Why study physics at ASU?

Accelerate your career

With a degree in Physics from ASU, the opportunities are endless. Whether you are interested in immediate, practical application or cutting-edge theoretical research, the Department of Physics at ASU offers unparalleled opportunities to learn from some of the finest researchers, teachers, and mentors in the field.

Physics is at work in every part of our lives – these are the laws of the universe, after all. The challenging, relevant coursework and research opportunities of a physics degree will allow you to explore your innate curiosity, cultivate creativity, and hone your ability to identify and solve even the most complex problems. It’s no wonder physics is one of the top majors for employment! Your degree opens doors in any number of fields, including:

  • Aerospace
  • Manufacturing
  • Education
  • Information Technology
  • Research
  • Defense
  • Business & Finance
  • Computer Software
  • Medicine
  • Architecture & Design
  • Data Analysis
  • Engineering

Did you know?
Nearly half of physics graduates go directly on to graduate school.
Did you know?
65% of physics bachelor's recipients find work in the private sector.
Did you know?
More than one-third of physics bachelor's recipients who go into the private sector take engineering jobs.

Interdisciplinary discovery & innovation

In the Department of Physics, we are in the business of finding answers. Because every research experiment and life-changing discovery starts with a question, and every answer to a question brings us closer to a solution to a problem. Our faculty are tackling some of the world’s most pressing questions, looking past answers to solutions. And we have no intention of doing it alone.

As a Research One University, Arizona State University fosters an incredible atmosphere of innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration, and our department is steeped in some of the most exciting team-ups in the nation – and enjoys access to cutting-edge facilities and equipment. Students and faculty alike contribute to ground-breaking research in areas such as biophysics, cosmology, microscopy, free-electron lasers, energy, and new materials.

  • Center for Biological Physics
  • Sci-Hub
  • Biodesign Institute
  • Leroy Eyring Center for Solid State Physics
  • NASA/ASU Space Grant
  • BioXFEL
  • John M. Cowley Center for High-Resolution Microscopy
  • Cosmology Initiative

Spring 2016 Outstanding graduate - Natural Sciences

physics by the numbers

4

core research areas

30

interdisciplinary faculty

71

patents filed

Greater understanding starts with research

Our research involves understanding the physics of everything from the cells in our bodies to interactions in space, and our discoveries and advances have a wide range of scientific and practical applications. Undergraduate and graduate students alike can contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in our four core research areas of physics.

Biophysics & Biological Physics

We study the underlying principles involved in the machinery of living things from the molecular to the cellular level as we search for unifying themes both within and between organisms. Our research is conducted in a multi-disciplinary environment at the interface of physics, biology, chemistry, engineering, computational sciences, and nanoscience.
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Cosmology, Particle & 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 & Materials Science

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.
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Physics & Society

Physics interacts with society in many important ways. Within the university, the physics department teaches many undergraduate classes to help prepare future engineers and other scientists for their future careers.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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"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