Physics - UMass Boston

Welcome to the Department of Physics

Welcome to the Department of Physics at UMass Boston — where curiosity meets discovery.

Here, you’ll explore how the universe works while developing the skills to solve some of the world’s most challenging problems. Our program combines hands-on experimentation, computational modeling, and interdisciplinary learning to help you think like a physicist — to question deeply, reason clearly from first principles, and create solutions that matter.

You’ll join a close-knit, inclusive community that values mentorship and collaboration. Our students have earned national recognition, including Goldwater Scholarships and the APS Leroy Apker Award, the top honor in the U.S. for undergraduate physics research. Graduate students have also distinguished themselves with awards such as the APS GSNP Student Speaker Award and APS GDS Impact Award.

Students with an interest in the future of quantum science and technology can pursue our Quantum Information Certificate, gaining a competitive edge in one of today’s fastest-growing fields.

Academic Programs

Undergraduate Programs

Graduate Programs

About Our Department

At UMass Boston, physics is both foundational and forward-looking. Our faculty include four APS Fellows and internationally recognized leaders in quantum foundations, quantum information, computational physics, soft condensed matter, and biomedical physics. We conduct cutting-edge research across quantum science and technology, quantum foundations, biological physics, soft matter, biomedical optics, and artificial intelligence, linking fundamental discovery to advances in health, neuroscience, materials science, and technology. Many of our graduates have gone on to pursue further graduate studies and postdoctoral positions at prestigious universities and national laboratories