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Department of Physics

Satisfy your curiosity about the universe, from the largest astronomical scale to the smallest subnuclear particle. Physics will help you strengthen your quantitative reasoning skills and problem-solve through experimentation, simulation and analytical tools.

Imagine yourself exploring the galaxy, building the next quantum computer, dissecting how cells crawl, or shining light on how atoms and the world itself comes together. These exciting experiences can be found within the world of physics. Physics is concerned with the most basic principles that underlie all phenomena in the universe from sub-atomic particles to whole universes and everything in between. In Physics, you will learn about these exciting phenomena along with important skills in logic, problem solving, quantitative reasoning, and experimental design that employers in all fields are seeking. Our graduates from both our PhD and bachelor’s programs go on to work in academia, national labs, engineering industries, data science, in Silicon Valley and on Wall Street.

The Mission of the Physics Department is to create a community of physics scholars dedicated to excellent research and teaching that is welcome to all! We are thrilled to have you on the team for this important mission.

Faculty research areas include:

Upcoming Events

Recent Physics News

Person being interviewed by a news crew.

(Aug. 13, 2026)

Physics Lab Manager Featured in NewsChannel 9 Story on Partial Solar Eclipse

The story highlighted a partial solar eclipse visible across Central New York and encouraged community members to embrace curiosity and engage with rare astronomical events.

Digital illustration of a star shedding stellar debris as it orbits a supermassive black hole.

(June 15, 2026)

Physics Professor Quoted in BBC Sky at Night Magazine

Eric Coughlin provides insight into a star’s surprising survival and repeated encounters with a supermassive black hole.

Two educational posters titled 'Gene Technology' and 'How Genes Work' are displayed on an easel at an outreach event, featuring illustrated diagrams of DNA fingerprinting, genetic engineering, DNA structure, and protein synthesis.

(May 11, 2026)

Foundations of the Future: Micron Day 2026

On April 21, the College of Arts and Sciences participated in Syracuse University's second annual Micron Day, showcasing the science and technology shaping Central New York’s future.

A woman holding a stringed instrument with a city in the background.

(April 21, 2026)

The Future Awaits

College of Arts and Sciences seniors reflect on how diverse academic, research, experiential and study abroad opportunities available at Syracuse have shaped their paths and prepared them for life beyond graduation.