Department of Physics and Astronomy
We provide a nurturing and challenging environment for our students. We take pride in our instruction of young future scientists. As a student in the department, you will work and interact with an enthusiastic and dedicated group of scholars.
Pardon our work
Studying Physics and Astronomy
Physics majors acquire a broad understanding of the physical principles of nature, develop critical thinking and quantitative reasoning skills and become creative scientific thinkers. They work close with experienced faculty in a supportive department that offers opportunities for collaboration and research throughout the year.
Learn more about the program from our faculty and students.
"Physics fosters the ability to think critically and assess any situation, scenario, or environment. More importantly it teaches you how to ask the right questions, which is key for any role in life. No problem can be truly solved until the right questions are asked."
Scott Sims (B.S. in Physics '10) Senior Software Engineer, Google
Department Events
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Programs
Learn about our program offerings at the undergraduate level: Bachelor of Arts in Physics, Bachelor of Science in Physics, and minors in Astronomy as well as Physics.
Graduate Programs
Learn about graduate degree offerings: M.A. and M.S. in Physics and Ph.D. in Physics.
Meet Our Student Ambassador
Elizabeth Goreth
Why did you choose to attend UM?
See Elizabeth’s Answer-
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Physics Faculty and Staff
Meet the faculty and staff in the Department of Physics & Astronomy.
View All Faculty and Staff
Oxford Science Café
AI and Digital Transformation in Concrete Mix Design: The Future of Smart Materials
Dr. Ali Behnood, UM Dept. of Civil Engineering, discusses the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation in concrete mix design is revolutionizing the construction industry by enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability. AI-driven algorithms optimize material selection, mix proportions, and performance predictions, reducing waste, costs, and environmental impact. By leveraging machine learning models, real-time data analytics, and automation, smart concrete mix design enables adaptive, high-performance materials tailored to specific project needs.
- March 18, 2025
- 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
- Heartbreak Coffee, 265 North Lamar Blvd
Oxford Science Café
Begun in Fall 2011, the Oxford Science Café features monthly conversations with scientists who are doing cutting-edge research and are excited to share it with science enthusiasts of all ages. Everyone is invited, including children, to hear about the science we know and the science we don't know. The events (and the coffee and pastries) are free!
Contact us: oxfordsciencecafe@phy.olemiss.edu
or follow us on Facebook and X.
The Oxford Science Café was originally supported by the National Science Foundation. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation (NSF).
In The News
OXFORD, Miss. – Pushing the boundaries of what is known about the universe, a team of University of Mississippi students and postdoctoral researchers has contributed to one of the world's premier particle physics experiments, Muon g-2, at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.
Help Support Physics and Astronomy
The Department of Physics and Astronomy is home to faculty with a wide range of expertise who seek to make our students better thinkers, scientists, and citizens.
In addition to our courses, we:
- Invite speakers to campus every year to offer public lectures and interact with our students;
- Offer our students opportunities to engage in original research;
- Conduct community outreach to promote STEM; and
- Help prepare students for graduate studies and/or the job market.
If you'd like to support the department in its work, please consider a tax deductible donation through the University of Mississippi Foundation.