Physics Department
Why Study Physics?
Part of physics is concerned with building real stuff in the real world. Another part of physics explores the mysteries of the universe and attempts to discover the hidden patterns in everything. We aim to do both at Cortland where our main objectives are to help our students develop confidence working with their hands and in solving complex calculations that describe nature, culminating in a powerful combination of mathematical and physical intuitions that can be applied to a wide range of careers.
Cortland Physics in a Nutshell
The Physics Department at SUNY Cortland offers a student-centered experience and a philosophy of pushing our students to realize their highest potential. Some features of our program are:
- Small class sizes: A typical upper-division physics class at SUNY Cortland has about 10 students.
- Combination of theoretical and hands-on experience: Our curriculum features a combination of advanced theoretical courses and hands-on experiences that provide a well-rounded education.
- Challenge: We believe that it is our duty to prepare you for demanding career paths and graduate programs by giving you a challenging college experience with strong support along the way.
- Personalized advising: You will have a meeting with your academic advisor (a faculty member in the Physics Department) each semester to plan courses for the next semester, monitor degree progress, and plan the next step after Cortland.
- Opportunities to conduct research with professors: The Physics faculty are actively engaged in a broad range of research topics and frequently work with students.
- Student club: The Physics and Engineering (PEN) Club is an active, interdisciplinary group of students who host social events and work on engineering projects together.
- Our planetarium: We are one of a few campuses in New York that has the ability to explore the universe in HD under a full dome planetarium.
- Location and Activities: SUNY Cortland is less than a 4 hour drive from NYC, has many opportunities for outdoor experiences in the Adirondacks and the Finger Lakes region (including multiple downhill ski resorts within half an hour of Cortland), has an amazing Student Life Center, a reputation for strong sports teams, and has a lively social scene both on and off campus.