Physics Ph.D.

Program Overview

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Physics Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree

Overview

Physics plays a crucial role in advancing various scientific and technological fields. Through experimentation, observation, and mathematical analysis, physicists strive to unravel the mysteries of the universe and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge.

The physics Ph.D. program fosters a creative and innovative approach to physics education and knowledge expertise. Graduates of the physics Ph.D. become leaders in their field, shaping and improving the world with the knowledge gained at RIT.

Ph.D. Program in Physics at RIT

RIT's physics Ph.D. program offers various research areas, allowing students to pursue their passion and delve into cutting-edge scientific investigations. As a physics doctoral student, you will have the opportunity to work alongside world-class faculty members at the forefront of their respective fields. Our distinguished professors are dedicated to mentorship, ensuring each student receives personalized guidance and support throughout their academic journey.

The physics Ph.D. program offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to provide you with a deep understanding of fundamental physics principles, advanced research skills, and specialized knowledge in your chosen areas of focus. The program combines core courses, electives, research work, and professional development activities.

Research

A significant component of the physics doctorate involves conducting original research under the guidance of faculty advisors. You will work on research projects aligned with your interests, contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge. This research culminates in completing a doctoral dissertation, which involves original findings and a written thesis.

You will have abundant access to innovative and exciting research. We know that involvement in original research helps prepare our students for their future careers. The physics Ph.D. program offers a diverse range of research areas, allowing students to explore and specialize in various fields of physics.

Physics Research Areas:

• Atomic/molecular/optical (AMO) physics: Exploring the behavior of atoms, molecules, and optical phenomena.
  • Faculty: Mishkat Bhattacharya, Edwin Hach III, Nicola Lanata, Stefan Preble
• Biological and soft matter physics: Investigate the behavior of biomolecules, cellular processes, and complex biological systems using physics-based approaches.
  • Faculty: Jairo Diaz Amaya, Moumita Das, Scott Franklin, Michael Kotlarchyk, Lishibanya Mohapatra, Shima Parsa, Poornima Padmanabhan, George Thurston
• Condensed matter physics: Investigating the properties and behavior of solid materials and complex systems at the atomic and subatomic levels.
  • Faculty: Michael Cromer, Pratik Dholabhai, Nicola Lanata, Casey Miller, Michael Pierce, Steven Weinstein, Ke Xu
• Multi-messenger astrophysics: Includes such areas as gravitational wave physics, special and general relativity, and cosmology.
  • Faculty: Manuela Campanelli, Joshua Faber, Jeyhan Kartaltepe, Carlos Lousto, Richard O’Shaughnessy, John Whelan, Michael Zemcov, Yosef Zlochower
• Nanoscale materials and device physics: Study the unique characteristics of nanomaterials and their applications in electronic, magnetic, and optical devices.
  • Faculty: Seth Hubbard, Santosh Kurinec, Parsian Mohseni, Michael Pierce, Patricia Taboada-Serrano, Ke Xu
• Photonics and the next quantum revolution: Focus on harnessing the properties of light and exploring the potential of quantum technologies to develop revolutionary technologies.
  • Faculty: Donald Figer, Edwin Hach III, Seth Hubbard, Stefan Preble
• Physics education research: Study how to enhance the teaching and learning of physics to enhance student engagement, conceptual understanding, and problem-solving skills in physics education, departmental and cultural change in physics undergraduate and graduate programs, ultimately shaping the future of science education.
  • Faculty: Scott Franklin, Benjamin Zwickl, Diana Sachmpazidi
• Physics for sustainable/renewable energy: Addresses the challenges of sustainable energy production and storage. Investigate innovative materials, devices, and systems for renewable energy generation to develop efficient and environmentally friendly solutions to meet the growing global energy demand and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
  • Faculty: Pratik Dholabhai, Seth Hubbard, Santosh Kurinec, Nishant Malik
• Spectroscopy and Microscopy: Focus on developing and applying advanced spectroscopic and microscopic techniques to probe and manipulate matter at atomic and molecular scales. Use state-of-the-art instruments and methodologies to study materials' structural, electronic, and optical properties, enabling insights into fundamental physics, materials science, and nanotechnology.
  • Faculty: Charles Bachmann, Stefan Preble, Jie Qiao

Faculty

• Seth Hubbard
• Mishkat Bhattacharya
• Moumita Das
• Shima Parsa
• Ben Zwickl
• Lishibanya Mohapatra
• All Program Faculty

Curriculum

Physics, Ph.D. degree, typical course sequence

• First Year
  • PHYS-601: Graduate Physics Seminar I
  • PHYS-602: Graduate Physics Seminar II
  • Choose two of the following:
    • PHYS-610: Mathematical Methods for Physics
    • PHYS-611: Classical Electrodynamics I
    • PHYS-614: Quantum Theory
  • Choose one of the following:
    • PHYS-790: Graduate Research & Thesis
    • Physics Elective (or closely related)
• Second Year
  • Choose one of the following:
    • PHYS-610: Mathematical Methods for Physics
    • PHYS-611: Classical Electrodynamics I
    • PHYS-614: Quantum Theory
  • Choose from the following:
    • PHYS-790: Graduate Research & Thesis
    • Physics Elective (or closely related)
  • PHYS-790: Graduate Research & Thesis
  • Physics Elective (or closely related)
• Third Year
  • PHYS-890: Research & Thesis
• Fourth Year
  • PHYS-890: Research & Thesis
• Fifth Year
  • PHYS-890: Research & Thesis

Physics (or closely-related) Electives

• ASTP-760: Introduction to Relativity and Gravitation
• ASTP-861: Advanced Relativity and Gravitation
• EEEE-610: Analog IC Design
• EEEE-689: Fundamentals of MEMS
• EEEE-620: Design of Digital Systems
• EEEE-711: Advanced Carrier Injection Devices
• IMGS-616: Fourier Methods for Imaging
• MATH-602: Numerical Analysis I
• MATH-831: Mathematical Fluid Dynamics
• MCEE-620: Photovoltaic Science and Engineering
• MCSE-705: Epitaxial Crystal Growth and Thin Film Science
• MCSE-712: Nonlinear Optics
• MCSE-713: Lasers
• MCSE-771: Optoelectronics
• MCSE-889: Special Topics
• MTSE-705: Experimental Techniques
• PHYS-612: Classical Electrodynamics II
• PHYS-616: Data Analysis for the Physical Sciences
• PHYS-667: Quantum Optics
• PHYS-670: Teaching and Learning Physics
• PHYS-689: Graduate Special Topics
• PHYS-715: Advanced Quantum Theory
• PHYS-720: Computational Methods for Physics
• PHYS-732: Advanced Solid State Physics
• PHYS-751: Soft Matter Physics
• PHYS-752: Biological Physics
• PHYS-760: Radiation Interactions & Scattering Probes of Matter
• PHYS-767: Optical Coherence and Light-Matter Interactions
• PHYS-770: Advanced Methods in Physics Education Research
• PHYS-789: Graduate Special Topics
• PHYS-799: Independent Study
• PHYS-889: Physics Advanced Graduate Special Topics
• PHYS-899: Physics Advanced Independent Study

Admissions and Financial Aid

This program is available on-campus only.

• Admit Term(s): Fall
• Application Deadline: January 15 priority deadline, rolling thereafter
• STEM Designated: Yes

Application Details

To be considered for admission to the Physics Ph.D. program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Learn tips to apply for a doctoral program and then complete a graduate application.
• Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
• Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college in physical sciences or engineering. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) is recommended.
• Satisfy prerequisite requirements and/or complete foundation courses prior to starting program coursework.
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Submit a statement of purpose for research which will allow the Admissions Committee to learn the most about you as a prospective researcher.
• Submit two letters of recommendation.
• Entrance exam requirements: GRE, both General and Physics, are optional. No minimum score requirement.
• Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic), if required.

English Language Test Scores

International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver.

• TOEFL: 94
• IELTS: 7.0
• PTE Academic: 66

Cost and Financial Aid

An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Ph.D. students typically receive full tuition and an RIT Graduate Assistantship that will consist of a research assistantship (stipend) or a teaching assistantship (salary).

The School is committed to a diverse applications pool and alleviating any financial burden of application. For information, please contact the Program Director.

Additional Information

Foundation Courses

Physics forms the backbone of many scientific and engineering disciplines, thus candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. However, applicants to the doctoral program are typically expected to have some undergraduate preparation in physics, including courses in electromagnetism, classical and quantum mechanics, statistical physics, and mathematical methods of physics. If applicants have not taken the expected background coursework, the program director may require the student to successfully complete foundational courses prior to matriculating into the Ph.D. program. A written agreement between the candidate and the program director will identify the required foundation courses, which must be completed with an overall B average before a student can matriculate into the graduate program. Note that this can lead to a delay in degree completion by as much as a year.