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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 is ranked in the top 1% nationally for number of B.S. degrees in physics, and we are ranked third nationally for number of physics graduates from underrepresented minority groups.

Upcoming Events

Jul
09

New Student Orientation - Fall 2025

Time: 12:00am
Jul
30

Last day to drop units and receive a pro-rated refund of Tuition & Fees - Summer 2025 [2nd 5-Week Session]

Time: 12:00am
Jul
31

Fees due for Incoming Students (Blcok 2) - Fall 2025

Time: 12:00am

Alumni Spotlight

Jacob Smith

I am an Integrated Test Systems Engineer at the Jet Propulsion...

Triet Nguyen

Right now, my job title is Test Automation Engineer, working for...

Brian Ley

Brian Ley graduated from Cal Poly Pomona Physics Department in 2003. He...

Department News

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Physics and Astronomy Students Graduate!

05/17/25

On May 17th, 2025, the College of Science held it's graduation...

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Physics Undergraduates Shine at APS Meeting

04/17/25

Several Cal Poly Pomona physics undergraduates recently participated in...

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Professor Povich's Astronomy Research Featured in Several Publications

02/25/25

Professor Povich co-authored a paper in the Astrophysical Journal last...

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2025 Scholarship Opportunities

02/12/25

Deadline to Apply: March 2, 2025!