The department of physics and astronomy at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh consists of six faculty members with active research programs in surface physics, physics education, stellar astrophysics and magnetic resonance. 

The small and personal nature of our department means that we can offer our students excellent opportunities for both research and education at all levels. Recent UW Oshkosh physics and astronomy students have been accepted into graduate schools such as Cal Tech, UC Santa Cruz, UNC Chapel Hill and the University of Colorado. Others have interned at the Hubble Space Telescope Science Institue and the Cerro Tololo Interamerican Observatory. 

Our on-campus facilities include a scanning probe electron microscope (for surface physics), a dedicated magnetic ressonance laboratory, three digital and analog electronics laboratories, a student computer lab, a machine shop, and more.

Majors and Minors

If you are thinking about a major or minor in physics, the department offers a choice of three emphases, which you can tailor to your career goals:

• Professional emphasis
• Applied physics
• Secondary education emphasis

For more information about these programs, view the Majors and Minors Web page.

Careers in Physics or Astronomy

If you are considering a career in physics or astronomy, you probably already know what a challenging and interesting path lies ahead of you. Learn about careers in physics, who's hiring, and more from the American Institute of Physics.

General Statistics

• The median starting salary for physics bachelors taking jobs in industry is over $40,000. 
• For new Ph.D.'s in industry it is about $63,000. 
• Of the students who receive bachelor's degrees, 48 percent take jobs in the industry and 50 percent continue towards a higher degree. 
• The total unemployment rate for physics graduates is 2 percent. (Source: American Institute of Physics )

If you would like further information on our programs, please feel free to contact us.