B.S. in Physics with research in astrophysics

You’ll be immersed in a vibrant research environment with direct access to advanced facilities and expert faculty in cosmology, high-energy physics, and astrophysics. You’ll have the opportunity to join active research groups, utilise high-performance computational resources, and contribute to national and international scientific projects from your undergraduate years.

Here’s what you can expect in terms of specific facilities and experiential learning:

• Centre for Computational Research (CCR): Access one of the most powerful academic supercomputing centres in the U.S. for astrophysics simulations, big data analysis, and scientific programming, supporting projects in cosmology and high-energy physics.

• HEPCAT Research Group: Join the High-Energy Physics, Cosmology, and Astrophysics Theory (HEPCAT) group, which typically involves 5–10 undergraduates per semester in research on fundamental forces, cosmological models, and the structure of the universe.

• Physics Research Laboratories: Participate in interdisciplinary research in cosmology, high-energy physics, and complex systems within state-of-the-art departmental labs, working on both experimental and theoretical astrophysics projects.

• Faculty-Led National Collaborations: Contribute to large-scale experiments such as the D0 experiment at Fermilab and CMS at CERN, including work on detector hardware, software development (e.g., jet reconstruction), and physics analysis related to Higgs boson searches and particle interactions.

• Small Class Sizes and Mentorship: Benefit from small upper-level classes and close faculty mentorship, allowing for personalised research guidance and direct involvement in ongoing projects.

• Undergraduate Research Opportunities: Get involved in research as early as your undergraduate years, often leading to presentations, publications, or competitive fellowships.

Graduates of the University at Buffalo (SUNY)’s B.S. in Physics with research in astrophysics are prepared for professional careers in physics, astronomy, and related scientific and technical fields. Alumni move into research, education, industry, and graduate programs at top universities. Here’s how UB supports your career progression and opportunities:

• Personalised Academic and Research Support: Students receive mentoring from faculty engaged in cutting-edge research in cosmology, high-energy physics, and astrophysics, with opportunities to participate in interdisciplinary research projects. The department encourages undergraduate study, including hands-on work in labs and with computational methods relevant to astrophysics and cosmology. UB’s Physics Club and departmental events foster networking, career development, and exposure to current research.

• Strong Employment and Graduate Outcomes: About 75% of UB physics undergraduates go on to graduate school, with many accepted to top programs at institutions like Princeton, Cornell, MIT, and the University of Chicago. Graduates are prepared for careers in research at universities or national labs (such as Brookhaven or Argonne), teaching at the secondary or college level, and technical roles in industries like computing, aerospace, and electronics. The program’s rigorous curriculum develops critical understanding of fundamental physics, advanced mathematical skills, and experience with contemporary research questions.

• Industry & Research Partnerships: Students have access to research opportunities with national laboratories and can participate in collaborative projects in high-energy physics, cosmology, and astrophysics. The department maintains strong ties with the broader scientific community, supporting internships and summer research placements.

• Accreditation & Lasting Value: The University at Buffalo is regionally accredited and recognised as the largest and most comprehensive research university in the SUNY system. The Department of Physics is nationally respected for its research output and educational quality.

• Graduate Outcomes: UB graduates develop expertise in physics, astrophysics, data analysis, and scientific communication, preparing them for both immediate employment and further academic pursuits.

Further Academic Progression: After earning your B.S. in Physics with research in astrophysics at UB, you’ll be ready to pursue a master’s in physics, astronomy, astrophysics, or related fields—leading to advanced research, university teaching, or technical leadership roles at observatories, research institutions, and space agencies.