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Gravitational wave

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

Fairfax Campus, Planetary Hall 203
4400 University Drive, MSN 3F3, Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: 703-993-1280

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
Dec10

Fall 2024 SSB Student Research Day

Dec 10, 2024, 12:00 - 5:00 PM

Fall 2024 SSB Student Research Day When: Tuesday, December 10, 2024 Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM Location: Virtual Zoom Student Research Day is a venue for students in SSB and other Science & Tech campus departments – including undergraduates – to present the research they have been working on
Dec10

Learning Assistant Poster Session Fall 2024

Dec 10, 2024, 1:00 - 3:00 PM

Exploratory Hall Atrium 

Please join us in celebrating the work of our Learning Assistants (LAs), who are working in over 40 courses across the College of Science to facilitate student learning. On Tuesday, December 10 , the LAs will be presenting posters reflecting on their teaching experiences, their students’ learning, and new instructional
Oct16

American Society for Intercellular Communication (ASIC)

Oct 16, 2025, 12:00 PM - Oct 18, 2025, 2:00 PM

Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center

The meeting is organized by a group of investigators seeking to create a platform for informal exchange of ideas on emerging questions and cutting-edge developments in the field of Extracellular Vesicles (EVs), Extracellular Particles (EPs), and particulate carriers of extracellular RNA (exRNA) as biological mediators, regulators and diagnostic analytes. Our