Program Overview

PhD in Physics: Astrophysics

The PhD in Physics: Astrophysics is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in astrophysics. The program requires students to demonstrate proficiency in five core fields: astronomy, classical mechanics, classical electromagnetism, statistical mechanics, and quantum mechanics.

Program Requirements and Policies

• Graduate students should register for PHY 405 (Graduate TA) or PHY 406 (Graduate RA) on SIS.
• Students working on a thesis or dissertation project must register for PHY 502 FT (Doctoral Degree Continuation) each semester.
• Completion of all requirements for the MS in Physics: Astrophysics is necessary.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the five core fields can be achieved through:
  • Passing relevant courses with final grades or average final grades of A- (3.67) or better.
  • Passing a written qualifying exam in the subject(s).

Proficiency Assessment Policy

• Students can demonstrate proficiency through passing relevant courses or written qualifying exams.
• The following courses meet the proficiency requirements:
  • AST 121: Galactic Astronomy and AST 122: Extragalactic Astronomy for astronomy.
  • PHY 131: Advanced Classical Mechanics for classical mechanics.
  • PHY 145: Classical Electromagnetic Theory I for classical electromagnetism.
  • PHY 153: Statistical Mechanics for statistical mechanics.
  • PHY 163: Quantum Theory I for quantum mechanics.
• Combined final grades of A- or better in certain courses can meet the proficiency requirements for multiple fields.

Oral Qualifying Examination

• The oral qualifying examination must be completed by the end of the third year.
• The examination has three purposes:
  1. To apply fundamental knowledge of physics to a specific topic.
  2. To evaluate the student's ability to carry that skill forward into their dissertation research.
  3. To provide practice in presenting scientific material.
• The topic should be selected in consultation with the research advisor.
• The student must prepare and deliver a public presentation of 30-45 minutes, followed by an open question period and additional questions from the guidance committee.

Independent Research

• After satisfactory performance on the oral qualifying exam, the candidate undertakes a program of independent research under the guidance of their research advisor.
• The research culminates in the preparation and defense of a doctoral dissertation.
• Students must register for one credit of PHY 0297: Graduate Research and one credit of PHY 0298: Graduate Research in their final two semesters.

Student Resources

• Research
• Proficiency Assessment Policy
• Graduate Program Learning Objectives

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