Department of Physics
Do you like science? Curious about “everything”? Learn physics!
Physics is the most fundamental science. Physicists use mathematics, models, and measurements to analyze, understand, and solve problems all around us. The Department of Physics is dedicated to teaching and research. With an emphasis on achieving close student-faculty relationships, our versatile undergraduate and graduate degree programs prepare students for advanced study or employment in physics, biological physics, applied physics, and related fields.
Our Department Offers
- Low major-to-faculty ratio, allowing students to get to know their professors
- Focus on career guidance, career preparation, and professional development starting in the first year
- Faculty-mentored research opportunities (starting in the first year)
- State-of-the-art laboratory spaces, contemporary classrooms, and advanced teaching labs
- Student organizations include the Society of Physics Students, Astronomy Club, and Women in Physics
- Department Honors program centered on student research involvement
- Seminars and annual lectures featuring accomplished alumni and prominent physicists
What Can I do with a Physics Degree?
Because physicists are problem solvers with strong analytical skills, career options are versatile. For this reason, physicists are highly employable, even when the job market is slow.
Gradaute program admissions of recent graduates (alphabetical listing): applied mathematics, applied physics, astronomy, biophysics, chemistry, computer science, data science, electrical engineering, geophysics, management science, mathematical psychology, mathematics, mechanical engineering, medical physics, medical school, nursing school, optical sciences, physics, teaching, welding engineering.
Job titles of recent graduates not continuing onto graduate school (alphabetical listing): academic coordinator, analyst, clinical data coordinator, design engineer, design specialist, high school teacher, materials scientist, nuclear propulsion officer, opthalmic technician, optometric technician, patent examiner, physics researcher, product surveillance analyst, research assistant, software developer, software engineer.
Physics Programs of Study
B.S. Physics Major
Prepares students for graduate study or employment in physics and related fields, including applied and engineering physics, biophysics, medical physics, medical school, teacher licensure in physics, or careers in business or law. Students can choose from either a Advanced Physics or a Biological Physics concentration.
Physics Minor
This minor provides a foundation in classical and modern physics together with enhanced skills in electronics or computational physics. It is not available to majors in physics. Courses may not be taken on a credit/no-credit basis.
M.S. Physics Degree
The M.S. degree is a research intensive program with both a thesis and non-thesis option. Graduates of the Physics M.S. program are well-prepared for careers in research, education, engineering, and applied science.
Associated Ph.D. Programs
The Department of Physics is part of two interdisciplinary degree programs leading to a PhD in Engineering or a PhD in Computer Science.
Ph.D. Engineering Degree
Miami University’s Ph.D. in Engineering is an interdisciplinary program offered jointly by the College of Engineering and Computing and the Department of Physics. Students choose a concentration in fields such as biomedical, chemical, electrical and computer, mechanical, robotics, or engineering physics.
Ph.D. Computer Science Degree
Miami University’s Ph.D. in Computer Science is a collaborative program offered by the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering and the Department of Physics. It prepares students for high-impact, interdisciplinary research addressing challenges in areas like cybersecurity, quantum technology, and AI-driven healthcare.
Advising Contact Information
Lead Department Advisor
Department Graduate Director
Physics in the News
All academic departments at Miami to integrate artificial intelligence into the curriculum by 2027-2028
First 13 departments will introduce AI in the Majors to students this fall
Miami, Oxford community enjoy inaugural Quantum STEM Youth Camp
The week, designed to inspire students to think critically and appreciate scientific investigation, ended with a tour of Miami’s physics labs
The next quantum leap
How quantum physics is revolutionizing our understanding of the world
Our Upcoming Seminars and Events
-
Dr. Michael Kolodrubetz
- Date
- Wed, Oct 21, 2026
- Location
- 222 Kreger HAll
- Time
- 4:15 PM to 6 PM EDT
-
Dr. Isinsu Toker
- Date
- Wed, Nov 4, 2026
- Location
- Kreger Hall
- Time
- 4:15 PM to 6 PM EST
Contact
Department of Physics
- 217 Kreger Hall 500 E. Spring St. Oxford, OH 45056
- 513-529-5625