Welcome to the OSU Department of Physics!  Whether you're new to OSU or new to the physics program, we hope this page provides you with information to help you get started in your college career. 

About Physics at Ohio State

Why major in Physics?

As a physics major, you will learn how to understand the world at its most fundamental level while developing versatile problem-solving skills. Physics is the science of how nature works, from subatomic particles to galaxies. As a physics major, you will learn not just scientific facts, but how to analyze data, think quantitatively, and solve complex problems. 

These skills are highly valued in many careers. Physics graduates work in research, engineering, aerospace, computing, finance, medicine, data science, education, and many other fields. Employers often seek physicists because they can tackle unfamiliar problems and learn new skills quickly. A physics major also provides excellent preparation for graduate school and professional programs, including engineering, astronomy, math, medicine, law, and business. 

Additionally, physics is a great match for students who are curious. If you’ve ever wondered why the universe behaves the way it does, how technology works, or how we can discover things nobody has ever known before, physics gives you the tools to find those answers. 

How is Physics at Ohio State different?

Ohio State offers a physics experience that combines the opportunities of one of the nation's largest and most respected physics programs with the close-knit community students often associate with much smaller departments. As one of the largest undergraduate physics programs in the country, we provide access to a remarkable breadth of courses, research opportunities, student organizations, and professional connections. At the same time, physics majors become part of a supportive community where students know their classmates, interact directly with faculty, and build lasting relationships with mentors.

Ohio State's Department of Physics offers two distinct undergraduate majors. The Physics major provides a strong foundation in the fundamental principles that govern the natural world, while allowing students to tailor part of their degree to their own interests through career-focused electives. For students who are equally interested in physics and engineering, the Engineering Physics major combines the best of both disciplines and allows students to specialize in a particular engineering field. We also offer a Physics minor and a Certificate in Computational Physics for students interested in expanding their analytical and computational skills.

One of our greatest strengths is the extraordinary range of research taking place within the department. Our faculty are engaged in nearly every major area of modern physics, including astrophysics, quantum information science, atomic, molecular and optical physics, condensed matter physics, biophysics, nuclear physics, high-energy physics, and physics education research. This breadth gives students the opportunity to explore many different interests and discover where their passions lie, whether they are drawn to understanding the origins of the universe, developing new quantum technologies, studying living systems, or investigating the fundamental particles and forces of nature.

Students learn from and work alongside world-class faculty whose achievements are recognized at the university, national, and international levels. Our department includes a Nobel Prize recipient, Distinguished University Professors, APS Fellows, NSF CAREER Award recipients, and faculty recognized for excellence in mentoring undergraduate researchers. These faculty members are not only leaders in their fields, but also teachers and mentors who actively engage students in the process of scientific discovery.

The success of our students reflects the strength of these opportunities. Ohio State physics students and alumni have earned some of the most prestigious academic honors available to undergraduates and recent graduates, including Goldwater Scholarships, NSF Graduate Research Fellowships, Fulbright Awards, Astronaut Scholarships, Churchill Scholarships, and Rhodes Scholarships. Whether your goal is graduate school, industry, medicine, engineering, education, or another profession, a physics degree from Ohio State provides the preparation, experience, and connections to help you succeed.

What can I do when I get there?

At Ohio State, you'll have opportunities to go beyond the classroom from your very first year. Physics majors learn about research, internships, summer programs, and career pathways through a dedicated seminar course designed to help students explore their interests and connect with opportunities early.

Students regularly get involved in undergraduate research with faculty, work as interns with companies that hire physics majors, and participate in summer programs at national laboratories, universities, and research institutions around the world. Whether you're interested in quantum science, astrophysics, medicine, engineering, data science, or another field, you'll receive guidance on finding experiences that match your goals and help you build your résumé while you're still an undergraduate.

You'll also have the chance to engage with the broader physics community through seminars, colloquia, guest speakers, and department events that showcase cutting-edge discoveries and introduce you to researchers, alumni, and professionals working in a wide range of careers.

How will you take care of me when I'm a student?

As a physics major at Ohio State, you'll join a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff who are invested in your success. Physics majors begin their studies in courses designed specifically for majors, allowing them to build friendships, connect with faculty, and become part of the department from day one.

Outside the classroom, students can get involved in one of our many physics-related student organizations, including the Society of Physics Students, Quantum Club, and Optica. Department events throughout the year, from social gatherings and seminars to our annual winter party and spring picnic, help students build lasting connections with their peers and faculty.

You'll also have access to dedicated physics advisors, tutoring services, and mentoring programs that connect newer students with upper-level undergraduates and graduate students. Whether you need academic guidance, career advice, or simply a place to study and meet friends, you'll find support throughout your time at Ohio State. Our dedicated physics student lounge and collaborative spaces provide welcoming places to learn, connect, and feel at home within the department.

What can I do with this degree when I graduate?

How to request a meeting

If you're a high school student or a prospective transfer student interested in speaking to someone in the Department of Physics, please fill out an online meeting request form. 

Please note that the Astronomy and Astrophysics major is managed by the Department of Astronomy, not the Department of Physics.  Please visit the Prospective Astronomy Students page for more information. Students interested in the Astronomy and Astrophysics program should contact Dr. Wayne Schlingman with any questions.