on quark-gluon plasma interactions. Or experimenting with lasers and spectrometry as fast as femtoseconds. Or working in a nanotechnology lab designing the machines and materials of the future.

Careers for physics majors include:

• Industry
• Finance
• Government
• Science teacher
• Physicist
• Researcher
• Process engineer
• Data analyst
• Meteorologist
• Climatologist

"The rise of nanotechnology is suggesting that the 21th century will be dedicated to much smaller machines that can travel inside the smallest spaces including human cells."

—Professor Saw-Wai Hla in Nature Communications

Meanwhile, students can pursue many different careers with an astrophysics or astronomy degree, including astronomer or planetarium director, for example.

Some degrees, like our applied physics degree, prepare you for a job right out of the gate! With OHIO’s student resources and the support of your professors, finding an internship or job opportunity in your senior year will be more than possible.

Find more career information and links on our Career & Internships page .

Post-Grad Opportunities for Physics & Astronomy

After earning their bachelor’s degrees in physics and astronomy, many students proceed to grad school at Ohio University or elsewhere. Our undergrad programs will fully prepare you for the rigors and rewards of graduate school. At OHIO, we offer master’s degrees in physics and a Ph.D. in physics .

Why Choose a Physics & Astronomy Degree?

At its heart, physics is the study of the universe and how it works. Astronomy, meanwhile, is the study of the heavens and all the secrets that they hold. Physics and astronomy are some of the most fascinating and profound scientific subjects, and there are plenty of future discoveries to be made —  plus practical applications for these sciences in various industries.

If you want to learn more about why our universe operates the way it does, consider studying physics and astronomy. The majors described above are gratifying gateways to answers you might have wondered about for your entire life – and good ways to earn marketable skills for your future career.

Those skills could qualify you for any number of high-paying positions, and studying physics and astronomy could position you to make a difference in the world around you. Physicists and astronomers uncover revelations about the universe, contribute to industrial development, invent new technologies, and so much more.

Support Resources for Physics & Astronomy Students

Physics & Astronomy faculty are highly research-active, with grants from the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Energy and more. It’s easy for undergraduates to get involved with research and find one-on-one mentorship, not only by faculty but also by their graduate student lab mates. At the Department of Physics and Astronomy , undergrad students have what they need to thrive. 

In fact, you’ll find yourself in close proximity to graduate students and postdocs working in the physics and astronomy arenas, offering you opportunities to both broaden your social network and see what you can expect from a career in research in your major of choice. Faculty members, meanwhile, will offer mentorship where you need it and can help you jump into research projects to boost your resume and use your new skills in real-world applications.

Of course, Ohio University gives you tools to ensure you succeed, ranging from success advisors and department mentors who help you graduate on time to undergraduate-specific scholarships and financial aid opportunities .

The OHIO Experience in Physics & Astronomy

The college experience for physics and astronomy majors and minors at Ohio University is characterized by practical learning — you’ll have ample opportunities to research, use advanced equipment, and explore laboratory environments, so you are more than prepared the first time you take a job or lead your first research project in grad school.

Ohio University offers more than just stellar professors and amazing labs. Attending school at this tight-knit institution gives you the personal attention you need to achieve your best results.

In short, earning your undergrad degree in physics and astronomy at OHIO is an excellent first step in your future career, wherever your path may lead!