The Departmental of Physics curriculum combines fundamental physics courses with hands-on laboratory training and research projects.

We have a dedicated faculty and staff that support such student participation with state-of-the-art research laboratories, observatories and other educational programs that will enhance the students' future professional prospects.

The flexibility of the curriculum permits interdisciplinary exploration, not only among the physics and astronomy disciplines, but also the other STEM fields such as biology, chemistry, geology, environmental sciences, mathematics and computer science. 

We expect our curriculum to result in physics graduates who are capable of applying and adapting their undergraduate education in a variety of scientific, teaching or engineering professions, as well as future educational endeavors.

News

The Dark Sky Observatory near Purlear, N.C., where light pollution is minimal enough to view a wide range of celestial features at night. PAUL GABER/WFDD

In the News: Dark skies advocates seek celestial views away from human-made lights [faculty featured]

Dr. Daniel Caton, professor in App State’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, speaks to WFDD about the negative effects of light pollution and the...

Dr. Adam McKay, assistant professor in the Appalachian State University Department of Physics and Astronomy

Dr. Adam McKay contributes to new study identifying heterogeneous outgassing regions on distant solar system object

BOONE, N.C. — Dr. Adam McKay, assistant professor in the Appalachian State University Department of Physics and Astronomy, is the co-autho...

The App State student recipients of 2024–25 North Carolina Space Grants, from left to right: junior Cooper Brown, senior Hailey Church and senior Cade Tischer. Photos submitted

3 App State students awarded NC Space Grants to conduct STEM research

BOONE, N.C. — Three Appalachian State University students have received North Carolina Space Grants to conduct science, technology, engineering and ...

Carla Ramsdell, practitioner-in-residence in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and sustainability liaison for the College of Arts and Sciences, in the SPICE Lab. Photo submitted

Carla Ramsdell debuts Sustainable Physics-Inspired Culinary Education Lab

BOONE, N.C. — Carla Ramsdell, practitioner-in-residence in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and sustainability liaison for the...

Dr. Daniel Caton, professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Appalachian State University

Dr. Daniel Caton discusses recent meteor sighting with WSOC-TV

NORTH CAROLINA — Did a meteor cross the sky in our area early Friday morning? The American Meteor Society received reports from as far west of Kentu...