Welcome

The department office assistant is Jamilah Majekodunmi. You can reach her by email at jamilah.majekodunmi@lehman.cuny.edu.

For undergraduate advising please fill out the Physics and Astronomy Advisement Request Form

Physics is the broadest and most basic of all sciences. It deals with the fundamental principles that govern our physical universe and seeks to explain all physical phenomena from the smallest scale of subatomic particles to the grandest scale of quasars and far away galaxies. This quest has also led to discoveries of tremendous technological impact.

Studying physics gives you the background to appreciate and share in the excitement of deciphering our universe while it provides the knowledge and analytical and technical skills that can be applied in a variety of careers.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers two degrees for majors in physics: a 38-credit B.A. degree and a 60-credit B.S. degree. These degrees provide a solid foundation for a wide range of careers such as industrial research and development, engineering, computing, business management, consulting, medicine, law, research and teaching in physics and related sciences. The department also offers a minor in physics, which is an excellent complement to degrees in mathematics, computer science or other sciences.

Physics majors and minors are encouraged to take advantage of the undergraduate research opportunities offered by our department. The Department of Physics and Astronomy has active research programs in the areas of condensed matter physics, high-energy physics, quantum optics, astrophysics and observational astronomy. Undergraduate students who are interested in doing research are welcome to join our research groups. Our faculty's research is supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Energy, and from other federal and private sources.

The Department also administers the Pre-Engineering program and offers a variety of basic courses designed for general education and for students in other departments. The Department cooperates with the Department of Middle and High School Education in preparing students and teachers for teaching physics and astronomy in secondary schools.

Career Planning

Choosing a career is an exciting journey, and it’s totally normal for it to feel a little overwhelming. To make the best decision, it helps to think about your interests, strengths, skills, values, goals, and personality. To help you get started, please take the following career assessment:

Focus 2 is an online career exploration tool that helps you learn more about yourself and possible career paths. It organizes your interests, skills, abilities, and values into a clear summary that connects directly to real-world careers. You’ll also receive a list of recommended career options based on your results. When creating the account, use the code 'lightning'.

After completing the assessment, be sure to schedule an appointment with your career specialist through Navigate so you can review your results and plan your next steps.