A Century of Discovery: Corcoran Hall Marks 100 Years of Science Milestones
Corcoran Hall, a historic science hub, marks its centennial. Home to the Big Bang theory and modern breakthroughs, it also primarily houses the Physics Department.
Home
Innovative thinkers pushing
the boundaries of discovery
Preparing the next generation of physicists in the classroom,
the laboratory and the world beyond
Who We Are
At the GW Department of Physics, faculty and students are at the forefront of transformative, interdisciplinary scholarship, as they seek answers to fundamental questions about matter, motion and the mysteries of the universe.
The department engages in collaborative research with some of the Washington, D.C., area's world-renowned centers and institutes, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, NASA and the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility.
Through in-depth research, faculty mentorship and unique learning environments, physics students are exploring the countless applications of physics to the working world.
Join the Graduate Programs Open House: October 21–November 1
Registration is now open for GW's Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (CCAS) Graduate Programs Open House! The event features program-specific information sessions and opportunities to interact with current graduate students, faculty and our admissions team.
The Physics Department will host a virtual information session for prospective graduate students on Monday, Oct. 28 at 11:00 a.m. EDT. Attendees will receive an application fee waiver.
News from the Physics Department
Ready to Launch: A GW Student’s NASA Mission
PhD student Nick Kirschner’s research journey took him from NASA labs to the New Mexico desert—part of an agreement that is propelling GW astrophysics to new heights.
GW Hailed as a Top Fulbright Producer for 2023–24
GW has been recognized as a top producer of Fulbright scholars and students for 2023–24, including Physics Professor Gerald Feldman (Norway).
Research Areas
Astrophysics
Astrophysics explores the evolution of stars, galaxies and the entire universe. Undergraduates can major or minor in the field, and graduate students can join the department's astro group in collaborations with NASA, the Naval Research Laboratory, the University of Amsterdam and more.
Biophysics
The biophysics lab offers expertise in epigenetics, chromatin dynamics, bifurcation of diseases and more. The Physics Department offers a minor and a bachelor's degree in the field, as well as research opportunities for undergraduates, graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.
Nuclear Physics
GW hosts one of the largest university-based nuclear physics groups in the nation. The lab collaborates with top researchers in Virginia, Germany and Switzerland. Both undergraduate and graduate students can choose between Experimental, Theoretical and Nuclear Phenomenology research groups.
"As a physics major, I’m realizing that you can relate what you learn to anything you want to do. You’re not just restricted to doing research, you’re not restricted to academia. The skills that you learn are skills that employers want."
Jason Starita
BS '20, Astronomy and Astrophysics
