Department of Physics and Astronomy

Quantum Entanglement

Professor Kiko Galvez built a machine to observe quantum entanglement and demonstrated it to a crew from Scientific American. SEE MORE

Academics in Physics and Astronomy

Our course offerings will challenge your knowledge and assumptions and engage your desire to learn. READ MORE

Physics and Astronomy Faculty

Compelling instruction and field-leading research. Meet our physics and astronomy faculty.

Niel Degrasse Tyson Visits Colgate

Acclaimed astrophysicist Niel Degrasse Tyson lectured and spoke with students during a recent visit to Colgate. READ MORE

Join us as we explore fundamental questions about the nature of matter and the universe and confront challenging and exciting scientific problems.

About Physics and Astronomy

We place great emphasis on maintaining a department atmosphere that invites the active engagement of students like you. Our small classes and ability to create one-on-one working and researching relationships with students succeed in achieving just such an atmosphere.

The average class size in our department is around 15, and we graduate an average of 12 majors per year. These small numbers allow individualized development and direct access to our faculty members, but without sacrificing access to world-class research opportunities or facilities.

Helpful Links

Department Contacts

Chair: Beth Parks
Administrative Assistant: Diane Janney
Office: 331 Ho Science Center
Phone: 315-228-7723
Dept. Fax: 315-228-6020

Technical Support: Laura Rickard
Weekly Office Hours:

Wednesday (1:30 - 2:30pm): 329 Ho Science Center
Thursday (1:30 - 2:30pm): 201 McGregory

Studying in the Department of Physics and Astronomy

We offer the ability to major in the following subjects:

Physics
Astronomy-Physics
Astrogeophysics

We offer minor courses of study in the following subjects:

Physics
Astronomy-Physics

We work with the departments of chemistry and mathematics to offer an interdisciplinary major in:

Physical Science

We also administer a 3-2 pre-engineering professionals program with several affiliated engineering schools.

Success after Colgate

Colgate alumni who majored in the department are pursuing careers in a variety of fields. Check out just a few of the possibilities out there for our majors: