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Physics and Astronomy

Welcome!

The Department of Physics and Astronomy prepares students for a variety of career paths, including graduate programs in physics, astronomy, engineering and related fields; teacher certification; and research jobs in industry and at national laboratories. Our majors learn principles of physics through a curriculum that builds strong quantitative and analytical skills and offers many opportunities for undergraduate research. According to the American Institute of Physics (AIP), our department ranks in the top 1% nationally for number of B.S. degrees awarded in physics.

Alumni Spotlight

Department News

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CPP Students Conduct Research at CERN

09/21/26

In June 2026 the Large Hadron Collider at CERN was shut down for...

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Professor Povich Receives Ames Distinguished Research Award

06/12/26

Professor and Physics and Astronomy Department Chair Matthew Povich...

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CPP Physics and Astronomy Rises in the APS Rankings

12/05/25

The American Physical Society (APS) compiles data on undergraduate...

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Dr. Abramzon is awarded 2024-2025 Provost's Award for Excellence in Teaching

10/07/25

Nina Abramzon, Professor and Associate Chair of the Physics and...