Physics
The Department of Physics at Colorado School of Mines is dedicated to high-quality physics education for undergraduate and graduate students and advancing the world’s knowledge in the areas of condensed matter physics, optical physics, quantum physics, renewable energy physics, and subatomic physics.
Education and Research
Our faculty and students at all levels conduct more than $6 million in externally funded research every year, with many projects associated with Mines’ pioneering research centers.
Research centers with strong connections to Physics include the Mines/NREL Nexus, CyberInfrastructure and Advanced Research Computing (CIARC), the Microintegrated Optics for Advanced Bioimaging and Control Center (MOABC), and the Nuclear Science and Engineering Center (NuSEC).
Our faculty are consistently recognized for both their research and their teaching, while our graduate and undergraduate students are often the recipients of awards and grants.
Physics is also heavily involved with Mines’ interdisciplinary graduate programs in Materials Science, Nuclear Engineering, and Quantum Engineering.
Watch the following video to learn more about the varied and exciting physics research taking place at Mines.
Recent News
Aria Ingle, a senior in Engineering Physics and a Trip Leader for Mines Outdoor Recreation Center, hosted Peter Consalvi at Mines on February 24, 2025 to commemorate his 18-month bicycle ride through Asia, Europe, and the eastern United States to support the Juniper Fund charity. The Juniper Fund supports and empowers families and communities impacted by the loss of Himalayan high-altitude workers. Peter rode his bike 15,000 miles across 4 continents – from Mongolia to Spain, then Miami to Maryland. Outdoor equipment manufacturer Big Agnes supported Peter’s expedition with its 2023 Bob Swanson Memorial Grant that helped Peter raise over $6,000 for the Juniper Fund along his journey. Peter shared over two hours of incredible stories with fellow Orediggers describing his adventures that tested his resilience and spirit as he made life-long friendships and global connections along his travels. You can learn more about Peter’s trip at https://www.instagram.com/pedalingwithpete/. Peter’s next adventure is running the Old Glory Ultra Relay where 12 veterans run across the US for 15 days carrying the American flag.
#1 Best Colleges for Engineering Physics / Applied Physics
Colorado School of Mines
1500 Illinois St., Golden, CO 80401
303-273-3000 / 800-446-9488
Financial Aid
Graduate Admissions
Undergraduate Admissions
888-446-9489