Academic Programs

The Department of Physics at the University of Cincinnati offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs that combine rigorous coursework with hands-on research experiences. Students engage with faculty across diverse areas of physics, preparing for careers in academia, industry, and beyond.

The physics BS program is designed with some flexibility to allow for a variety of career goals, while providing students with a sound foundation in the principles of physics. The program includes lecture courses in all major fields of physics (including current research areas) and is sufficiently rigorous to enable graduates to be admitted to top graduate schools in physics and astronomy.

The physics BA program is designed with the greater flexibility than the BS program to allow for a broader variety of career goals, while providing students with a sound foundation in the principles of physics. The program includes lecture courses in all major fields of physics (including current research areas). Options accommodate pre-medical requirements, double majors, and custom-designed interdisciplinary studies programs.

Most of the astrophysics BS curriculum is identical to that of the standard physics major and includes courses in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermal physics and quantum physics. In addition, the student is expected to take the introductory course in astronomy and lab, a course in advanced topics in astronomy (generally in the second or third year) and courses in astrophysics in the senior year.

The undergraduate minor in physics is designed to provide students with a sound introduction to both classical and modern physics. It is offered to students in any college at the University of Cincinnati; however, the required physics courses must be taken in the College of Arts and Sciences. 

The Undergraduate minor in physics (concentration in Astrophysics) is designed to provide students with a sound introduction to astronomy and astrophysics. It is offered to students in any college at the University of Cincinnati; however, the required physics coursesmust be taken in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Physics study is challenging, and it is extremely important that you be adequately prepared, particularly in math. You should contact the Physics Undergraduate Program Director as soon as you know that you want to major in physics. The Physics Undergraduate Program Director can assess your preparation and position you for success in the program.  He is also a resource should you have questions about classes, credits, scholarships, or any other aspect of our program.

Physics Undergraduate Program Director
Prof. Philip Argyres
Phone: 513-556-0501 or 513-556-0511
Email: Philip.Argyres@uc.edu or teaneyd@ucmail.uc.edu

The Physics/Engineering ACCEND program at the University of Cincinnati enables qualified students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Physics and a Master’s degree (MS or MEng) in an engineering discipline within five years, integrating undergraduate and graduate coursework for an accelerated academic path. ​

The University of Cincinnati has a long and distinguished tradition of research and graduate education – it was the first institution west of the Appalachian Mountains to offer a PhD degree in physics. Today, our program is vital and growing. Our graduate students play a key role in the research and teaching missions of the Physics Department, and work closely with faculty advisors. Our program is large enough to be quite diverse, yet small enough so that every student receives individual attention. We currently have more than 60 graduate students, of whom more than 20% are women. We are an APS Bridge Program Member Institution.

Learn more about our graduate programs.

The MS program offers both thesis and non-thesis tracks, providing advanced coursework and research opportunities to prepare students for professional roles or further academic study. ​

The PhD program emphasizes original research across diverse areas such as condensed matter, particle physics, astrophysics, and physics education, supported by close faculty mentorship. ​