Welcome to the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Kentucky, the Commonwealth’s flagship Research University. 

Our Department leads the Commonwealth in both education and research in the study of the physical Universe, with 29 regular and 5 active adjunct/emeritus faculty members, including 11 Fellows of the American Physical Society and several award-winning teachers, state-of-the-art research facilities, and a new on-campus observatory. 

We offer a rigorous education in a supportive environment, including both undergraduate (B.A. and B.S.) and graduate (M.A. and Ph. D.) degree programs, with substantial competitive donor-based scholarships and assistantships to offset the costs of education.

Whether your interests are in precision measurement, advanced theories of particle interactions, the study of solids and liquids, the dynamics of the early universe or simply a well-rounded education in physical science, our Department provides the training and experience required for many exciting careers. We are also home to UK’s new Center for Advanced Materials, an interdisciplinary collaboration among students and faculty in physics, chemistry and engineering – making today the materials of tomorrow. 

Please take the time to browse our site, and feel free to contact us with any questions or to arrange a visit. 

Tim Gorringe
Department Chair