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We are a leading research and education center whose members and graduates make positive contributions to science, the economy, and society.

We provide physics and astronomy students with rigorous problem-solving skills and analytical training to prepare them for STEM careers in academia, research, and industry.

Astronomy student looks through telescope in the observatory.

Visit Us On Campus

Planetary Hall at George Mason University Fairfax Campus

Our goal is to advance knowledge and promote scientific literacy through instruction, research, and outreach.

Our faculty and students collaborate with local and national research institutions, including the Naval Research Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, NASA, the Jefferson Laboratory, and many others to push the boundaries of physics and astronomy research.

George Mason University student and alumna study space weather at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

Why the Physics and Astronomy Department?

9%

BLS overall employment growth from 2018 - 2028 for physicists and astronomers.

1000+

The observatory allows over 1,000 people every year to view the cosmos and learn from experts.

8

Various research centers and facilities to explore your academic and research interests. 

Mason Physicist receives NSF CAREER Award for Quantum Cryptography Research, Outreach

In spring, 2019, George Mason University College of Science assistant professor Patrick Vora received a $557,230 National Science Foundation CAREER award to create technologies that enable unbreakable encryption protected by the laws of quantum mechanics.

Dr. Patrick Vora profile picture

News and Events

Upcoming Events

More Events
Apr4

Evening Under the Stars

Apr 4, 2023/7:00 - 9:00 PM

Join us for the next Evening Under the Starts for a public talk followed by telescope viewings, weather permitting. For the foreseeable future, all Evening Under the Stars events will be held both in-person and virtually. All Evening Under the Stars events are free to attend, and do not require
Apr7

DEADLINE: Loudon County Public Schools-CoS-120 Dual-Enrollment STEM Research Symposium Participation

Apr 7, 2023/8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Announcement to College of Science faculty and graduate students Faculty and postdoctoral fellows can contribute expertise while earning up to $400 funding by reviewing research project posters from Mason’s youngest dual-enrolled Patriots! Over 300 high school students from Loudon County Public Schools (LCPS) will present their academic year research findings
Apr13

UL Faculty Engagement Series 2022-2023: Mason’s College Preparatory Program: The Early Identification Program

Apr 13, 2023/2:00 - 3:00 PM

Johnson Center Room B

Mason’s College Preparatory Program: The Early Identification Program Lewis Forrest, Associate Dean, University Life  Khaseem Davis, Executive Director, Early Identification Program  Visit the ULife website for Zoom access George Mason University’s Early Identification Program (EIP) works to identify middle and high school students who will be the first in their