Program Overview
The Ph.D. in Physics program offers advanced coursework, a minor, and research opportunities. Students must pass qualifying and preliminary exams and complete an original research dissertation. The program prepares graduates for careers in research or education in physics, with financial support typically provided through assistantships and fellowships.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Ph.D. degree in Physics requires successful completion of advanced course work in physics (required core coursework), completion of a minor, and passage of the qualifying and preliminary examinations. The Ph.D. is primarily a research degree, awarded only upon completion of substantial original research. The broad range of research opportunities makes the department especially attractive to beginning students who have not yet chosen a field of specialization. The program provides the background, experience, and credentials needed for employment as a professional physicist in research or education. All admitted Ph.D. students typically receive financial support in the form of teaching or research assistantships and fellowships.
Outline:
Required Courses:
- PHYSICS 711 Theoretical Physics-Dynamics
- PHYSICS 715 Statistical Mechanics
- PHYSICS 721 Theoretical Physics-Electrodynamics
- PHYSICS 731 Quantum Mechanics I
- PHYSICS 732 Quantum Mechanics II
- PHYSICS 701 Graduate Introductory Seminars
All Physics courses meeting degree requirements must be numbered 500 and above.
Assessment:
Physics doctoral students are required to pass the qualifying examination at the Ph.D. level by the end of their fourth semester. Students are also required to take a comprehensive preliminary/oral examination, which is recommended to be completed by the end of the fifth semester. All Incomplete and Progress grades (other than research and thesis) must be cleared from the student's record prior to taking the preliminary examination.
Careers:
The program provides the background, experience, and credentials needed for employment as a professional physicist in research or education. All admitted Ph.D. students typically receive financial support in the form of teaching or research assistantships and fellowships.