The MSOE Physics and Chemistry Department faculty have specialties in biotechnology, general relativity, lasers and applied optics and photonics, organic chemistry, materials and magnetism. All engineering, engineering technology, nursing, business, and technical communication students take one or more courses offered by the department.
A Minor in Physics is offered to those students who wish to expand their background and understanding of physics. Various elective and specialty courses are also offered by individual faculty in response to student demand.
The department has a state-of-the-art Applied Optics Laboratory as well as on-going activities in the area of lasers.
The main department office is located in S-236 of the Fred Loock Engineering Center. The chairman of the department is Dr. Matey G. Kaltchev.

