Welcome from the Department Head

Welcome to the web site of the Department of Physics at Kansas State University. We are a dedicated group of people striving for excellence in physics research and teaching.

Our faculty conduct research in atomic, molecular and optical physics, in condensed matter physics, in cosmology and high-energy physics, and in physics education. With only 28 permanent faculty, we received competitive external funding of over $7.0 million each year. In terms of Federally funded research we rank at the very top of the Big 12 universities based on the per faculty (ranking). Our Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics program was ranked 14th nationally by US News & World Reports in 2006, tied with Princeton University. Many of our faculty have received national and local awards and have collaborations with laboratories and institutes abroad as well as nationally.

Our undergraduate students receive personal attention from the faculty. They also have opportunities to participate in research beginning as early as their first year. They get first-hand experience of working as a scientist throughout their careers at K-State.  The department also offers research experiences for undergraduates from colleges around the country in the summer.  Many of our students are recognized nationally with awards such as the prestigious Goldwater scholarships (see listing).

Our graduate students typically start their research after their first year and almost all will receive research assistantship during their tenure. The Department offers excellent infrastructure in electronic shops, machine shops, as well as computational and office staff support.  Students have ample opportunities to participate in off-site experiments and attending national and international conferences.  Our students finish their PhD's about a year less than the national average.

We are located in Manhattan which is a medium sized college town located in the rolling Flint Hills of eastern Kansas, surrounded by the famous tall grass prairie. The University offers exciting cultural and sports opportunities while the students can enjoy the low cost of living.

Please take your time to peruse our departmental web pages. If you are interested in majoring in physics as an undergraduate or pursuing a graduate degree in physics with us, or simply you just want to make a visit, please contact us at (785) 532-6786 or at graduate@phys.ksu.edu.

Sincerely,

Dean Zollman

University Distinguished Professor and Head