The Clarkson family crest in stained glass occupies the window of the second floor staircase landing in Holcroft House.
Clarkson Universityis New York state’s highest ranked small research institution with rigorous programs in engineering, arts, sciences, business and health sciences. At Clarkson, 3,000 students learn and live in a close-knit residential environment augmented by award-winning career service and experiential learning initiatives.

 

Prof. David Wick in a bosun's chair high above his physics class.

Department of Physics

Physics combines abstract concepts of mathematics and philosophy with applied aspects of instrumentation and engineering. It deals with the behavior and interaction of matter, energy, space and time, and also provides the basis for the development of technology.  The physics program at Clarkson encompasses these broad facets of this unique subject.

Our undergraduate and graduate curricula are focused on developing critical thinking skills and the mathematical techniques necessary to solve a broad range of problems, including those of highly interdisciplinary nature.

The coursework is designed to provide in-depth training in the fundamental areas of physics, utilizing the most current education strategies and technologies. At the same time, through graduate and undergraduate research, students gain firsthand experience in various modern technological applications of their physics knowledge.

The department provides a vigorous research environment that spans over a wide range of areas including biological physics, cosmology, foundations of quantum mechanics, nanomaterials, optics, physics education, physics of fluids, quantum computing, statistical physics and surfaces physics.

Faculty research of highest eminence is the key to the quality of the education, undergraduate as well as graduate that is offered in physics at Clarkson. It is the unique symbiosis between graduate and undergraduate research and learning that distinguishes our program from many others.