Physics seeks to discover How Things Work, and Why, using advanced mathematical, analytical, and technical means. Students of Physics experience the thrill of discovery while gaining tremendously marketable skills. Our faculty, nationally and internationally known researchers, welcome undergraduate and graduate student participation in research.
The University of Cincinnati was the first institution west of the Appalachian mountains to offer a PhD in Physics. We are located just north of downtown Cincinnati, Ohio, a scenic city of "Seven Hills" nestled in the Ohio River Valley with a remarkable range of cultural and recreational activities.
Our undergraduate program is small and friendly, an oasis in a large institution. Our flexible BS and BA degrees prepare students for a variety of careers. Independent research is required for the degree; many take this opportunity to work with faculty on forefront research, and the majority go on to highly ranked PhD programs.
Our graduate program focuses mainly on the PhD. In addition to the research areas inside the department, interdisciplinary options in chemistry, medical imaging, physics education, and engineering are available.
Department of Physics
University of Cincinnati
400 Geology/Physics Bldg.
PO Box 210011
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0011
Ph: (513) 556-0501
November 9, 2023
Dakotah Tyler spent his youth in football, believing his future success was in athletics. However, through sadness he persevered and found a passion he otherwise wouldn’t have ever dreamed of. Now, Tyler is continuing his exploration of the stars as a PhD student at UCLA, working towards a career in science communication.
October 13, 2023
Shira Jackson came to the University of Cincinnati to major in biology and left with a degree in physics and a newfound resolve as a woman in STEM.
October 9, 2023
Amanda Bauer might have spent her career travelling the globe with a degree in French, but the future had other plans. Instead, she found her calling in astronomy through UC’s College of Arts and Sciences. Bauer graduated from UC in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science with high honors. Today, she is deputy director and head of science and education for Yerkes Observatory in Wisconsin. Bauer came to UC with a dilemma like many other high school graduates; she knew what she wanted to study but was unsure of the path. “When I was growing up, I wanted to study astronomy, but had not met any scientists and honestly did not know it was physics. So, I majored in French thinking I could travel - my other passion,” said Bauer. Bauer came to see that her first choice was not the right fit, despite her love of travel. She loved astronomy, but no track or major existed within the university at the time.
