Physics, Ph.D.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy in the College of Liberal Arts offers the Ph.D. in Physics, a terminal degree designed primarily to meet the needs of students who intend to pursue professional careers in physics, either in academia, as research physicists, or in industry careers.

About the Ph.D. in Physics

The Ph.D. in Physics is designed to prepare students for professional careers in physics. The department has research groups in the following areas:

• Condensed matter
• High energy
• Gravitational physics
• Physical acoustics

Program Information

Degree

Ph.D. in Physics

Required Credit Hours

54

Program Type

Doctorate Program

Program Location

Oxford

School

College of Liberal Arts

Duration

5-7 years

Graduate Program Coordinator

The Graduate Program Coordinator is delighted to support graduate students in their academic and research journeys. The department offers a welcoming and supportive environment with cutting-edge research opportunities, world-class faculty, and a collaborative community dedicated to exploring the fundamental mysteries of the universe.

Ph.D. in Physics Program Details

Application Process

The application deadline is January 15 for fall entry or September 15 for spring entry. To apply, students must:

1. Complete the Graduate School's Online Application.
2. Upload Supplemental Application materials for the department on the online application. Applicants for graduate admission should have at least a GPA equivalent to a B (3.0 on the US university GPA 4-point scale) in previous university/college studies.

Curriculum

Students in the Ph.D. in Physics complete 54 credit hours, including 36 hours of graduate classroom hours.

• 12 credit hours in 700-level physics courses
• 18 credit hours in 600-level or higher physics courses
• Five core courses:
  • Phys 709: Advanced Mechanics I
  • Phys 711: Quantum Mechanics I
  • Phys 727: Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
  • Phys 721 and 722: Advanced Electromagnetic Theory I, II
• Three breadth courses:
  • Phys 605: Advanced Acoustics
  • Phys 607: Atomic and Nuclear Physics
  • Phys 637: Fluid Dynamics
  • Phys 712: Quantum Mechanics II
  • Phys 725: Solid State Physics I
  • Phys 731: Quantum Field Theory I
  • Phys 733: Elementary Particle Physics
  • Phys 735: Gravitational Physics
• 18 hours of dissertation research (Phys 797) Up to 6 credit hours in a related field, such as mathematics, chemistry, or engineering, are accepted. Students must pass a comprehensive examination as well as submit and defend a dissertation prospectus and dissertation. All students teach laboratory or lecture sections for at least two semesters as part of their graduate training. They can obtain a Master of Education degree (M.Ed.) by taking a few more courses and field work.

Financial Support

Support for PhD students is available during degree studies through a combination of teaching assistantships and research assistantships. Students with a graduate assistantship funded in the department receive:

• A scholarship that covers some or all of the tuition and non-residency fee, if applicable, for regular semesters
• Subsidized health insurance

Facilities

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is housed primarily in Lewis Hall. Several faculty and graduate students have offices and research space in the Jamie Whitten National Center for Physical Acoustics nearby on campus. The Kennon Observatory, adjacent to Lewis Hall, houses astronomy labs. Lewis Hall houses some upper-division teaching laboratories in undergraduate physics and astronomy courses. The department's machine shop is equipped with a large computer-controlled lathe, three computer-controlled mills, and a computer-controlled measuring machine. The shop employs a full-time machinist. The Duff Center for Science and Technology Innovation has extensive dedicated space for basic undergraduate teaching labs for the Department of Physics and Astronomy. The Kennon Observatory has a variety of telescopes used in astronomy laboratories, including a portable 25-inch Dobsonian telescope, a 15-inch refracting telescope, and a 17-inch Plane Wave Corrected Dall Kirkham (CDK) telescope. The Jamie Whitten National Center for Physical Acoustics contains the technical and support facilities of a world-class research program, including a high-bay laboratory, an anechoic chamber, and a large open bay with subsonic and supersonic wind tunnels.

Department of Physics and Astronomy

The Department of Physics and Astronomy has access to the extensive research and computing facilities of The University of Mississippi. Researchers on campus have easy access to facilities of the Mississippi Center for Supercomputing Research.

Degree Overview:

The Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Mississippi is the terminal degree in physics, designed to prepare students for careers in academia, research, or industry. The program focuses on developing students' research skills and knowledge in physics, with research groups in condensed matter, high energy, gravitational physics, and physical acoustics.

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Outline:

The Ph.D. in Physics program requires 54 credit hours, including 36 hours of graduate courses and 18 hours of dissertation research.

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Core Courses:

• Phys 709: Advanced Mechanics I
• Phys 711: Quantum Mechanics I
• Phys 727: Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
• Phys 721 and 722: Advanced Electromagnetic Theory I, II
• Five courses chosen from a list of breadth courses, including:
• Phys 605: Advanced Acoustics
• Phys 607: Atomic and Nuclear Physics
• Phys 712: Quantum Mechanics II
• Phys 725: Solid State Physics I
• Phys 731: Quantum Field Theory I
• Phys 733: Elementary Particle Physics
• Phys 735: Gravitational Physics

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Assessment:

Students in the Ph.D. in Physics program must pass a comprehensive examination and submit and defend a dissertation prospectus and dissertation.

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Teaching:

All students teach laboratory or lecture sections for at least two semesters as part of their graduate training. Students can obtain a Master of Education degree (M.Ed.) by taking a few more courses and field work.

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Careers:

Graduates of the Ph.D. in Physics program are prepared for careers in academia, research, or industry.

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Academia:

Graduates may pursue careers as professors or researchers at universities or colleges.

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Research:

Graduates may pursue careers as research scientists in government laboratories, national laboratories, or private research institutes.

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Industry:

Graduates may pursue careers as physicists in a variety of industries, such as aerospace, defense, energy, and telecommunications.

University of Mississippi

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Overview:

The University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, is a public research university located in Oxford, Mississippi. It is a time-honored institution known for its academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and rich tradition of success. Ole Miss offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, fostering a strong sense of community and providing students with boundless opportunities.

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Services Offered:

Academics:

Ole Miss offers over 90 majors leading to a bachelor's degree, as well as a variety of graduate programs. The university also provides a Freshman Studies program for undecided students.

Admissions:

The university offers comprehensive admissions services for both undergraduate and graduate students, including campus visits, request information, and application processes.

Student Life:

Ole Miss provides a diverse and engaging student life experience, including campus living, student involvement, support and resources, campus recreation, and international student support.

Research:

As an R1 research institution, Ole Miss offers opportunities for students to engage in research with expert faculty across various fields.

Athletics:

Ole Miss is known for its competitive athletics program, with teams competing at the highest level of college athletics.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Ole Miss boasts a vibrant student community with a vast array of extracurricular activities. Students can experience the renowned tailgating tradition in the Grove, explore the charming town of Oxford, and participate in various student organizations. The university also emphasizes community engagement and service opportunities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Academic Excellence:

Ole Miss offers a high-quality education with a wide range of programs and expert faculty.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university provides a dynamic and engaging student experience with numerous opportunities for involvement and social interaction.

Strong Community:

Ole Miss fosters a strong sense of community, both on campus and in the surrounding town of Oxford.

Research Opportunities:

As an R1 research institution, Ole Miss offers students the chance to participate in cutting-edge research projects.

Athletics Tradition:

Ole Miss is known for its competitive athletics program and passionate fan base.

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Academic Programs:

Undergraduate Programs:

Ole Miss offers over 90 majors leading to a bachelor's degree, including programs in the arts, sciences, humanities, business, engineering, and more.

Graduate Programs:

The university offers a variety of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, in various fields.

Special Programs:

Ole Miss provides special programs for undergraduates, such as study abroad opportunities and programs tailored to specific interests.

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Other:

Regional Campuses:

Ole Miss has regional campuses located in DeSoto, Tupelo, Booneville, Grenada, Rankin, and the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Alumni Network:

Ole Miss has a strong alumni network that provides support and opportunities for graduates.

Community Engagement:

The university is actively involved in the Oxford community and surrounding areas, offering various programs and initiatives.

Campus Culture and Traditions:

Ole Miss has a rich history and unique traditions, including the iconic Grove and the "Hotty Toddy" cheer.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

Ole Miss is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community.