Physics and Astronomy are disciplines that are intertwined and share a lot of characteristics. They both study the properties and nature of energy and matter in space. They have been important fields of study for hundreds of years and bring us an understanding of the world in which we live.
Before deciding what field to get into, students will take intro-level courses to get a better understanding of what works and what does not. A trustworthy homework service agency like My Homework Done is a great resource for students who are exploring the waters and need assistance with their first assignments.
We actually consulted them in putting this list of the top 5 universities and colleges for the field in physics and astronomy in 2020:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Since 1861, MIT has embraced its small community feel and its dedication to science. Despite the size of its staff and students (approx. 12,000 combined), it is globally recognized as a leader in the fields of physics and astronomy. Across its five departments, it focuses on the innovation of education, looking towards new and improved ways to raise questions, conduct research, and make an impact on knowledge on the global stage. It currently ranks #1 on the QS Global World Ranking list.
Stanford University
With leading tech companies like Google, HP, and Yahoo, Stanford University is right in the heart of Silicon Valley and has benefitted in attracting some of the most talented science students from all over the world. On the Times Higher Education list of top universities and colleges in every discipline, physics, and astronomy are among Stanford’s strongest disciplines. It consistently ranks high on the QS Global World Ranking list (currently at #2) as one of the leading research and teaching facilities.
Harvard University
The physics and astronomy department is located in the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics – a prestigious school of learning since the institution was founded in 1931. The program offered there lets students take Gen Ed, Extension, and Summer Courses. As a legendary research academy, Harvard sets the gold standard when it comes to academic learning. It is highly exclusive, however, in the sense that it has the fewest number of undergraduates and post-doctoral researchers among other schools on this list.
University of Oxford
The United Kingdom has a legacy for education. And the University of Oxford does not hold back when it comes to maintaining prestige on the highest levels of education. In the English-speaking world, it is technically the oldest institution. Many historians disagree about its actual founding date. It boasts one of the largest international student bodies (about 40%) and is an educational hub that attracts some of the greatest physics and astronomy researchers from all over the world. Its colleges are spread throughout the area, holding on to distinct characteristics that date back several centuries.
University of Cambridge
As one of the oldest and most prestigious confederations of colleges, Cambridge is home to over 18,000 students and 11,000 faculty members. And its physics and astronomy program ranks among the best in the world. As a research and learning institution, Cambridge’s department publishes the most innovative studies in these fields and holds the largest annual conference of professionals each year. Of the 31 colleges at the institution, physics and astronomy might be the hardest to get into, but it certainly doesn’t mean they aren’t looking for global talents.
Honorable Mentions
Some universities and colleges we were also impressed by are California Institute of Technology (CalTech), University of Tokyo, ETH Zurich, and University of California, Berkeley (UCB). Each of these has had great programs in physics and astronomy for years and has continued to grow in these fields. Affordability is certainly a key when considering top choices, but the quality of education at this level does not significantly change from one place to another.
Your overall understanding of these disciplines will be thoroughly developed in each of these universities and colleges. Our advice to you is that you conduct adequate research before signing up for any program. You can even decide to transfer if you find that one program does not quite meet your expectations. If you have any more questions or have any comments about our list, we invite you to join the conversation below. You can also check out 100% college papers options as well for your university days.