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Department of Physics
Why study physics at ASU?
Excel in physics and propel your career forward
With the resources of a Research One University, the Department of Physics at ASU offers unparalleled opportunities to learn from some of the finest researchers, teachers and mentors in the field.
Undergraduates and graduates alike are encouraged to contribute to the groundbreaking research we’re conducting in areas such as nanoscience, biophysics, cosmology, particle physics, complex systems and emergent phenomena. And when you graduate, you’ll be in demand in the job market. In fact, physics is one of the top majors for employment — with an impressive 95.5 percent employment rate. With a degree in physics, students go on to work in a wide variety of diverse fields.
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Biophysics and Biological Physics
The biological physics group studies biological systems from the molecular to the cell level. With improved experimental data, biology is becoming much more quantitative.
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Cosmology, Particle and Astrophysics
As leaders in this area, we are researching particle physics universe to present day observables and to understand the transition from linear physics to the non-linear regime during the formation of structures through observational techniques.
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Nanoscience and Materials Physics
At the nanometer length scale, materials and structures behave differently, which offers exciting opportunities for scientific discoveries and technological advances. We use the tools of physics to create, probe and understand new materials and atomic-size structures that will enable future technological breakthroughs. Plus, ASU is well-known for its John M. Cowley Center for High Resolution Electron Microscopy, where researchers use and develop new techniques for probing structural, magnetic, electronic and optical properties at the nanoscale.
Opportunities in research
With an undergraduate or graduate degree in physics, you’ll have a solid foundation for advanced study or employment in a wide range of scientific endeavors. Our leading-edge research spans four main areas of physics.
A dynamic program that meets your needs
Internationally recognized faculty
ASU’s Department of Physics faculty members are among the best researchers, teachers and mentors in the field. They are recognized nationally and internationally as experts and innovators. They are members of prestigious science organizations and are published in leading scientific journals. Plus, their acclaimed work has elevated ASU’s position as a premier institution for electron diffraction physics and high-resolution electron microscopy.
Support for PhD students
Full-time physics PhD students generally receive full financial support throughout their studies, in the form of a teaching assistantship or research assistantship or fellowship. Students receive a full tuition waiver, health insurance and a monthly stipend.
Undergraduate research opportunities
Undergraduates have a number of opportunities to engage in physics research on campus. Getting involved in research early in your career enhances your education and makes you a more competitive candidate for future advanced studies as well as employment. Our acclaimed faculty members conduct innovative research in biological physics, cosmology and astrophysics, nanoscience and materials physics, and physics and society.
"I chose to pursue my undergraduate degree at ASU for a number of reasons, the first of which was I was particularly impressed with the academic options offered at ASU. I was impressed at how the students were encouraged to think for themselves, whilst still having the academic support if they needed it."
Sarah Mayer
BS Physics
I chose ASU Physics because I was impressed by the theoretical physics research ongoing at the physics department's Cosmology Initiative. After entering the program, I benefitted from the tight-knit student community and the presence of the Society of Physics Students as these aspects were crucial to my development as an undergraduate physics student and aided my transition to graudate school!
Aditya Dhumuntarao
BS Physics