Physics is the science that studies the structure and properties of matter and transformations of energy. With math as the language and experimental verification as a guide, physical study has established the fundamental laws of nature that are the foundation of all natural science and technology. The study of physics includes learning the general principles and the phenomena that have been discovered and developing the skills that enable such knowledge to be advanced through research. 

Astronomy is the study of all phenomena outside the limits of our planet. It involves the application of physics to interpretation of observable phenomena from the near-space environment surrounding the earth to the distant limits of the universe. Astronomical science is a smaller field than physical science, but employment opportunities at the bachelor’s level exist in federal laboratories (NASA), at other institutions where there are telescope and planetarium operations and in some industrial laboratories.  More direct involvment in astronomical research or employment at the university level or at a major research laboratory requires a graduate degree.

The study of physics and astronomy is the starting point for many career opportunities; training in physics allows immense flexibility for the future in terms of additional study and in the ability to fit into jobs and job training in many areas. A traditional path is to continue the study of physics/astronomy in graduate school to earn a master of science or a doctor of philosophy degree - a necessary achievement to be qualified to teach and continue research in a college or university. Opportunities for those with bachelor of science degrees and those with advanced degrees also can be found in a variety of industries and in state and federal laboratories and agencies.

Visiting the Department of Physics and Astronomy @ MU

If you plan on visiting MU and have an interest, or plan, on becoming a physics major, please include a visit to the Physics and Astronomy Department in your schedule.A staff or faculty member can provide information about the undergraduate program and refer you to appropriate areas of interest including faculty offices and/or labs.

For information about applying to MU and to the Physics and Astronomy program, call or write:

Office of Admissions 230 Jesse Hall Columbia, MO 65211-1300 tel: 573-882-7786       1-800-225-6075 (toll free for MO and IL) fax: 573-882-7887 email: mu4u@missouri.edu http://admissions.missouri.edu/

Department of Physics and Astronomy 223 Physics Building University of Missouri Columbia Columbia, MO 65211 tel: 573-882-3335 fax: 573-882-4195