Program Overview

Physics, Ph.D.

The Physics Ph.D. program at Georgia State University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of physics. The program focuses on the building blocks and mechanics of our reality, from the smallest particles to the vastness of space.

Program Overview

The department's goal is to deliver high-quality instructional programs at the graduate level to prepare students for productive careers in academia, industry, and engineering. The emphasis of the graduate program is the training of physicists.

Research Areas

Physicists at Georgia State are involved in five main areas of research:

• Atomic physics
• Biophysics
• Condensed matter physics
• Neurophysics
• Nuclear Physics

Career Outcomes

A Ph.D. in Physics can provide students with access to positions in a wide variety of industries, including:

• Academia
• Finance
• Engineering
• Biology
• Astronomy
• Technology
• Chemistry

Program Details

• Admissions Requirements: Students who perform best in the program have demonstrated a strong record of academic coursework at the undergraduate (or master's) degree level, have at least some research experience, and letters of recommendation that confirm the student's potential for success in physics research.
• Curriculum: The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of physics.
• Tuition: Tuition is waived for PhD students who earn a stipend of $24,000-26,000 for teaching and research.
• Goals & Outcomes: The program aims to prepare students for productive careers in academia, industry, and engineering.

Application Deadlines

• Fall: January 15
• Spring: Does Not Admit
• Summer: Does Not Admit

What to Expect

The Ph.D. program is a confirmation that you can conduct scientific research independently. While you will have an adviser and thesis committee to guide you, you will become "The Expert." This means that in addition to the academics of physics, you will travel to research laboratories appropriate for your science, write proposals, and publish papers in scientific journals as lead author, and you will present research results at national and/or international conferences. You will be prepared to make an impact on the scientific world.

Average Time to Degree

The average time to degree is six years.