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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

Bill Johns

My career is in Fire Protection Engineering. Since graduating from CPP,...

Gregory Villar III

Gregory was a physics major who graduated from Cal Poly Pomona in 2009...

Courtney Lemon

After graduating in 2012, Courtney Lemon made a goal to work in the...

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!