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
- Nov 2024: Congratulations to Dr. Victor Barone (Sanjay Khare, advisor) for successfully defending his Ph. D. thesis entitled "Computational Modeling of Compositionally Disordered Photovoltaic Materials"
- Nov 2024: The Wright Center for Photovoltaics Innovation and Commercialization (PVIC) is holding an information webinar Nov 7 5:30-6:30 p.m. for those interested in applying to the Ph.D. program in Condensed Matter, Materials Sciences and Photovoltaics for Fall 2025. Registration is required
- Oct 2024: UToledo news highlights Dr. JD Smith's work in a proposal few a new space telescope
- Oct 2024: 13ABC's "Spacing Out" talks to Dr. Mike Cushing about viewing this month's comet, also about finding the best views of the night sky
- Oct 2024: UToledo news did a spotlight on the Wright Center for Photovoltaics Innovation and Commercialization (article, video) and highlighted Dr. Randy Ellingson's work with more space-based applications, as did the Blade
- Oct 2024: The Toledo Blade highlighted this month's Ritter Planetarium shows, “Spooky Space” and “The Other Side of Infinity: Black Holes”
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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