Department of Physics

A degree in physics provides valuable research and critical thinking skills which prepare students for a variety of careers. We offer physics majors and graduate students a high quality physics education with small classes in a research oriented environment. The programs are implemented by faculty who are excellent teachers and also maintain active, world-class research programs.

Our small class sizes, ground-breaking research opportunities, and one-on-one interaction with world class professors are just a few reasons to join our program.

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Degrees

Graduate Undergraduate Major Minor Associate Certificate

Physics in the News

JR Dennison and Tyler Heggenes in the lab
Pressing Charges: USU Physics Doctoral Scholar Awarded Prestigious NASA Research Fellowship
USU Today | September 5, 2025

Tyler Heggenes pursues research to mitigate spacecraft charging issues through high-precision, temperature-dependent measurements of dynamic radiation-induced conductivity, and is selected for competitive NASA Science and Technology Graduate Research Fellowship.

Mike Taylor with colleagues
USU Mourns the Passing of Space Physics Visionary, Revered Professor Mike Taylor
USU Today | July 29, 2025

Utah State University physics professor Michael John "Mike" Taylor, a pioneer in the study of atmospheric physics, died July 24, 2025, in Logan, Utah, following an extended illness. He was 72.

Jenny Whiteley and JR Dennison in the lab
What We Don't Know: USU Physicist Explores Radiation-Induced Conductivity
USU Today | June 30, 2025

Doctoral student and Utah NASA Space Grant Consortium Fellow Jenny Whiteley studies the behavior of insulating materials exposed to radiation simulating extreme space conditions.

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Get Involved

We all Matter in Physics Group

A welcoming group for all physics enthusiasts, offering events, mentoring, and networking to explore and advance in science together.

Get Away Special Student Satellite Team

USU's student-run CubeSat team designs and builds satellites, offering hands-on aerospace experience.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Opportunities to get involved in Physics-related research in many specialized areas.

USU Society of Physics Students (SPS)

Open to all majors, SPS offers outreach, research, events, and trips to explore and celebrate physics.