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.
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
- January 2023: Dr. Michael Cushing talks to the Rotary Club about the James Web Space Telescope
- January 2023: Congratulations to graduate student Bishal Babu Dumre for successfully defending his Ph. D. thesis "Characterization of Opto-Electronic Properties and Phase Diagrams of Photovoltaic Materials: A Computational Study utilizing Ab Initio Methods". Well done!
- January 2023: Graduate Student Matthew Floyd was praised by a student in a "Shout Out” from the Provost's Innovative Instructors and Staff campaign
- January 2023: 13ABC's "Spacing Out" has Dr. Cushing giving the night sky highlights for the year, also talking about Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) which might get bright enoug to see with your eyes
- December 2022: The NSM college recognizes physics major Robert Snuggs as the Fall Departmental Outstanding Graduating Student, watch Robert's video
- December 2022: 13ABC's "Spacing Out" has Dr. Cushing discussing December night sky objects, also discussing this month's Cold Moon
- November 2022: Dr. Tom Megeath discusses how young stars grow by absorbing material in fits and burps
- November 2022: International team with Dr. Yanfa Yan create new solar cell that breaks records for voltage and efficiency
Notices
- Applications are being accepted for Fall 2023 admission to the Physics and Astronomy graduate program. The application deadline is January 1st, 2023.
- Professional Science Master's degree program in Photovoltaics
- Undergraduate minor in renewable energy
Events
- Loading... (see calendar).