The Department of Physics and Astronomy at OU was founded in 1909. Since then, it has had a tradition of educating scientists, engineers, and science teachers who have distinguished themselves as researchers and leaders in industry and academia. With its three degree programs (Physics, Astrophysics and Engineering Physics) it has attracted a large number of graduate and undergraduate students with a wide range of interests.
Research in the department is supervised by a relatively young, vigorous faculty of 29 scientists who function in four cohesive research groups: astrophysics; atomic, molecular, and chemical physics; high energy physics; and solid state and applied physics. There is also an adjunct program in the National Severe Storm Laboratory. Externally funded research expenditures exceed two million dollars a year and the publication rate is that of nationally-ranked physics and astronomy departments.
The department has a reputation for excellence in teaching as well as research. The faculty hold numerous awards in teaching at the State, University and College level. Innovative programs have been an integral part of this Department since its inception and are still its tradition:
The combination of successful research programs with strong teaching traditions makes for an excellent environment in which graduate students can learn. The intermediate size of the department ensures individual attention without sacrificing breadth of opportunity.