Department of Physics and Astronomy

 

Welcome to the Department of Physics and Astronomy at The University of Toledo. We are a growing, world-class department with strong programs in research and academics, nationally and internationally recognized faculty members, ties to physics-related industries and a record of student success. We strive to provide students with access to the cutting-edge research efforts of a larger institution, while still maintaining the level of personal interaction with faculty found at smaller places. Our faculty have the highest level of external research funding at UToledo, with a five-year total of more than $42 million! (Source: UToledo Office of Research, 12/2023)

Cool Sky Alert!

There will be a lunar eclipse visible to Toledo starting Thursday night and ending Friday morning. The Sun, Earth, and Moon line up so that Earth almost entirely casts a shadow on the Moon. Here is the timing of the start, peak, and end in Eastern time:

• start Aug 27 at 10:33 p.m.
• max Aug 28 at 12:12 a.m.
• end Aug 28 at 1:51 a.m.

Starting median salaries for physics and astronomy careers

In addition to providing a strong education in physics and astronomy, our programs educate students in the areas of critical thinking, modeling, design and development. This allows physics and astronomy majors to be hired in a variety of settings. Salary information is based on AIP statistics (AIP research, 2025).

Physics and astronomy - study the world and the universe

The study of physics & astronomy allows us to address the age-old questions, “how do things work?” and “where do we come from?” Physics forms the basis for other sciences and much of our technology. Additionally, an understanding of physics plays a crucial role in addressing many important challenges such as energy production, semiconductor technology, and climate change.

• World-class faculty —  supported by grants such as from the Department of Energy, getting time on major telescopes and computational facilities, advancing the fields of bioimaging and radiation oncology
• Cutting edge research —  the origins of the elements,  planets, stars and star clusters, and galaxies
• Hands-on experience — complete research as an undergraduate, use a 1.0m telescope, networking opportunities and social activities with the award-winning chapter of the Society of Physics Students (SPS)
• State-of-the-art facilities — Wright Center for Photovoltaics Innovation and Commercialization (PVIC), Toledo Heavy Ion Accelerator (THIA), Ritter Astrophysical Research Center (RARC) including the Ritter 1.0m telelscope, Ritter Planetarium and Brooks Observatory, radiation and diagnostic equipment to perform research in medical physics, several parallel computing clusters, as well as access to the Ohio Supercomputer Cluster, used for theoretical and computational research
•  Variety of programs — undergraduate Bachelor of the Science degrees in physics with various concentrations, NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU), doctoral program in physics with several concentration areas, including the CAMPEP-accredited program with both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees and a residency program