Program Overview

Physics, Ph.D. - CEPS, UNH

The Physics Ph.D. program at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) offers advanced training in quantum mechanics, electromagnetic theory, and space physics. Students have the opportunity to conduct research at the Space Science Center and other specialized labs with experts in nuclear physics, astrophysics, and cosmology.

Program Highlights

• The Department of Physics offers excellent research opportunities for graduate students.
• UNH physicists are engaged in world-class research in applied optics, condensed matter, nuclear and particle physics, education, and high energy theory and cosmology.
• The Space Science Center fosters research and education in all the space sciences, ranging from the ionosphere to the Earth's magnetosphere, the local solar system, and out to the farthest reaches of the universe.
• UNH has reached the top tier of research universities, Carnegie Classification R1, and its research portfolio brings in more than $110 million in competitive external funding each year.

Potential Career Areas

• Academia
• Education
• Government research
• Patent law
• Private industry research/development
• Renewable energy
• Science communication

Curriculum & Requirements

Program Description

The Physics Ph.D. program prepares students for a career in industry, education, research, or academia. Students progress from studying a core curriculum encompassing fundamental areas of physics to taking elective classes in their area of interest. They then conduct original research in a particular research area, leading to their Ph.D. dissertation and defense.

Degree Requirements

• Course List:
  • PHYS 805: Experimental Physics (or equivalent demonstrated experimental proficiency) - 4 credits
  • PHYS 931: Mathematical Physics - 3 credits
  • PHYS 935: Statistical Physics - 3 credits
  • PHYS 939: Classical Mechanics - 3 credits
  • PHYS 941 & PHYS 942: Electromagnetic Theory I and II - 6 credits
  • PHYS 943 & PHYS 944: Quantum Mechanics I and II - 6 credits
  • PHYS 806: Introduction to Physics Research and Teaching (two semesters, taken during the first year in the program) - 1 credit
  • Select four additional 3+ credit elective courses, of which 2 may be at the 800 level - 12 credits
  • Total Credits: 38
• For Space Science students, these courses must include Plasma Physics (PHYS 951), Magnetohydrodynamics of the Heliosphere (PHYS 953), and one of Magnetospheres (PHYS 987), Heliospheric Physics (PHYS 954).

Student Requirements

• Demonstrate proficiency in teaching
• Pass the written comprehensive exam
• Pass an oral qualifying exam on a thesis proposal
• Register for a minimum of two semesters of PHYS 999: Doctoral Research
• Pass the oral dissertation defense
• Successfully submit the final dissertation to the Graduate School

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will master the theoretical concepts in advanced mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and statistical mechanics at the graduate level.
• Students will have an advanced understanding of the mathematical methods, both analytical and computational, required to solve complex physics problems at the graduate level.
• Students will be proficient in experimental physics.
• Students will develop and demonstrate proficiency in teaching at the undergraduate level.
• Students will have a specialized knowledge of their chosen field of advanced research in physics.
• Students will be able to present advanced scientific ideas effectively in both written and oral form.
• Students will be well-prepared for postgraduate study in physics and related disciplines, as well as advanced careers in a multitude of fields ranging from scientific and technical to financial.

Application Requirements & Deadlines

Deadlines

• Fall: January 15 (for funding); after that on a rolling basis until April 15
• Spring: N/A
• Summer: N/A
• Special: Spring admission by approval only
• Application fee: $65
• Campus: Durham
• New England Regional: VT
• Accelerated Masters Eligible: No

Application Requirements

• Transcripts: If you attended UNH or Granite State College (GSC) after September 1, 1991, and have indicated so on your online application, we will retrieve your transcript internally.
• International transcripts must be translated into English.
• Letters of recommendation: 3 required
• GRE: Optional
• Personal Statement/Essay Questions: Prepare a brief but careful statement regarding your reasons for wishing to do graduate work in this field, including your immediate and long-range objectives, and your specific research or professional interest and experiences in this field.

International Applicants

• Prospective international students are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent examination scores.
• English Language Exams may be waived if English is your first language.