The Department of Physics & Astronomy at our site within the College of Science & Mathematics is an undergraduate-only department with about twenty faculty members and over one hundred and ten majors. James Madison University is a state funded comprehensive university that consistently ranks near the top of its classification in many nationally published rankings. Our vision is to strive to be a leading undergraduate physics and astronomy department by building a research-active, student-centered community.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers both major and minor programs in Physics and a minor in Astronomy for students interested in a challenging program in pure and applied sciences. Several tracks exist within the major incuding materials science, computational physics, electronics, and applied nuclear physics which allow students preparing for a wide range of post-graduate options to pursue the curriculum best suited to their needs. The department also offers a 3/2 program in Engineering.

 

NEW! Job Posting: James Madison University invites applications for a non-tenure track faculty position beginning the 2013-2014 academic year in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the rank of Assistant Professor. We seek candidates with an earned PhD in astronomy or physics. The appointment is for two years. For details on applying for this position, visit the job application instructions.

 

NEW! Job Posting: James Madison University seeks applications for the position of Physics Specialist in the Science and Math Learning Center (SMLC). The position is a full-time, renewable-term faculty appointment with teaching responsibilities in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, beginning August 2013. We seek outstanding candidates with a M.S. or Ph.D. in Physics, Physics Education, or a closely related field. More details are found at the Science and Math Learning Center.

 

NEW! Job Posting: James Madison University has an opening for the position of Teacher in Residence (TIR) in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. We seek outstanding high school physics teachers to serve as local experts in our physics teacher education program. The TIR position is a 9 month full-time, non-tenure track faculty position, funded by PhysTEC (Physics Teacher Education Coalition) through AAPT and APS. This is a recurring, annual position. For details on applying for this position, visit the job application instructions.

 

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Visitor Information

James Madison University is located in Harrisonburg, Virginia in the middle of the Shenandoah Valley just off of I81. The Valley is served by the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport in Weyers Cave just 15 minutes from campus. Alternative airports include Charlottesville Ablemarle Airport approximately a 1 hour drive from Harrisonburg and Dulles International Airport which is about a 2 hour drive away. For local hotels, motels, and restaurants check here. Driving to campus?

 

• From I81 Take exit 245 for Port Republic Rd toward VA-253 (This is a right off the exit if on I81S and a left off of the exit if travelling on I81N
• Go along VA-253 W/Port Republic Rd to the first stop light just past the exit and take a right onto Bluestone Drive.
• Follow along Bluestone Drive for approximately 0.5 miles until reaching Carrier Drive. Turn right onto Carrier Drive.
• Follow Carrier Drive along for approximately 0.5 miles. The Physics & Chemistry Building will be on the right side. The main Physics & Astronomy Office is on the 2nd floor in room 2186.

 

 

Giving to JMU Physics & Astronomy

The Department of Physics & Astronomy relies on donations from our friends to carry out several important functions within the department and to support our strong scholarship program for our students. There are several ways to put your dollars to work within the department which greatly benefit our students. Any donation, no matter how small or large, is greatly appreciated. For more information on how to support the Physics & Astronomy department click here.

 

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