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)
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.
$115,000
Private sector grad
$60,000
Private sector undergrad
$65,000
National labs
$45,000
Education
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 Arts and Bachelor of the Sciences degrees in physics and in astronomy, NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU), doctoral program in physics and in astronomy, including the only CAMPEP-accredited program in State of Ohio with both MS, and Ph.D. degrees and residency program
News
- Apr 2025: Congratulations to Dr. Nadeesha Katakumbura (Randy Ellingson, advisor) for successfully defending his Ph. D. thesis entitled "Optimization of CdTe Based Solar Cells Through Fabrication, Temperature Dependent Analysis of FF, and Predictive Modeling"!
- Apr 2025: Congratulations to Dr. Madan Mainali (Nik Podraza, advisor) for successfully defending his Ph. D. thesis entitled "Opto-Electronic Characterization of Materials and Solar Cells by Spectroscopic Ellipsometry"!
- Apr 2025: The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics held its first ever NSM Undergraduate Research Expo, and three of our undergraduates won prizes for their work. Congratulations, everyone!
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Oral Presentation 1st Place - Atticus Destatte, "Temperature Dependent Photoluminescent Properties of CdSe/CdTe Thin Films", Ellingson Lab
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Oral Presentation 2nd Place (tie) - Milo Eckhardt, "Globular Star Cluster Populations in Spiral Galaxies", Chandar Lab
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Poster Presentation 1st Place - Kartik Nair, "Processing of Phosphorus Doped Cadmium Telluride Photovoltaics", Heben Lab
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- Apr 2025: UToledo news highlights graduate student Grant Donnelly
- Mar 2025: Congratulations to Dr. James Agostino (Anne Medling, advisor) for successfully defending his Ph. D. thesis entitled "Molecular Gas in Galactic Nuclei and its Role in Supermassive Black Hole Accretion Physics"
Notices
- Applications are being accepted for Fall 2024 admission to the Physics and Astronomy graduate program. The application deadline is January 4th, 2024.
- Professional Science Master's degree program in Photovoltaics
- Undergraduate minor in renewable energy
Events
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