Main navigation
- Programs
- Subjects
- Universities
- Destinations
- Advice
The University of Maryland's Physics Department ranks among the nation's largest, with faculty and students collaborating across over 30 physics disciplines to push the boundaries of modern research. Combining a demanding academic program with our strategic Washington D.C. proximity, this vibrant research environment creates an exceptional learning opportunity. Our undergraduate alumni are highly recruited by top-tier graduate programs and employers, while our graduate students pursue distinguished careers across government, private sector, and academic institutions. Within physics specialties, condensed matter research has arguably transformed everyday life most profoundly, driving technological innovations from semiconductor devices (powering computers, smartphones, and electronics) to advanced polymers and novel composite materials. This field maintains the strongest connections between physics and practical technological applications, fostering cross-disciplinary partnerships both within UMD and beyond.