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 32 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.S. and Ph.D.) degree programs, with substantial competitive donor-based scholarships and assistantships available to offset the costs of education.

Whether your interests are in atomic physics, nuclear physics and precision measurements, high energy theory and string theory, condensed matter physics, astrophysics and cosmology, 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. 

Bradley Plaster , Department Chair