Physics is the study of forces and matter, from the structure of atoms and nuclei to the vast architecture of the universe. It is the bedrock for the applied sciences and engineering that have propelled our world from the horse and buggy to interplanetary probes, from the candle to the laser, and from the abacus to supercomputers, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence. Physics and astrophysics are fields of study full of excitement, where future discoveries will continue to reshape the world in ways beyond our wildest imagination.
Physicists and astrophysicists work in industry and government, in national laboratories and medical centers, and on university campuses. Our graduates serve in the military, teach the next generation, design state-of-the-art science museum exhibits, author scientific literature, advise governments at all levels, innovate on Wall Street, and launch tech enterprises.
Chair's Welcome & Departmental Vision
Old Dominion University offers an unmatched environment for studying physics and astrophysics. As a designated Carnegie R1 Doctoral University with “Very High Research Activity”, ODU stands among the nation's top-tier research institutions. This elite status allows our department to recruit nationally and internationally prominent faculty who are actively pushing the boundaries of human knowledge.
We take full advantage of Old Dominion’s unique geographic position—just a half-hour drive from the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab), a world-leading nuclear physics laboratory, and neighboring the NASA Langley Research Center.
Over the past 30 years, our department has experienced tremendous growth. We have doubled our faculty size, unveiled cutting-edge teaching facilities, and completely modernized our computer-based undergraduate laboratories. Our specialized on-campus infrastructure includes:
- High Bay: A large, four-story high-bay cleanroom lab for developing and constructing nuclear and particle physics detectors
- Unique learning environments
- The Center for Accelerator Science (CAS)
- The fully digital, state-of-the-art Michael and Kimthanh Lê Planetarium
Why an R1 Research Powerhouse Matters to You
When a university holds R1 research status, the faculty members leading your classes aren't just teaching from text—they are creating the new knowledge that fills them. They are perfectly positioned to shape a modern curriculum and mentor students trying to break into the field.
At ODU, this immense research infrastructure comes with a distinct advantage: you will not get lost in the crowd. Unlike massive, impersonal state schools, our high faculty-to-student ratio ensures that most of our upper-level undergraduate students are directly involved in funded research. If you want to collaborate closely with world-class faculty on publication-grade science, that opportunity is waiting for you here.
Academic Spotlight: Astrophysics at ODU
For students looking to map the cosmos, ODU provides an exceptionally rare opportunity. We are one of only three institutions in the entire Commonwealth of Virginia to offer a dedicated Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics.
Our astrophysics program transcends traditional physics by focusing on the mechanics of the universe itself—from stellar evolution and black holes to observational cosmology and relativity. Backed by our R1 research designation, undergraduate students have direct access to cosmic data analysis, computational modeling, and hands-on projects using our advanced on-campus planetarium and observatory resources. Graduating with a specialized B.S. in Astrophysics from ODU gives you an immediate competitive edge when applying to elite graduate programs or high-tech aerospace sectors.
Physics, Applied Physics, & Astrophysics
Aerospace, Defense, Data Science, Research
Advanced Core Physics & Lab Research
Industrial R&D, Technical Leadership, Applied Physics
Frontier Research with Jefferson Lab & NASA
Academia, National Labs, Quantum Computing, Space Agencies
Physics Alumni
Physics majors are prepared for almost any career. Studying physics can teach how to use critical thinking skills to analyze and solve complex problems and builds a strong quantitative background that can be applied in any technical field. A background in physics is applicable across many diverse fields and can take your career just about anywhere. To see how wide a range of fields your degree can take you, please visit our Alumni Directory.