About the Department
The UNK Department of Physics & Astronomy offers multiple 4-year degrees in physics as well as degrees in astronomy and astrophysics. The department also boasts an Engineering Foundations Program which provides students a pathway to an engineering degree at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln in our 2+2 and 3+2 programs.
Our majors develop the skills to become great problem solvers, allowing them to excel when they enter the workforce. Degrees in physics, astronomy, and engineering open the door to vast opportunities from industrial settings and government labs to schools and college campuses.
The skills that you develop at UNK can also provide opportunities to work in areas that you may not have expected such as in the business sector, with newspapers and magazines, at telescope observatories, or even on Wall Street. Students who major in these fields make desirable candidates anywhere that problem-solving and analytical skills are valued (everywhere!).
"What I’m studying is intensive, but UNK professors explain material in a straightforward way and provide help when needed. It is a fruitfully challenging environment. Faculty have been very welcoming. I have done undergraduate research with faculty, which gives me a leg up, and my confidence in being prepared for my career is growing every day."
Beyond the Classroom
At the University of Nebraska at Kearney, you have opportunities to enhance your education by participating in, organizations, internships, and more. The Physics and Astronomy Department at UNK encourages its students to get involved with the multiple opportunities they provide to aid you to your future career.
Experiential Learning
- Physics, Astronomy, and Engineering Internships
- Society of Physics Students
- Water Rocket Competition
- West Campus STEM A living-learning community for students interested in physics, engineering, math, and astronomy.
Scholarships
- Elmer H. & Marian L. Beckmann Scholarship
- Donald L. Liehs Scholarship Endowment
- Dr. Mary L. Morse Memorial
- View Full List of Scholarships
Specialty Facilities
- UNK Planetarium The Department of Physics and Astronomy operates the UNK Planetarium. The UNK Planetarium is Nebraska's newest and largest star theater, providing students and visitors with an indoor Universe where the sky is never cloudy.
Explore Our Programs
There are lots of opportunities for students, parents, and educators to explore opportunities in Physics, Astronomy, and Engineering at UNK.
Newsletter
Check out the latest news, highlights, and Alumni and Faculty spotlights by downloading the Physics, Astronomy, and Engineering Newsletter.
High School Summer Camp
"Meet the 'APEs' of West Campus" at this fun, interactive camp that will help students engage with real-world engineering challenges and give them a close up look at the principles of physics that form the underpinnings of the universe.
Learn more about the high school summer camp
UNK Science Day
Students rotate through six different science areas between UNK’s Bruner Hall of Science and Discovery Hall: Biology, Wildlife Biology, Chemistry, Math, Physics, Engineering, Astronomy, and Health Sciences. We’ll even provide lunch!
Career Information Event
This event is geared for students, parents, educators, and counselors interested in exploring careers in physics, engineering, mathematics, statistics, astronomy, or astrophysics. Representatives from the participating disciplines will be available to provide demos and answer questions about potential careers related to their fields.
Learn more about the Career Information Event
