An aerial view of the KU campus at sunset showing the moon over Fraser Hall with a colorful sky

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 research in Engineering Physics

Undergraduate Program

Discover information about earning a degree in physics, astronomy, and more!

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A Large Hadron Collider at CERN

Graduate Program

Information about the Graduate Program - including degrees options, resources, and more!

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One of the department graduate students in a zoom call

Department Testimonials

A video from department faculty, students, and staff. See why they chose KU Physics & Astronomy!

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JUST summer research students

Department LaunchKU Campaign JUST Research closes April 10

We need your support to help the next generation of great Jayhawk minds go on to tackle some of physics’ greatest challenges and answer fundamental questions about our universe! We are aiming to fund two 10-week undergraduate summer research fellowships.

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KU Physics & Astronomy News

‘Potentially volcano-covered’ Earth-size planet found orbiting star first described by KU astronomer

Ian Crossfield, Associate Professor in the Physics and Astronomy Department at KU, is co-author of a new paper in the journal Nature describing an unusually geologically active exoplanet circling a small red dwarf in the southern constellation Crater. LP 791-18 d is an Earth-sized world

Graduate Students Receive Self Graduate Fellowship

Curtis McLennan and Ashley Lieber receive Self Graduate Fellowships. 

Graduate Program Ranks in Top 50 of Public Universities

KU Physics & Astronomy Graduate Program ranks #47 of public universities according to U.S. News & World Report.

KU PHYSICIST APPOINTED TO HELP PREPARE NEXT LONG RANGE PLAN ON NUCLEAR SCIENCE

Daniel Tapia Takaki, University of Kansas associate professor of physics & astronomy, was appointed to serve on the Nuclear Science Advisory Committee (NSAC) earlier this year.