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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

Mar
24

Registration Advising Period - Fall 2025

Time: 12:00am
Apr
14

General Registration Period - Fall 2025

Time: 12:00am
May
14

Add/Drop Period - Summer 2025 - [2nd 5-Week Session]

Time: 12:00am

Alumni Spotlight

Justin Francis

I graduated in June 2015. I am currently working in an optical metrology...

Bill Johns

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

Viranga Perera

After graduating from Cal Poly Pomona in 2010 with bachelor'apos;s...

Department News

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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!

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Rosalie Williams Receives the Chambliss Astronomy Achievement Student Award

01/26/25

Physics student Rosalie Williams received the Chambliss Astronomy...