Program Overview

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Introduction to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Physics

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Physics program at UMass Lowell is a research-centric program designed to prepare students for lifelong careers in academia, industry, national laboratories, and entrepreneurship. The 60-credit-hour program incorporates advanced courses, comprehensive examination, and a multi-year research component.

Program Overview

The Ph.D. in Physics program offers several options, including:

• General Option
• Energy Engineering Option (in collaboration with the Department of Chemical Engineering)
• Aerospace Sciences Option
• Medical Physics
• Radiological Sciences

Curriculum

The Ph.D. program requires 60 credits, including dissertation research. Candidates for the degree must pass an oral comprehensive examination and a doctoral research admission examination.

Career Outcomes

UMass Lowell's physics Ph.D. program prepares graduates for positions in academia, national laboratories, government agencies, major medical facilities, and industry. Recent graduates have worked at:

• Argonne National Lab
• Boston University
• Duke University
• Harvard University
• Lockheed Martin Corp.
• Los Alamos National Lab
• Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc.
• U.S. Department of Energy

Faculty Research Areas

Research lies at the heart of the Ph.D. in Physics program, with research expenditures totaling more than $10 million annually. Faculty research areas include:

• Astronomy & Astrophysics
• Biomedical Terahertz Technologies
• Biophotonics
• Medical Physics
• Photonics, Plasmonics, and Meta-materials
• Nanoscience and Technology
• Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
• Optics and Advanced Materials
• Quantum Information
• Radiological Health Physics
• Soft Condensed Matter
• Space Science
• Submillimeter-Wave Technology
• Theoretical Cosmology

Funding Opportunities

UMass Lowell strives to provide financial support for all admitted Ph.D. students, including funding through Teaching Assistantships (TA), Research Assistantships (RA), and summer research support.

Admissions

Applicants for the Ph.D. in Physics program are expected to have a sound background in intermediate-level mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, and modern physics. The application requirements include:

• Application fee: $50
• Statement of Purpose: Outline goals, experience, and achievements (maximum 2 pages)
• Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) for master's, three (3) for doctoral applicants
• Transcripts: Official transcripts are required
• Test Scores: Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are only required for certain programs

Graduate Admissions Requirements

All materials must be received before the application is reviewed. International applicants may need to provide additional documentation, such as a transcript evaluation. English proficiency is required, with minimum scores for:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 79+
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5+
• Duolingo: 115+
• ASC English: Level 6+
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): 53+