Physics (Ph.D.)

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy

• 72 Credit Plan 

Core Requirements

• PHYS 721 - Electrodynamics I (COM) Credits: 3
• PHYS 723 - Electrodynamics II (COM) Credits: 3
• PHYS 743 - Statistical Mechanics (COM) Credits: 3
• PHYS 751 - Classical Mechanics (COM) Credits: 3
• PHYS 761 - Nuclear and Particle Physics (COM) Credits: 3
• PHYS 771 - Quantum Mechanics I (COM) Credits: 3
• PHYS 773 - Quantum Mechanics II (COM) Credits: 3
• PHYS 790 - Seminar (COM) Credits: 1-3 (3 credits required)
• PHYS 898D - Dissertation (COM) Credits: 1-9 (36 credits required)

Candidacy Examinations

The Department uses a comprehensive examination process as its written candidacy examination for the doctorate in Physics. The exam is offered annually with physics faculty contributing to the exam. The examination problems are based on the material covered by the core courses, including Classical Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, Electrodynamics, and Quantum Mechanics (including Nuclear and Particle Physics). The exam is to be taken after the student has substantially completed the required coursework and the exam will cover the content presented in the required coursework. The oral candidacy exam takes place within a year of completion of the written candidacy exam. For the oral examination, students are required to develop and write an original research proposal and defend it orally. In order to successfully defend such a proposal, the student must be able to integrate their coursework into the proposed research, and the oral defense reflects that expectation.

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: General and subject score are recommended but not required
TOEFL iBT: 4
TOEFL Essentials: 7.5
IELTS: 6.0
Duolingo: 100

The priority deadline for applying for admission for the fall semester is December 1. A secondary deadline is January 15. The department typically does not admit students for the spring semester unless applicants have secured funding for their graduate education. Support can come from three sources:

• Research assistantship from a professor in the department
• Personal or family funds
• Scholarship from the government or an organization

In addition to the materials required by the Graduate School, the Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics requires the following application materials:

• A one- to two-page personal statement which includes a description of undergraduate research, work experience, or other factors demonstrating a propensity toward graduate studies. The personal statement should also include a statement of the applicant’s career goals. The applicant may upload this statement while completing the Graduate School’s online application.
• Two letters of recommendation, preferably at least one from faculty at the applicant’s undergraduate institution. Letters should come from faculty who are directly familiar with the applicant’s academic work. They must address the applicant’s scholarly potential and may also speak to the applicant’s potential for graduate studies in the discipline. Letters should come directly from the recommenders, who may submit their letters electronically along with the personal recommendation form provided by the Graduate School. The Graduate School will email recommenders detailed instructions for submitting their recommendations using the contact information provided by the applicant.

General Requirements

Graduate students must consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework. For additional information, refer to the Doctor of Philosophy Degree Requirements .