Welcome to the Physics Department
Welcome, and thank you for your interest in the Department of Physics at Eastern Illinois University.
As Chair, I am proud to lead a department built on collaboration, strong teaching, and a genuine commitment to student success. Our faculty, staff, students, and alumni all play a role in creating a supportive and engaging academic environment, and that sense of community is something you will notice right away.
At EIU, our focus is on undergraduate education. You will be taught by faculty in both lectures and labs, not graduate assistants, and our smaller class sizes mean you will get to know your professors and they will get to know you. This allows for meaningful mentorship, hands-on learning, and opportunities to get involved in research early in your academic career.
Our department offers a range of programs, including Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Astronomy, and Pre-Engineering, along with teacher licensure options. Each pathway is designed to give you a strong foundation and prepare you for a variety of careers in science, technology, education, and beyond.
You will also find opportunities here that go beyond the classroom. Students work alongside faculty on research projects, present their work at conferences, and participate in events that showcase their achievements. Our facilities, including specialized labs and the university observatory, provide access to the kind of tools and experiences that help bring your learning to life.
Just as important is the sense of community within the department. Student organizations such as the Society of Physics Students and the Astronomy Club offer ways to connect with peers, explore your interests, and be part of something larger than your coursework.
Our graduates go on to a wide range of paths, including graduate study, careers in engineering and technology, teaching, and positions in industry and research. Employers consistently seek out our students for their problem-solving skills, work ethic, and ability to think critically.
This is an exciting time to study physics and engineering. Advances in areas like sustainable energy, computing, and space exploration are creating new opportunities every day, and our goal is to prepare you to be part of that future.
I encourage you to explore our programs and learn more about what we offer. If you have questions, we are here to help.
Sincerely,
Dr. Steven Daniels
Chair, Department of Physics
