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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

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
Sep4

ScienceConnect 2025 - Fairfax Campus

Sep 4, 2025, 12:30 - 4:30 PM

Exploratory Hall Atrium

Join us for ScienceConnect this September and get to know the Mason Science community. Start off the semester by meeting College of Science faculty, staff, and students while exploring college programs, research, and professional opportunities. Be sure to grab some food and win college swag! Register to attend.
Sep9

ScienceConnect 2025 - SciTech Campus

Sep 9, 2025, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Life Sciences and Engineering Building (LSEB), Science and Technology Campus

Join us for ScienceConnect this September and get to know the Mason Science community. Start off the semester by meeting College of Science faculty, staff, and students while exploring college programs, research, and professional opportunities. Be sure to grab some food and win college swag! Register to attend.
Sep20

George Mason Space Day 2025

Sep 20, 2025, 1:00 - 5:00 PM

Dewberry Hall, Johnson Center

Mark your calendars for this year's George Mason Space Day on September 20, 2025. Keep an eye out for more details and registration. Join us for a free, public, interactive event that brings people together to explore the science and technology driving today’s leading aerospace initiatives. Designed to educate and

* The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.