Department of Physics and Astronomy

American Physical Society (APS) has recognized the Department of Physics & Astronomy at Colgate with 2022 Improving Undergraduate Physics Education Award.

The physics and astronomy department explores fundamental questions about the nature of matter and the universe and confronts challenging and exciting scientific problems.

Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy Beth Parks investigates an electronic game with a physics student.
Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy Beth Parks investigates an electronic game with a physics student.

Seek answers to fundamental questions about the nature of matter and the universe. Tackle challenging and exciting scientific problems, and learn in an atmosphere that encourages engagement and discovery.

Students explore academic interests in small classes that offer unparalleled access to distinguished faculty, top-tier facilities, and graduate-level research opportunities for undergraduates.

The department offers major and minor courses of study in:

Majors:

  • Physics
  • Astronomy-Physics
  • Astrogeophysics
  • Physical science (interdisciplinary with chemistry and mathematics)

Minors:

  • Physics
  • Astronomy

Department Contacts

Chair: Jeff Bary
Administrative assistant: Shelby King
Office: 331 Ho Science Center
Phone: 315-228-7723

APS Physics IDEA Institution

 

 

 

 

Physics & Astronomy Virtual Tour

Learn more about the department's facilities including our research labs and the Ho Tung Visualization Lab.

Take a Virtual Tour

It is inspiring to feel that there is always something new to learn.

Lindsey Wiley ’20

Below is a list of some of the many graduate schools and graduate programs that our graduates have joined recently. Significant numbers of our graduates have also directly gone on to take jobs ranging from teaching and spacecraft design to playing professional ice hockey.

  • Columbia University
  • Harvard University
  • Northeastern University
  • Stanford University
  • Tufts University
  • University of Massachusetts Amherst
  • University of Rochester
  • Washington University in St. Louis
  • Cornell University
  • MIT
  • Princeton University
  • Syracuse University
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • University of Michigan Ann Arbor
  • University of Texas at Austin
  • Yale University

Graduate Programs: Physics, Astronomy, Materials Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Planetary Science, Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering.

Job titles: Teacher, Research Assistant/Associate, Project Manager, Technology/Product Consultant, Software Engineer, Operations Analyst, Investment Banking Analyst, Data Analyst.

Recorded Seminars

Guidance for Faculty and Staff Applicants

Review useful guidance for applicants.