Program Overview

Ph.D. in Physics Program

The Ph.D. program in Physics requires additional coursework beyond the M.S. degree, including passing qualifying, comprehensive, and final exams, and writing a dissertation based on original research in an area of physics. A Master's degree is not required for admission to the Ph.D. program. Doctoral students may elect to receive the Master's degree as soon as all requirements for that degree are satisfied while continuing work on their Ph.D. degree.

Program Requirements

• The time required for completion of the Ph.D. program varies, with an average of about 6 years.
• Departmental requirements include:
  • GRE Scores: General and Subject GRE scores are optional due to the unavailability of testing opportunities in many parts of the world. Students who choose to submit scores should have those reported directly by ETS, coded 4531, and also self-report unofficial results with their application.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Three or more letters, submitted directly to the school by the persons writing the letters, using the online application system.
  • Statement of Purpose: A concise statement, not more than one-and-a-half-to-two pages, describing the student's research interests and any relevant prior experience.

Admission Criteria

• For international students, the university requires evidence of English proficiency from all students whose degrees are from educational systems with a language of instruction other than English.
• The TOEFL or IELTS tests can be used to satisfy this requirement.
• Graduate student candidates must score at least:
  • 79 (iBT) or 550 (PBT) on the TOEFL
  • 6.5 on the IELTS test for regular admission

Research Areas

The Ph.D. program is based on original research in an area of physics.