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Graduate studies, commencement 2019.

The Harvard Department of Physics offers students innovative educational and research opportunities with renowned faculty in state-of-the-art facilities, exploring fundamental problems involving physics at all scales. Our primary areas of experimental and theoretical research are atomic and molecular physics, astrophysics and cosmology, biophysics, chemical physics, computational physics, condensed-matter physics, materials science, mathematical physics, particle physics, quantum optics, quantum field theory, quantum information, string theory, and relativity.

Our talented and hardworking students participate in exciting discoveries and cutting-edge inventions such as the ATLAS experiment, which discovered the Higgs boson; building the first 51-cubit quantum computer; measuring entanglement entropy; discovering new phases of matter; and peering into the ‘soft hair’ of black holes.

Our students come from all over the world and from varied educational backgrounds. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and attracting the widest possible range of talents.

We have a flexible and highly responsive advising structure for our PhD students that shepherds them through every stage of their education, providing assistance and counseling along the way, helping resolve problems and academic impasses, and making sure that everyone has the most enriching experience possible.The graduate advising team also sponsors alumni talks, panels, and advice sessions to help students along their academic and career paths in physics and beyond, such as “Getting Started in Research,” “Applying to Fellowships,” “Preparing for Qualifying Exams,” “Securing a Post-Doc Position,” and other career events (both academic and industry-related).

We offer many resources, services, and on-site facilities to the physics community, including our electronic instrument design lab and our fabrication machine shop. Our historic Jefferson Laboratory, the first physics laboratory of its kind in the nation and the heart of the physics department, has been redesigned and renovated to facilitate study and collaboration among our students.

Members of the Harvard Physics community participate in initiatives that bring together scientists from institutions across the world and from different fields of inquiry. For example, the Harvard-MIT Center for Ultracold Atoms unites a community of scientists from both institutions to pursue research in the new fields opened up by the creation of ultracold atoms and quantum gases. The Center for Integrated Quantum Materials , a collaboration between Harvard University, Howard University, MIT, and the Museum of Science, Boston, is dedicated to the study of extraordinary new quantum materials that hold promise for transforming signal processing and computation. The Harvard Materials Science and Engineering Center is home to an interdisciplinary group of physicists, chemists, and researchers from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences working on fundamental questions in materials science and applications such as soft robotics and 3D printing.  The Black Hole Initiative , the first center worldwide to focus on the study of black holes, is an interdisciplinary collaboration between principal investigators from the fields of astronomy, physics, mathematics, and philosophy. The quantitative biology initiative https://quantbio.harvard.edu/  aims to bring together physicists, biologists, engineers, and applied mathematicians to understand life itself. And, most recently, the new program in  Quantum Science and Engineering (QSE) , which lies at the interface of physics, chemistry, and engineering, will admit its first cohort of PhD students in Fall 2022.

We support and encourage interdisciplinary research and simultaneous applications to two departments is permissible. Prospective students may thus wish to apply to the following departments and programs in addition to Physics:

• Department of Astronomy
• Department of Chemistry
• Department of Mathematics
• John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS)
• Biophysics Program
• Molecules, Cells and Organisms Program (MCO)

If you are a prospective graduate student and have questions for us, or if you’re interested in visiting our department, please contact  [email protected] .

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Doctoral Program (Ph.D.)

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The Physics Ph.D. program provides students with opportunities to perform independent research in some of the most current and dynamic areas of physics. Students develop a solid and broad physics knowledge base in the first year through the core curriculum, departmental colloquia, and training.

Upper-level courses and departmental seminar series subsequently provide more specialized exposure. Armed with the core knowledge, doctoral students join a research group working in an area of particular interest. This research is performed in very close collaboration with one or more faculty whose interests span a wide range of physics fields.

Applicants are expected to have a strong background in physics or closely related subjects at the undergraduate level. All applications are evaluated holistically to assess the applicant's preparation and potential for graduate coursework and independent research, which can be demonstrated in multiple ways.

Submitting General and Physics GRE scores is recommended (but not required), especially for non-traditional students (this includes applicants with a bachelor's degree outside of physics or applicants who have taken a long gap after completing their bachelor's degree).

Three recommendation letters from faculty or others acquainted with the applicant's academic and/or research qualifications are required.

If you have submitted an application and need to make changes or add to the application, do not send the materials to the Physics department. The department is unable to alter or add to your application. Contact the  Graduate School staff  for all changes.  

Ph.D. Program Milestones and Guideposts

• Work toward joining a research group
• Pass 3 courses per semester if a TA or 4 courses per semester if a Fellow with at least 50% B's or better
• Complete 6 core courses (PHYS 2010, 2030, 2040, 2050, 2060, 2140)
• Begin research
• Complete PHYS2010 (or other core courses) if not taken during Year 1
• Complete at least 2 advanced courses
• Pass qualifying exam
• Complete 2nd Year Ethics Training
• Identify prelim committee
• Continue research
• Complete remaining advanced courses
• Pass preliminary exam and advance to candidacy
• Complete thesis research
• Write and defend thesis

Ph.D. Resources

• Ph.D. Program Student Handbook
• Graduate Core Course Listing
• Finding a Research Group
• Comprehensive Exam Information
• Ph.D. Second Year Ethics Training Requirement
• Ph.D. Preliminary Exam Requirements and Guidelines
• Ph.D. Prelim Form
• Physics Department Defense Form
• Ph.D. Dissertation Defense Requirements and Guidelines
• Ph.D. Course Waiver/Permission Form

Ph.D. program

The Applied Physics Department offers a Ph.D. degree program; see  Admissions Overview  for how to apply.  

1.  Courses . Current listings of Applied Physics (and Physics) courses are available via  Explore Courses . Courses are available in Physics and Mathematics to overcome deficiencies, if any, in undergraduate preparation. It is expected the specific course requirements are completed by the  end of the 3rd year  at Stanford.

Required Basic Graduate Courses.   30 units (quarter hours) including:

• Basic graduate courses in advanced mechanics, statistical physics, electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, and an advanced laboratory course. In cases where students feel they have already covered the materials in one of the required basic graduate courses, a petition for waiver of the course may be submitted and is subject to approval by a faculty committee.
• 18 units of advanced coursework in science and/or engineering to fit the particular interests of the individual student. Such courses typically are in Applied Physics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering, but courses may also be taken in other departments, e.g., Biology, Materials Science and Engineering, Mathematics, Chemistry. The purpose of this requirement is to provide training in a specialized field of research and to encourage students to cover material beyond their own special research interests.​

​ Required Additional Courses .  Additional courses needed to meet the minimum residency requirement of 135 units of completed course work. Directed study and research units as well as 1-unit seminar courses can be included. Courses are sometimes given on special topics, and there are several seminars that meet weekly to discuss current research activities at Stanford and elsewhere. All graduate students are encouraged to participate in the special topics courses and seminars. A limited number of courses are offered during the Summer Quarter. Most students stay in residence during the summer and engage in independent study or research programs.

The list of the PhD degree core coursework is listed in the bulletin here:  https://bulletin.stanford.edu/programs/APLPH-PHD .

3.  Dissertation Research.   Research is frequently supervised by an Applied Physics faculty member, but an approved program of research may be supervised by a faculty member from another department.

4.  Research Progress Report.   Students give an oral research progress report to their dissertation reading committee during the winter quarter of the 4th year.

5.  Dissertation.

6.  University Oral Examination .  The examination includes a public seminar in defense of the dissertation and questioning by a faculty committee on the research and related fields.

Most students continue their studies and research during the summer quarter, principally in independent study projects or dissertation research. The length of time required for the completion of the dissertation depends upon the student and upon the dissertation advisor. In addition, the University residency requirement of 135 graded units must be met.

Rotation Program

We offer an optional rotation program for 1st-year Ph.D. students where students may spend one quarter (10 weeks) each in up to three research groups in the first year. This helps students gain research experience and exposure to various labs, fields, and/or projects before determining a permanent group to complete their dissertation work. 

Sponsoring faculty members may be in the Applied Physics department, SLAC, or any other science or engineering department, as long as they are members of the Academic Council (including all tenure-line faculty). Rotations are optional and students may join a group without the rotation system by making an arrangement directly with the faculty advisor. 

During the first year, research assistantships (RAs) are fully funded by the department for the fall quarter; in the winter and spring quarters, RAs are funded 50/50 by the department and the research group hosting the student. RAs after the third quarter are, in general, not subsidized by the rotation program or the department and should be arranged directly by the student with their research advisor.

How to arrange a rotation

Rotation positions in faculty members’ groups are secured by the student by directly contacting and coordinating with faculty some time between the student’s acceptance into the Ph.D. program and the start of the rotation quarter. It is recommended that the student’s fall quarter rotation be finalized no later than Orientation Week before the academic year begins. A rotation with a different faculty member can be arranged for the subsequent quarters at any time. Most students join a permanent lab by the spring quarter of their first year after one or two rotations.  When coordinating a rotation, the student and the sponsoring faculty should discuss expectations for the rotation (e.g. project timeline or deliverables) and the availability of continued funding and permanent positions in the group. It is very important that the student and the faculty advisor have a clear understanding about expectations going forward.

What do current students say about rotations?

Advice from current ap students, setting up a rotation:.

• If you have a specific professor or group in mind, you should contact them as early as possible, as they may have a limited number of rotation spots.
• You can prepare a 1-page CV or resume to send to professors to summarize your research experiences and interest.
• Try to tour the lab/working areas, talk to senior graduate students, or attend group meeting to get a feel for how the group operates.
• If you don't receive a response from a professor, you can send a polite reminder, stop by their office, or contact their administrative assistant. If you receive a negative response, you shouldn't take it personally as rotation availability can depend year-to-year on funding and personnel availability.
• Don't feel limited to subfields that you have prior experience in. Rotations are for learning and for discovering what type of work and work environment suit you best, and you will have several years to develop into a fully-formed researcher!

You and your rotation advisor should coordinate early on about things like: 

• What project will you be working on and who will you be working with?
• What resources (e.g. equipment access and training, coursework) will you need to enable this work?
• How closely will you work with other members of the group? 
• How frequently will you and your rotation advisor meet?
• What other obligations (e.g. coursework, TAing) are you balancing alongside research?
• How will your progress be evaluated?
• Is there funding available to support you and this project beyond the rotation quarter?
• Will the rotation advisor take on new students into the group in the quarter following the rotation?

About a month before the end of the quarter, you should have a conversation with your advisor about things like:

• Will you remain in the current group or will you rotate elsewhere?
• If you choose to rotate elsewhere, does the option remain open to return to the present group later?
• If you choose to rotate elsewhere, will another rotation student be taken on for the same project?
• You don't have to rotate just for the sake of rotating! If you've found a group that suits you well in many aspects, it makes sense to continue your research momentum with that group.

Application process

View Admissions Overview View the Required Online Ph.D. Program Application  

Contact the Applied Physics Department Office at  [email protected]  if additional information on any of the above is needed.

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Graduate education in physics offers you exciting opportunities extending over a diverse range of subjects and departments. You will work in state-of-the-art facilities with renowned faculty and accomplished postdoctoral fellows. The interdisciplinary nature of the program provides you with the opportunity to select the path that most interests you. You will be guided by a robust academic advising team to ensure your success.

You will have access to Jefferson Laboratory, the oldest physics laboratory in the country, which today includes a wing designed specifically to facilitate the study and collaboration between you and other physics graduate students.

Students in the program are doing research in many areas, including atomic and molecular physics, quantum optics, condensed-matter physics, computational physics, the physics of solids and fluids, biophysics, astrophysics, statistical mechanics, mathematical physics, high-energy particle physics, quantum field theory, string theory, relativity, and many others.

Graduates of the program have secured academic positions at institutions such as MIT, Stanford University, California Institute of Technology, and Harvard University. Others have gone into private industry at leading organizations such as Google, Facebook, and Apple. 

Additional information on the graduate program is available from the Department of Physics , and requirements for the degree are detailed in Policies . 

Areas of Study

Engineering and Physical Biology | Experimental Astrophysics | Experimental Physics | Theoretical Astrophysics | Theoretical Physics | Unspecified

Admissions Requirements

Please review admissions requirements and other information before applying. You can find degree program-specific admissions requirements below and access additional guidance on applying from the Department of Physics .

Academic Background

Applicants should be well versed in undergraduate-level physics and mathematics. Typically, applicants will have devoted approximately half of their undergraduate work to physics and related subjects such as mathematics and chemistry. It is desirable for every applicant to have completed at least one year of introductory quantum mechanics classes. An applicant who has a marked interest in a particular branch of physics should include this information in the application. If possible, applicants should also indicate whether they are inclined toward experimental or theoretical (mathematical) research. This statement of preference will not be treated as a binding commitment to any course of study and research. In the Advanced Coursework section of the online application, prospective students must indicate the six most advanced courses (four in physics and two in mathematics) they completed or will complete at their undergraduate institution.

Standardized Tests

GRE General: Optional GRE Subject Test: Optional

Theses & Dissertations

Theses & Dissertations for Physics

See list of Physics faculty

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Questions about the program.

PhD Program

**updated** graduate student guide coming soon, expected progress of physics graduate student to ph.d..

This document describes the Physics Department's expectations for the progress of a typical graduate student from admission to award of a PhD.  Because students enter the program with different training and backgrounds and because thesis research by its very nature is unpredictable, the time-frame for individual students will vary. Nevertheless, failure to meet the goals set forth here without appropriate justification may indicate that the student is not making adequate progress towards the PhD, and will therefore prompt consideration by the Department and possibly by Graduate Division of the student’s progress, which might lead to probation and later dismissal.

Course Work

Graduate students are required to take a minimum of 38 units of approved upper division or graduate elective courses (excluding any upper division courses required for the undergraduate major).  The department requires that students take the following courses which total 19 units: Physics 209 (Classical Electromagnetism), Physics 211 (Equilibrium Statistical Physics) and Physics 221A-221B (Quantum Mechanics). Thus, the normative program includes an additional 19 units (five semester courses) of approved upper division or graduate elective courses.  At least 11 units must be in the 200 series courses. Some of the 19 elective units could include courses in mathematics, biophysics, astrophysics, or from other science and engineering departments.  Physics 290, 295, 299, 301, and 602 are excluded from the 19 elective units. Physics 209, 211 and 221A-221B must be completed for a letter grade (with a minimum average grade of B).  No more than one-third of the 19 elective units may be fulfilled by courses graded Satisfactory, and then only with the approval of the Department.  Entering students are required to enroll in Physics 209 and 221A in the fall semester of their first year and Physics 211 and 221B in the spring semester of their first year. Exceptions to this requirement are made for 1) students who do not have sufficient background to enroll in these courses and have a written recommendation from their faculty mentor and approval from the head graduate adviser to delay enrollment to take preparatory classes, 2) students who have taken the equivalent of these courses elsewhere and receive written approval from the Department to be exempted. 

If a student has taken courses equivalent to Physics 209, 211 or 221A-221B, then subject credit may be granted for each of these course requirements.  A faculty committee will review your course syllabi and transcript.  A waiver form can be obtained in 378 Physics North from the Student Affairs Officer detailing all required documents.  If the committee agrees that the student has satisfied the course requirement at another institution, the student must secure the Head Graduate Adviser's approval.  The student must also take and pass the associated section of the preliminary exam.  Please note that official course waiver approval will not be granted until after the preliminary exam results have been announced.  If course waivers are approved, units for the waived required courses do not have to be replaced for PhD course requirements.  If a student has satisfied all first year required graduate courses elsewhere, they are only required to take an additional 19 units to satisfy remaining PhD course requirements.  (Note that units for required courses must be replaced for MA degree course requirements even if the courses themselves are waived; for more information please see MA degree requirements).

In exceptional cases, students transferring from other graduate programs may request a partial waiver of the 19 elective unit requirement. Such requests must be made at the time of application for admission to the Department.

The majority of first year graduate students are Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs) with a 20 hour per week load (teaching, grading, and preparation).  A typical first year program for an entering graduate student who is teaching is:

First Semester

• Physics 209 Classical Electromagnetism (5)
• Physics 221A Quantum Mechanics (5)
• Physics 251 Introduction to Graduate Research (1)
• Physics 301 GSI Teaching Credit (2)
• Physics 375 GSI Training Seminar (for first time GSI's) (2)

Second Semester

• Physics 211 Equilibrium Statistical Physics (4)
• Physics 221B Quantum Mechanics (5)

Students who have fellowships and will not be teaching, or who have covered some of the material in the first year courses material as undergraduates may choose to take an additional course in one or both semesters of their first year.

Many students complete their course requirements by the end of the second year. In general, students are expected to complete their course requirements by the end of the third year. An exception to this expectation is that students who elect (with the approval of their mentor and the head graduate adviser) to fill gaps in their undergraduate background during their first year at Berkeley often need one or two additional semesters to complete their course work.

Faculty Mentors

Incoming graduate students are each assigned a faculty mentor. In general, mentors and students are matched according to the student's research interest.   If a student's research interests change, or if (s)he feels there is another faculty member who can better serve as a mentor, the student is free to request a change of assignment.

The role of the faculty mentor is to advise graduate students who have not yet identified research advisers on their academic program, on their progress in that program and on strategies for passing the preliminary exam and finding a research adviser.  Mentors also are a “friendly ear” and are ready to help students address other issues they may face coming to a new university and a new city.  Mentors are expected to meet with the students they advise individually a minimum of once per semester, but often meet with them more often.  Mentors should contact incoming students before the start of the semester, but students arriving in Berkeley should feel free to contact their mentors immediately.

Student-Mentor assignments continue until the student has identified a research adviser.  While many students continue to ask their mentors for advice later in their graduate career, the primary role of adviser is transferred to the research adviser once a student formally begins research towards his or her dissertation. The Department asks student and adviser to sign a “mentor-adviser” form to make this transfer official.  

Preliminary Exams

In order to most benefit from graduate work, incoming students need to have a solid foundation in undergraduate physics, including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics, special relativity, thermal and statistical physics and quantum mechanics, and to be able to make order-of-magnitude estimates and analyze physical situations by application of general principles. These are the topics typically included, and at the level usually taught, within a Bachelor's degree program in Physics at most universities. As a part of this foundation, the students should also have formed a well-integrated overall picture of the fields studied. The preliminary exam is meant to assess the students' background, so that any missing pieces can be made up as soon as possible. The exam is made up of 4 sections, as described in the  Preliminary Exam Policy *, on the Department’s website.  Each section is administered twice a year, at the start of each semester. 

Entering students are encouraged to take this exam as soon as possible, and they are required to attempt all prelims sections in the second semester. Students who have not passed all sections in the third semester will undergo a Departmental review of their performance. Departmental expectations are that all students should successfully pass all sections no later than spring semester of the second year (4th semester); the document entitled  Physics Department Preliminary Exam Policy * describes Departmental policy in more detail. An exception to this expectation is afforded to students who elect (with the recommendation of the faculty mentor and written approval of the head graduate adviser) to fill gaps in their undergraduate background during their first year at Berkeley and delay corresponding section(s) of the exam, and who therefore may need an additional semester to complete the exam; this exception is also further discussed in the  Preliminary Exam Policy * document.

* You must login with your Calnet ID to access Physics Department Preliminary Examination Policy.

Start of Research

Students are encouraged to begin research as soon as possible. Many students identify potential research advisers in their first year and most have identified their research adviser before the end of their second year.  When a research adviser is identified, the Department asks that both student and research adviser sign a form (available from the Student Affairs Office, 378 Physics North) indicating that the student has (provisionally) joined the adviser’s research group with the intent of working towards a PhD.  In many cases, the student will remain in that group for their thesis work, but sometimes the student or faculty adviser will decide that the match of individuals or research direction is not appropriate.  Starting research early gives students flexibility to change groups when appropriate without incurring significant delays in time to complete their degree.

Departmental expectations are that experimental research students begin work in a research group by the summer after the first year; this is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged.  Students doing theoretical research are similarly encouraged to identify a research direction, but often need to complete a year of classes in their chosen specialty before it is possible for them to begin research.  Students intending to become theory students and have to take the required first year classes may not be able to start research until the summer after their second year.  Such students are encouraged to attend theory seminars and maintain contact with faculty in their chosen area of research even before they can begin a formal research program. 

If a student chooses dissertation research with a supervisor who is not in the department, he or she must find an appropriate Physics faculty member who agrees to serve as the departmental research supervisor of record and as co-adviser. This faculty member is expected to monitor the student's progress towards the degree and serve on the student's qualifying and dissertation committees. The student will enroll in Physics 299 (research) in the co-adviser's section.  The student must file the Outside Research Proposal for approval; petitions are available in the Student Affairs Office, 378 Physics North.   

Students who have not found a research adviser by the end of the second year will be asked to meet with their faculty mentor to develop a plan for identifying an adviser and research group.  Students who have not found a research adviser by Spring of the third year are not making adequate progress towards the PhD.  These students will be asked to provide written documentation to the department explaining their situation and their plans to begin research.  Based on their academic record and the documentation they provide, such students may be warned by the department that they are not making adequate progress, and will be formally asked to find an adviser.  The record of any student who has not identified an adviser by the end of Spring of the fourth year will be evaluated by a faculty committee and the student may be asked to leave the program. 

Qualifying Exam

Rules and requirements associated with the Qualifying Exam are set by the Graduate Division on behalf of the Graduate Council.  Approval of the committee membership and the conduct of the exam are therefore subject to Graduate Division approval.  The exam is oral and lasts 2-3 hours.  The Graduate Division specifies that the purpose of the Qualifying Exam is “to ascertain the breadth of the student's comprehension of fundamental facts and principles that apply to at least three subject areas related to the major field of study and whether the student has the ability to think incisively and critically about the theoretical and the practical aspects of these areas.”  It also states that “this oral examination of candidates for the doctorate serves a significant additional function. Not only teaching, but the formal interaction with students and colleagues at colloquia, annual meetings of professional societies and the like, require the ability to synthesize rapidly, organize clearly, and argue cogently in an oral setting.  It is necessary for the University to ensure that a proper examination is given incorporating these skills.”

Please see the  Department website for a description of the Qualifying Exam and its Committee .   Note: You must login with your Calnet ID to access QE information . Passing the Qualifying Exam, along with a few other requirements described on the department website, will lead to Advancement to Candidacy.  Qualifying exam scheduling forms can be picked up in the Student Affairs Office, 378 Physics North.   

The Department expects students to take the Qualifying Exam two or three semesters after they identify a research adviser. This is therefore expected to occur for most students in their third year, and no later than fourth year. A student is considered to have begun research when they first register for Physics 299 or fill out the department mentor-adviser form showing that a research adviser has accepted the student for PhD work or hired as a GSR (Graduate Student Researcher), at which time the research adviser becomes responsible for guidance and mentoring of the student.  (Note that this decision is not irreversible – the student or research adviser can decide that the match of individuals or research direction is not appropriate or a good match.)  Delays in this schedule cause concern that the student is not making adequate progress towards the PhD.  The student and adviser will be asked to provide written documentation to the department explaining the delay and clarifying the timeline for taking the Qualifying Exam.

Annual Progress Reports

Graduate Division requires that each student’s performance be annually assessed to provide students with timely information about the faculty’s evaluation of their progress towards PhD.  Annual Progress Reports are completed during the Spring Semester.  In these reports, the student is asked to discuss what progress he or she has made toward the degree in the preceding year, and to discuss plans for the following year and for PhD requirements that remain to be completed.  The mentor or research adviser or members of the Dissertation Committee (depending on the student’s stage of progress through the PhD program) comment on the student’s progress and objectives. In turn, the student has an opportunity to make final comments. 

Before passing the Qualifying Exam, the annual progress report (obtained from the Physics Student Affairs Office in 378 Physics North) is completed by the student and either his/her faculty mentor or his/her research adviser, depending on whether or not the student has yet begun research (see above).  This form includes a statement of intended timelines to take the Qualifying Exam, which is expected to be within 2-3 semesters of starting research.  

After passing the Qualifying Exam, the student and research adviser complete a similar form, but in addition to the research adviser, the student must also meet with at least one other and preferably both other members of their Dissertation Committee (this must include their co-adviser if the research adviser is not a member of the Physics Department) to discuss progress made in the past year, plans for the upcoming year, and overall progress towards the PhD.  This can be done either individually as one-on-one meetings of the graduate student with members of the Dissertation Committee, or as a group meeting with presentation. (The Graduate Council requires that all doctoral students who have been advanced to candidacy meet annually with at least two members of the Dissertation Committee. The annual review is part of the Graduate Council’s efforts to improve the doctoral completion rate and to shorten the time it takes students to obtain a doctorate.)

Advancement to Candidacy

After passing the Qualifying Examination, the next step in the student's career is to advance to candidacy as soon as possible.  Advancement to candidacy is the academic stage when a student has completed all requirements except completion of the dissertation.  Students are still required to enroll in 12 units per semester; these in general are expected to be seminars and research units.  Besides passing the Qualifying Exam, there are a few other requirements described in the Graduate Program Booklet. Doctoral candidacy application forms can be picked up in the Student Affairs Office, 378 Physics North.

Completion of Dissertation Work

The expected time for completion of the PhD program is six years.  While the Department recognizes that research time scales can be unpredictable, it strongly encourages students and advisers to develop dissertation proposals consistent with these expectations.  The Berkeley Physics Department does not have dissertation defense exams, but encourages students and their advisers to ensure that students learn the important skill of effective research presentations, including a presentation of their dissertation work to their peers and interested faculty and researchers.

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PhD Program

A PhD degree in Physics is awarded in recognition of significant and novel research contributions, extending the boundaries of our knowledge of the physical universe. Selected applicants are admitted to the PhD program of the UW Department of Physics, not to a specific research group, and are encouraged to explore research opportunities throughout the Department.

Degree Requirements

Typical timeline, advising and mentoring, satisfactory progress, financial support, more information.

Applicants to the doctoral program are expected to have a strong undergraduate preparation in physics, including courses in electromagnetism, classical and quantum mechanics, statistical physics, optics, and mathematical methods of physics. Further study in condensed matter, atomic, and particle and nuclear physics is desirable. Limited deficiencies in core areas may be permissible, but may delay degree completion by as much as a year and are are expected to remedied during the first year of graduate study.

The Graduate Admissions Committee reviews all submitted applications and takes a holistic approach considering all aspects presented in the application materials. Application materials include:

• Resume or curriculum vitae, describing your current position or activities, educational and professional experience, and any honors awarded, special skills, publications or research presentations.
• Statement of purpose, one page describing your academic purpose and goals.
• Personal history statement (optional, two pages max), describing how your personal experiences and background (including family, cultural, or economic aspects) have influenced your intellectual development and interests.
• Three letters of recommendation: submit email addresses for your recommenders at least one month ahead of deadline to allow them sufficient time to respond.
• Transcripts (unofficial), from all prior relevant undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Admitted applicants must provide official transcripts.
• English language proficiency is required for graduate study at the University of Washington. Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency. The various options are specified at: https://grad.uw.edu/policies/3-2-graduate-school-english-language-proficiency-requirements/ Official test scores must be sent by ETS directly to the University of Washington (institution code 4854) and be received within two years of the test date.

For additional information see the UW Graduate School Home Page , Understanding the Application Process , and Memo 15 regarding teaching assistant eligibility for non-native English speakers.

The GRE Subject Test in Physics (P-GRE) is optional in our admissions process, and typically plays a relatively minor role.  Our admissions system is holistic, as we use all available information to evaluate each application. If you have taken the P-GRE and feel that providing your score will help address specific gaps or otherwise materially strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit your scores. We emphasize that every application will be given full consideration, regardless of whether or not scores are submitted.

Applications are accepted annually for autumn quarter admissions (only), and must be submitted online. Admission deadline: DECEMBER 15, 2024.

Department standards

Course requirements.

Students must plan a program of study in consultation with their faculty advisor (either first year advisor or later research advisor). To establish adequate breadth and depth of knowledge in the field, PhD students are required to pass a set of core courses, take appropriate advanced courses and special topics offerings related to their research area, attend relevant research seminars as well as the weekly department colloquium, and take at least two additional courses in Physics outside their area of speciality. Seeking broad knowledge in areas of physics outside your own research area is encouraged.

The required core courses are:

In addition, all students holding a teaching assistantship (TA) must complete Phys 501 / 502 / 503 , Tutorials in Teaching Physics.

Regularly offered courses which may, depending on research area and with the approval of the graduate program coordinator, be used to satisfy breadth requirements, include:

• Phys 506 Numerical Methods
• Phys 555 Cosmology & Particle Astrophysics
• Phys 507 Group Theory
• Phys 557 High Energy Physics
• Phys 511 Topics in Contemporary Physics
• Phys 560 Nuclear Theory
• Phys 520 Quantum Information
• Phys 564 General Relativity
• Phys 550 Atomic Physics
• Phys 567 Condensed Matter Physics
• Phys 554 Nuclear Astrophysics
• Phys 570 Quantum Field Theory

Graduate exams

Master's Review:   In addition to passing all core courses, adequate mastery of core material must be demonstrated by passing the Master's Review. This is composed of four Master's Review Exams (MREs) which serve as the final exams in Phys 524 (SM), Phys 514 (EM), Phys 518 (QM), and Phys 505 (CM). The standard for passing each MRE is demonstrated understanding and ability to solve multi-step problems; this judgment is independent of the overall course grade. Acceptable performance on each MRE is expected, but substantial engagement in research allows modestly sub-par performance on one exam to be waived. Students who pass the Master's Review are eligible to receive a Master's degree, provided the Graduate School course credit and grade point average requirements have also been satisfied.

General Exam:   Adequate mastery of material in one's area of research, together with demonstrated progress in research and a viable plan to complete a PhD dissertation, is assessed in the General Exam. This is taken after completing all course requirements, passing the Master's Review, and becoming well established in research. The General Exam consists of an oral presentation followed by an in-depth question period with one's dissertation committee.

Final Oral Exam:   Adequate completion of a PhD dissertation is assessed in the Final Oral, which is a public exam on one's completed dissertation research. The requirement of surmounting a final public oral exam is an ancient tradition for successful completion of a PhD degree.

Graduate school requirements

Common requirements for all doctoral degrees are given in the Graduate School Degree Requirements and Doctoral Degree Policies and Procedures pages. A summary of the key items, accurate as of late 2020, is as follows:

• A minimum of 90 completed credits, of which at least 60 must be completed at the University of Washington. A Master's degree from the UW or another institution in physics, or approved related field of study, may substitute for 30 credits of enrollment.
• At least 18 credits of UW course work at the 500 level completed prior to the General Examination.
• At least 18 numerically graded UW credits of 500 level courses and approved 400 level courses, completed prior to the General Examination.
• At least 60 credits completed prior to scheduling the General Examination. A Master's degree from the UW or another institution may substitute for 30 of these credits.
• A minimum of 27 dissertation (or Physics 800) credits, spread out over a period of at least three quarters, must be completed. At least one of those three quarters must come after passing the General Exam. Except for summer quarters, students are limited to a maximum of 10 dissertation credits per quarter.
• A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 must be maintained.
• The General Examination must be successfully completed.
• A thesis dissertation approved by the reading committee and submitted and accepted by the Graduate School.
• The Final Examination must be successfully completed. At least four members of the supervisory committee, including chair and graduate school representative, must be present.
• Registration as a full- or part-time graduate student at the University must be maintained, specifically including the quarter in which the examinations are completed and the quarter in which the degree is conferred. (Part-time means registered for at least 2 credits, but less than 10.)
• All work for the doctoral degree must be completed within ten years. This includes any time spend on leave, as well as time devoted to a Master's degree from the UW or elsewhere (if used to substitute for credits of enrollment).
• Pass the required core courses: Phys 513 , 517 , 524 & 528 autumn quarter, Phys 514 , 518 & 525 winter quarter, and Phys 515 , 519 & 505 spring quarter. When deemed appropriate, with approval of their faculty advisor and graduate program coordinator, students may elect to defer Phys 525 , 515 and/or 519 to the second year in order to take more credits of Phys 600 .
• Sign up for and complete one credit of Phys 600 with a faculty member of choice during winter and spring quarters.
• Pass the Master's Review by the end of spring quarter or, after demonstrating substantial research engagement, by the end of the summer.
• Work to identify one's research area and faculty research advisor. This begins with learning about diverse research areas in Phys 528 in the autumn, followed by Phys 600 independent study with selected faculty members during winter, spring, and summer.
• Pass the Master's Review (if not already done) by taking any deferred core courses or retaking MREs as needed. The Master's Review must be passed before the start of the third year.
• Settle in and become fully established with one's research group and advisor, possibly after doing independent study with multiple faculty members. Switching research areas during the first two years is not uncommon.
• Complete all required courses. Take breadth courses and more advanced graduate courses appropriate for one's area of research.
• Perform research.
• Establish a Supervisory Committee within one year after finding a compatible research advisor who agrees to supervise your dissertation work.
• Take breadth and special topics courses as appropriate.
• Take your General Exam in the third or fourth year of your graduate studies.
• Register for Phys 800 (Doctoral Thesis Research) instead of Phys 600 in the quarters during and after your general exam.
• Take special topics courses as appropriate.
• Perform research. When completion of a substantial body of research is is sight, and with concurrence of your faculty advisor, start writing a thesis dissertation.
• Establish a dissertation reading committee well in advance of scheduling the Final Examination.
• Schedule your Final Examination and submit your PhD dissertation draft to your reading committee at least several weeks before your Final Exam.
• Take your Final Oral Examination.
• After passing your Final Exam, submit your PhD dissertation, as approved by your reading committee, to the Graduate School, normally before the end of the same quarter.

This typical timeline for competing the PhD applies to students entering the program with a solid undergraduate preparation, as described above under Admissions. Variant scenarios are possible with approval of the Graduate Program coordinator. Two such scenarios are the following:

• Students entering with insufficient undergraduate preparation often require more time. It is important to identify this early, and not feel that this reflects on innate abilities or future success. Discussion with one's faculty advisor, during orientation or shortly thereafter, may lead to deferring one or more of the first year required courses and corresponding Master's Review Exams. It can also involve taking selected 300 or 400 level undergraduate physics courses before taking the first year graduate level courses. This must be approved by the Graduate Program coordinator, but should not delay efforts to find a suitable research advisor. The final Master's Review decision still takes place no later than the start of the 3rd year and research engagement is an important component in this decision.
• Entering PhD students with advanced standing, for example with a prior Master's degree in Physics or transferring from another institution after completing one or more years in a Physics PhD program, may often graduate after 3 or 4 years in our program. After discussion with your faculty advisor and with approval of the Graduate Program coordinator, selected required classes may be waived (but typically not the corresponding Master's Review Exams), and credit from other institutions transferred.
• Each entering PhD student is assigned a first year faculty advisor, with whom they meet regularly to discuss course selection, general progress, and advice on research opportunities. The role of a student's primary faculty advisor switches to their research advisor after they become well established in research. Once their doctoral supervisory committee is formed, the entire committee, including a designated faculty mentor (other than the research advisor) is available to provide advice and mentoring.
• The department also has a peer mentoring program, in which first-year students are paired with more senior students who have volunteered as mentors. Peer mentors maintain contact with their first-year mentees throughout the year and aim to ease the transition to graduate study by sharing their experiences and providing support and advice. Quarterly "teas" are held to which all peer mentors and mentees are invited.
• While academic advising is primarily concerned with activities and requirements necessary to make progress toward a degree, mentoring focuses on the human relationships, commitments, and resources that can help a student find success and fulfillment in academic and professional pursuits. While research advisors play an essential role in graduate study, the department considers it inportant for every student to also have available additional individuals who take on an explicit mentoring role.
• Students are expected to meet regularly, at a minimum quarterly, with their faculty advisors (either first year advisor or research advisor).
• Starting in the winter of their first year, students are expected to be enrolled in Phys 600 .
• Every spring all students, together with their advisors, are required to complete an annual activities report.
• The doctoral supervisory committee needs to be established at least by the end of the fourth year.
• The General Exam is expected to take place during the third or fourth year.
• Students and their advisors are expected to aim for not more than 6 years between entry into the Physics PhD program and completion of the PhD. In recent years the median time is close to 6 years.

Absence of satisfactory progress can lead to a hierarchy of actions, as detailed in the Graduate School Memo 16: Academic Performance and Progress , and may jeopardize funding as a teaching assistant.

The Department aims to provide financial support for all full-time PhD students making satisfactory progress, and has been successful in doing so for many years. Most students are supported via a mix teaching assistantships (TAs) and research assistantships (RAs), although there are also various scholarships, fellowships, and awards that provide financial support. Teaching and research assistanships provide a stipend, a tuition waiver, and health insurance benefits. TAs are employed by the University to assist faculty in their teaching activities. Students from non-English-speaking countries must pass English proficiency requirements . RAs are employed by the Department to assist faculty with specified research projects, and are funded through research grants held by faculty members.

Most first-year students are provided full TA support during their first academic year as part of their admission offer. Support beyond the second year is typically in the form of an RA or a TA/RA combination. It is the responsibility of the student to find a research advisor and secure RA support. Students accepting TA or RA positions are required to register as full-time graduate students (a minimum of 10 credits during the academic year, and 2 credits in summer quarter) and devote 20 hours per week to their assistantship duties. Both TAs and RAs are classified as Academic Student Employees (ASE) . These positions are governed by a contract between the UW and the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), and its Local Union 4121 (UAW).

Physics PhD students are paid at the "Assistant" level (Teaching Assistant or Research Assistant) upon entry to the program. Students receive a promotion to "Associate I" (Predoctoral Teaching Associate I or Predoctoral Research Associate I) after passing the Master's Review, and a further promotion to "Associate II" (Predoctoral Teaching Associate II or Predoctoral Research Associate II) after passing their General Examination. (Summer quarter courses, and summer quarter TA employment, runs one month shorter than during the academic year. To compendate, summer quarter TA salaries are increased proportionately.)

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Physics, PHD

On this page:, at a glance: program details.

• Location: Tempe campus
• Second Language Requirement: No

Program Description

Degree Awarded: PHD Physics

The PhD program in physics is intended for highly capable students who have the interest and ability to follow a career in independent research.

The recent advent of the graduate faculty initiative at ASU extends the spectrum of potential physics doctoral topics and advisors to include highly transdisciplinary projects that draw upon:

• biochemistry
• electrical engineering
• materials science
• other related fields

Consequently, students and doctoral advisors can craft novel doctoral projects that transcend the classical palette of physics subjects. Transdisciplinary expertise of this nature is increasingly vital to modern science and technology.

Current areas of particular emphasis within the department include:

• biological physics
• electron diffraction and imaging
• nanoscale and materials physics
• particle physics and astrophysics

The department has more than 90 doctoral students and more than 40 faculty members.

Degree Requirements

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (18 credit hours) PHY 500 Research Methods (6) PHY 521 Classical and Continuum Mechanics (3) PHY 531 Electrodynamics (3) PHY 541 Statistical Physics (3) PHY 576 Quantum Theory (3)

Electives or Research (54 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) PHY 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information Of particular note within the core courses are the PHY 500 Research Methods rotations, which are specifically designed to engage doctoral students in genuine, faculty-guided research starting in their first semester. Students complete three credit hours of PHY 500 in both their fall and spring semesters of their first year, for a total of six credit hours.

Coursework beyond the core courses is established by the student's doctoral advisor and supervisory committee, working in partnership with the student. The intent is to tailor the doctoral training to the specific research interests and aptitudes of the student while ensuring that each graduating student emerges with the expertise, core knowledge and problem-solving skills that define having a successful doctoral degree in physics.

When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used for this degree. If students do not have a previously awarded master's degree, the 30 credit hours of coursework are made up of electives to reach the required 84 credit hours.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in physics or a closely related area from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have had adequate undergraduate preparation equivalent to an undergraduate major of 30 credit hours in physics and 20 credit hours in mathematics. Courses in analytic mechanics, electromagnetism and modern physics, including quantum mechanics, are particularly important.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• personal statement
• three letters of recommendation
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Applicants requesting credit for prior graduate courses, taken either at ASU or elsewhere, must demonstrate mastery of the relevant course material to the graduate-level standards of the Department of Physics.

Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs, apply to a program, visit our campus, career opportunities.

As professional physicists, graduates can advance the frontiers of physics by generating new knowledge in their subfields while working on the most challenging scientific problems at the forefront of human understanding. Graduates find positions in a variety of settings, such as administration, government labs, industrial labs and management, and as academic faculty.

Physicists are valued for their analytical, technical and mathematical skills and find employment in a vast array of employment sectors, including:

• engineering

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

• [email protected]
• 480/965-3561

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• PhD in Physics

The Physics PhD program educates students to become scholars and researchers in physics. Our graduates are trained to teach and to carry out original research that is theoretical, experimental, computational, or a blend of these approaches. Research specialties include:

• Biological physics
• Computational physics
• Experimental condensed matter physics
• Theoretical condensed matter physics
• Particle astrophysics and cosmology
• Experimental particle physics
• Theoretical particle physics
• Statistical physics

Our program prepares professional scientists for careers in academic, industrial, and government settings. To be admitted to the program, a student needs at least a bachelor’s degree in physics or a closely related discipline.

Our program offers numerous interdisciplinary opportunities, particularly with the Chemistry, Computer Science, and Mathematics Departments in the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Engineering, and the Materials Science & Engineering Division. Major resources include the Scientific Instrument Facility, Electronics Design Facility, Hariri Institute for Computing and Computational Science & Engineering, and Photonics Center.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a thorough and advanced understanding of the core areas of physics, including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermal and statistical physics, and quantum mechanics, along with the mathematics necessary for quantitative and qualitative analyses in these areas.
• Demonstrate the ability to acquire, analyze, and interpret quantitative data in the core areas of physics.
• Demonstrate the ability to conduct theoretical, experimental, or computational research that makes original contributions to our understanding of the physical world.
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate the results of research in both written and oral presentations.
• Demonstrate the ability to use advanced computational methodologies in research and teaching.
• Demonstrate the ability to conduct scholarly activities in a professional and ethical manner.

Course Requirements

A total of sixteen 4-credit courses (64 credits) are required to fulfill the PhD requirements (with grades of B– or higher) and with an overall average of B or greater. Course requirements are as follows:

• CAS PY 501 Mathematical Physics
• CAS PY 511 Quantum Mechanics I
• CAS PY 512 Quantum Mechanics II
• CAS PY 521 Electromagnetic Theory I
• CAS PY 541 Statistical Mechanics I
• CAS PY 581 Advanced Laboratory (may be waived if a student submits evidence of having taken an equivalent course at their undergraduate institution. If PY 581 is waived, it must be replaced with another 4-credit lecture course.)
• GRS PY 961 Scholarly Methods in Physics I (must be taken in first year)

The remaining courses must be chosen from an approved list of lecture courses found on the department website, including at least one distribution course from outside the student’s research specialty (see PhD degree requirements on the department website for more details).

Up to eight non-lecture courses (numbered above 899) may be counted toward requirements, but no more than two directed study courses and two seminar courses may be counted.

Students are encouraged to audit courses after the completion of formal course requirements or en route to the PhD. Audit course requests must be approved by the student’s advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS).

Language Requirement

There is no foreign language requirement for this degree.

Demonstration of Proficiency in Physics

Each student is required to demonstrate proficiency through coursework by maintaining an average grade of at least B in the five core Physics courses, with no grade lower than B–.

Students who fail to achieve the qualification standards will be asked to either:

• Retake one or more the core courses (credit will not be given for a course taken more than once).
• Audit or self-study the material in one or more of the core courses and retake the final exam of the appropriate course(s); the result(s) will be used to evaluate if the student meets the qualification standards in that area.

Students who have already taken the equivalent of one or more of the core physics courses may petition to alternatively demonstrate proficiency by one of three options: (i) retake one or more core courses at Boston University; (ii) present evidence of satisfactory performance in the equivalent core courses at another university, corresponding to a minimum grade of B– and at least an average grade of B in the equivalent core courses; or (iii) opt for an oral examination. The petition should be filed immediately upon entering the graduate program. Under exceptional circumstances, the DGS may decide to accept a late filing of the petition. Determination of satisfactory performance is made by a faculty committee appointed by the DGS. If the committee judges that either options (ii) or (iii) are not satisfied for one or more courses, the student will be required to enroll in the appropriate course.

A student who has failed to achieve the qualification standard may file a petition to demonstrate proficiency by an oral exam in the subject(s) in question.

Qualifying Examination

The PhD qualifying examination, known formally as the ACE (Advancement to Candidacy Examination), is an oral examination, which is required for PhD candidacy. Students prepare an oral presentation of approximately 20 minutes in duration on a research paper chosen by the student in consultation with their research advisor, which is subject to approval by the DGS. If the student does not have an advisor at the time of ACE preparation, a student can choose a paper in their field of interest, again subject to approval by the DGS. The committee will ask questions about the content of the research paper following the presentation. Some questions will encourage the student to place the discussed paper within a broader physics context. The entire examination should last about 60 minutes in total. The examination committee is formed by four faculty members—the DGS plus three additional faculty members from the Department of Physics or faculty members from related departments who are approved by the DGS.

Dissertation and Final Oral Examination

Candidates shall demonstrate their ability for independent study in a dissertation representing original research or creative scholarship. A prospectus for the dissertation must be completed and approved by the readers, the DGS, and the Department Chair/Program Director approximately seven months before the final oral exam, and no later than the fall semester of the student’s seventh year. Candidates must undergo a final oral examination in which they defend their dissertation as a valuable contribution to knowledge in their field and demonstrate a mastery of their field of specialization in relation to their dissertation. All portions of the dissertation and final oral examination must be completed as outlined in the GRS General Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree .

Interim Progress Report

The student must submit an Interim Progress Report to the DGS by the end of the fourth year. This report is a 3-to-5-page (single-spaced, 12-point font) description of the student’s PhD research activities. It should include the anticipated research scope, research accomplishments, and time scale for completion of the PhD. The report should be prepared in consultation with, and the approval of, all members of the PhD Committee.

Departmental Seminar

The student is required to give a generally accessible seminar related to their dissertation project as part of a Graduate Seminar Series. All five members of the PhD Committee must attend the seminar; other faculty and students are encouraged to attend. The seminar should be presented shortly after the dissertation prospectus is prepared and no later than six months before the final oral exam.

Immediately after the seminar, the PhD Committee meets privately with the student to discuss the details of research required for the completion of a satisfactory PhD dissertation.

Any PhD student who has fulfilled the requirements of the master’s degree program, as stated here , can be awarded a master’s degree.

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PhD studies in Physics

Start your research career in physics here. Our PhD students work on cutting-edge research at the frontier of physics. Join them!

Research projects for PhD and Masters by Research students

The University's Graduate Research Opportunity Tool is a directory of PhD and Masters by Research projects – search by course, field of research or location to find a research project that you're excited to join.

Explore research opportunities

What does a PhD involve?

Over 3 years (or longer if part time), you’ll complete a research project that adds key knowledge to your chosen field. You’ll write up your findings in an 80,000-word thesis.

Throughout your PhD you’ll be guided by a supervisor who’s an expert in their field.

Your research work will be supported by state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure at the School of Physics.

Be sure to read all the general information on the Doctor of Philosophy – Science , in addition to this page.

What can I study?

Some of the areas you can specialise in when you study a PhD with us are:

• Astrophysics
• Atomic, molecular and optical physics
• Complex systems
• Condensed matter physics
• Particle physics
• Physical bioscience
• Quantum information.

We are one of the largest and most successful physics departments in Australia. We have world-class research programs in all areas of modern physics, with our academic staff leading a variety of projects within several Australian Research Council Centres of Excellence.

Melbourne University is consistently one of highest ranked Australian Universities in the Times Higher Education World Rankings and in the Academic Ranking of World Universities.

Read more about research in the School of Physics

Where will this take me?

A PhD is an essential qualification for a research career in physics. It’s also a ticket to international research opportunities.

Our graduates have a strong track record of employment, both in academia and in the private sector. They find rewarding careers in:

• Research and teaching in universities
• Public research organisations such as the CSIRO
• Consulting and professional services firms
• Commercial sectors including the defence, banking, and energy industries.

Pathways to a PhD

Our PhD students come to us after undertaking research training either:

• In a graduate degree – for example the Master of Science (Physics)
• As part of an undergraduate degree – for example via an honours year in the Bachelor of Science (not available at the University of Melbourne).

We're looking for outstanding students, who have a passion for working on problems at the frontier of physics, and who have developed a strong foundation from advanced graduate-level courses in physics, typically in quantum mechanics, electrodynamics and statistical mechanics.

Read more about the PhD entry requirements

How do I find a supervisor?

To find potential supervisors, browse the research areas in the School of Physics or use Find an Expert to search for keywords.

Before submitting an application, you must have the written support of a supervisor. To obtain this you should contact the supervisor directly or email the School of Physics at [email protected] . In both cases, you should provide the following documents and information:

• Your curriculum vitae (CV)
• All higher education transcripts
• A brief summary of your intended area of research
• The names of at least two prospective supervisors that align with your intended area of research.

The School will consider your past academic performance and whether there is an academic available to supervise your study.

How to apply

All the details about how to apply can be found with the general information for the Doctor of Philosophy – Science .

We offer both the Doctor of Philosophy - Science (PhD) and the Master of Philosophy - Science , but most applicants apply directly for a PhD.

Scholarships and fees

Most domestic and international students who are offered a PhD place with us will also be offered a Graduate Research Scholarship .

Receiving this scholarship means you’ll pay no tuition fees. You’ll also receive a living allowance and relocation grant (if relocating to Melbourne).

When you apply for a PhD with us, you’ll be automatically considered for a Graduate Research Scholarship. There’s no need to apply separately.

A huge variety of other scholarships are also available. Search our scholarships to find the ones you’re eligible for.

Before getting in touch, please read this page carefully, plus all the information available for the Doctor of Philosophy (Science) .

If you still have questions, we’ll be happy to help.

Email us at [email protected]

• Contact Us!

Department of Physics

You are here, apply to the yale physics phd program.

The Yale Department of Physics welcomes applications to our matriculating graduate class of 2024 beginning around August 15th, 2024. The General GRE and Physics GRE scores are Optional for applications received by the December 15, 2023, submission deadline.

We recognize the continuing disruption caused by COVID-19 and that the hardship of taking GREs falls unequally on individual students. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all; therefore, we do not require these standardized tests for admission to our program. All applications are reviewed holistically, and preference will not be given to students who do or do not submit GRE scores.

Frequently Asked Physics Questions General Application Questions Application Fees and Fee Waivers* Accommodations for Applicants Facing Extenuating Circumstances

Need more information before you apply? Join us for our Fall 2023 Webinar Series

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Department of Physics

Introduction to the Graduate Program

Graduate photos.

Stevie Bergman, Graduate Student - Video still courtesy of Danielle Alio, Office of Communications

View the Physics departmental action plan for our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion initiative  here  and our department Statement of Solidarity  here . 

Thank you for your interest in graduate studies in Physics. Here we give a general overview of Princeton’s Physics Ph.D. program. For information on admissions and more detailed program requirements, please see the links to the left.

We welcome students from diverse backgrounds and strive to provide a sense of community and inclusiveness where students are enabled to achieve their full potential. Graduate study in the Department of Physics is strongly focused on research , and only the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program is offered. The Physics Department maintains an active research program with equal emphasis on theoretical and experimental studies. Besides its traditional strengths in theoretical and experimental elementary particle physics, theoretical and experimental gravity and cosmology, experimental nuclear and atomic physics, mathematical physics, and theoretical condensed matter physics, it has newer strong and growing groups in experimental condensed matter physics and biophysics.

Physics department faculty and graduate students are active in research collaborations with scientists in several other departments, including astrophysical sciences , electrical engineering , chemistry , biology , neuroscience , and the program in quantitative and computational biology , as well as the Institute for Advanced Study and the Princeton Institute for the Science and Technology of Materials . If prior approval is obtained, students may conduct their research under the supervision of advisers from outside the physics department.

For information on graduate student life check out the Student Experience page

For more information, please contact :  Katherine Lamos ,  Graduate Program Administrator

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Doctoral Program in Physics

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at UC Irvine offers a program of graduate study leading to a Ph.D. degree in Physics. Our graduate course curriculum provides a foundation in fundamental physics and elective courses in a broad range of topical areas. Graduate students carry out original research in diverse areas of experimental and theoretical physics and astrophysics , under the guidance of members of our departmental faculty .  We also offer a graduate program in Chemical and Materials Physics as a joint program with the UCI Department of Chemistry . Graduates of our Ph.D. program are well prepared for careers in scientific research, teaching, and industry. See the links below for detailed information about our program, the applications process, and campus resources for graduate students.

Graduate Program Open House for Prospective Applicants, November 19, 2022 (Click for link)

Requirements for a Doctorate in Physics

An advanced degree in physics at Caltech is contingent upon an extensive research achievement. Students in the program are expected to join a research group, carry out independent research, and write publications for peer-reviewed journals as well as a thesis. The thesis work proposed to a Caltech candidacy committee then presented and evaluated by a Caltech thesis committee in a public defense. Initially, students are required to consolidate their knowledge by taking advanced courses in at least three subfields of physics. Students must also pass a written candidacy exam in both classical physics and quantum mechanics in order to progress into the research phase of the degree.

Graduates of our program are expected to have extensive experience with modern research methods, a broad knowledge of contemporary physics, and the ability to perform as independent researchers at the highest intellectual and technical levels.

The PhD requirements are below and are also available in the Caltech Catalog, Section 4: Information for Graduate Students .

Plan of Study

The plan of study is the set of courses that a student will take to complete the Advance Physics Requirement and any courses needed as preparation to pass the Written Candidacy Exams (see below). Any additional courses the student plans to take as part of their graduate curriculum may be included in the plan of study but are not required. Students should consult with their Academic Advisor on their Plan of Study and discuss any exception or special considerations with the Option Representative. 

Log in to REGIS and navigate to the Ph. D. Candidacy Tab of your Graduate Degree Progress page. Add you courses into the Plan of Study section. When complete, click the "Submit Plan of Study to Option Rep" button. This will generate a notice to the Option Rep to approve your plan of study. Once you complete the courses in the Plan of Study, the Advanced Physics Requirement is completed.

Written Candidacy Exams

Physics students must demonstrate proficiency in all areas of basic physics, including classical mechanics (including continuum mechanics), electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, statistical physics, optics, basic mathematical methods of physics, and the physical origin of everyday phenomena. A solid understanding of these fundamental areas of physics is considered essential, so proficiency will be tested by written candidacy examinations.

No specific course work is required for the basic physics requirement, but some students may benefit from taking several of the basic graduate courses, such as Ph 106 and Ph 125. In addition, the class Ph 201 will provide additional problem solving training that matches the basic physics requirement.

Exam I: Classical Mechanics and Electromagnetism       Topics include: TBA

Exam 2: Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics      Topics include: TBA

Both exams are offered twice each year (July and September) Email  [email protected]  to sign up

Nothing additional. Sign up for the exam by emailing Mika Walton. The Student Programs Office will update your REGIS record once you pass the exams.

Advanced Physics Requirement

Students must establish a broad understanding of modern physics through study in six graduate courses. The courses must be spread over at least three of the following four areas of advanced physics. Many courses in physics and related areas may be allowed to count toward the Advanced Physics requirements.  Below are some popular examples.  Contact the Physics Option Representative to find out if any particular course not listed here can be used for this requirement. 

Physics of elementary particles and fields (Nuclear Physics, High Energy Physics, String Theory)

                 Ph 139 Intro to Particle Physics                 Ph 205abc Relativistic Quantum Field Theory                 Ph 217 Intro to the Standard Model                 Ph 230 Elementary Particle Theory (offered every two years)                 Ph 250 Intro to String Theory (offered every two years)

Quantum Information and Matter (Atomic/Molecular/Optical Physics, Condensed-Matter Physics, Quantum Information)   

                Ph 127ab Statistical Physics                 Ph 135a Intro to Condensed Matter Physics                 Ph 136a Applications of Classical Physics (Stat Mech, Optics) (offered every two years)                 Ph 137abc Atoms and Photons                 Ph 219abc Quantum Computation                 Ph 223ab Advanced Condensed Matter Physics

Physics of the Universe (Gravitational Physics, Astrophysics, Cosmology)             

                Ph 136b Applications of Classical Physics (Elasticity, Fluid Dynamics) (offered every two years)                 Ph 136c Applications of Classical Physics (Plasma, GR) (offered every two years)                 Ph 236ab Relativity                 Ph 237 Gravitational Waves (offered every two years)                 Ay 121 Radiative Processes

Interdisciplinary Physics (e.g. Biophysics, Applied Physics, Chemical Physics, Mathematical Physics, Experimental Physics)

                Ph 77 Advanced Physics Lab                   Ph 101 Order of magnitude (offered every two years)                 Ph 118 Physics of measurement                 Ph 129 Mathematical Methods of Physics                 Ph 136a Applications of Classical Physics (Stat Mech, Optics) (offered every two years)                 Ph 136b Applications of Classical Physics (Elasticity, Fluid Dynamics) (offered every two years)                 Ph 229 Advanced Mathematical Methods of Physics

Nothing additional. Once you complete the courses in your approved Plan of Study, the Advanced Physics Requirement is complete.

Oral Candidacy Exam

The Oral Candidacy Exam is primarily a test of the candidate's suitability for research in his or her chosen field. Students should consult with the executive officer to assemble their oral candidacy committee. The chair of the committee should be someone other than the research adviser.

The candidacy committee will examine the student's knowledge of his or her chosen field and will consider the appropriateness and scope of the proposed thesis research during the oral candidacy exam. This exam represents the formal commitment of both student and adviser to a research program.

See also the Physics Candidacy FAQs

After the exam, your committee members will enter their result and any comments they may have. Non-Caltech committee members are instructed to send their results and comments to the physics graduate office who will enter the information on their behalf. Once all "pass" results have been entered, the Option Rep will be prompted to recommend you for admission to candidacy. The recommendation goes to the Dean of Graduate Studies who has the final approval to formally admit you to candidacy.

Teaching Requirement

Thesis advisory committee (tac).

After the oral candidacy exam, students will hold annual meetings with their Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC). The TAC will review the research progress and provide feedback and guidance towards completion of the degree. Students should consult with the executive officer to assemble their oral candidacy committee and TAC by the end of their third year. The TAC is normally constituted from the candidacy examiners, but students may propose variations or changes at any time to the option representative. The TAC chair should be someone other than the research Adviser. The TAC chair will typically also serve as the thesis defense chair, but changes may be made in consultation with the Executive Officer and the Option Rep.

What to do in REGIS?

Login to Regis, navigate to the Ph. D. Examination Tab of your Graduate Degree Progress page, and scroll down to the Examination Committee section. Enter the names of your Thesis Advisory Committee members. Click the "Submit Examination Committee for Approval" button and this will automatically generate notifications for the Option Rep and the Dean of Graduate Studies to approve your committee. Enter the date, time and location of your TAC meeting and click "Submit Details." Your committee members will automatically be sent email reminders with the meeting details.

PhD Defense

The final thesis examination will cover the thesis topic and its relation to the general body of knowledge of physics. The candidate should send the thesis document to the defense committee and graduate office at least two weeks prior to the defense date. The defense must take place at least three weeks before the degree is to be conferred. Please refer to the  Graduate Office  and  Library  webpages for thesis guidelines, procedures, and deadlines.

• Date, time, and location of your exam and click the "Submit Examination Details" button. You committee members will automatically be sent email reminders with the exam details. 
• Commencement Information and click the "Submit Commencement Information" button (at least 2 weeks prior to defense)
• Marching Information and click the "Submit your Marching Information" button (at least 2 weeks prior to commencement)

PhD in Physics

Program requirements and policies.

• Graduate TA should register on SIS for PHY 405; Graduate RA should register on SIS for PHY 406 .
• Students who are working on a thesis or dissertation project for their doctoral degree should also register for PHY 502 FT (Doctoral Degree Continuation) in each semester.

I. Proficiency in four core fields

• Classical mechanics
• Classical electromagnetism
• Statistical mechanics
• Quantum mechanics

Students can demonstrate proficiency through:

• PHY 131: Advanced Classical Mechanics
• PHY 145: Classical Electromagnetic Theory I
• PHY 146: Classical Electromagnetic Theory II
• PHY 153: Statistical Mechanics
• PHY 163: Quantum Theory I
• PHY 164: Quantum Theory II
• A final grade of A- or better in PHY 131: Advanced Classical Mechanics meets the proficiency requirement for classical mechanics.
• An average combined final grade of A- or better in PHY 145: Classical Electromagnetic Theory I and PHY 146: Classical Electromagnetic Theory II meets the proficiency requirement for classical electromagnetism.
• A final grade of A- or better in PHY 153: Statistical Mechanics meets the proficiency requirement for statistical mechanics.
• An average combined final grade of A- or better in PHY 163: Quantum Theory I and PHY 146: Quantum Theory II meets the proficiency requirement for quantum mechanics.
• Passing a written qualifying exam in the subject(s).

Assessment policy for proficiency in the core courses for first year students

II. At least one course from any two of the following specialized fields

• AST 121: Galactic Astronomy
• AST 122: Extragalactic Astronomy
• Any graduate level courses, including Special Topics courses, in Astronomy/Astrophysics
• PHY 173: Solid State Physics I
• PHY 174: Solid State Physics II
• Any graduate level courses, including Special Topics courses, in Condensed Matter Physics
• PHY 183: Particle Physics I
• PHY 184: Particle Physics II
• Any graduate level courses, including Special Topics courses, in Particle Physics
• PHY 167: General Relativity
• PHY 268: Cosmology
• Any graduate level courses, including Special Topics courses, in General Relativity and Cosmology
• PHY 263: Advanced Quantum Mechanics
• Any graduate level courses, including Special Topics courses, in Quantum Mechanics or Quantum Information

III. Oral qualifying examination

By the end of the third year, the student must complete an oral qualifying examination in his/her chosen specialized field. The purpose of the oral qualifying examination is threefold:

• to provide the student with an opportunity to apply his/her fundamental knowledge of physics to a specific topic in his/her field of interest;
• to evaluate the student's ability to carry that skill forward into his/her dissertation research, and
• to provide practice in the presentation of scientific material.

The topic should be selected by the student in consultation with his/her research advisor, in order best to advance that student's progress. It could be a review of research relevant to the student's intended research project, a proposal for a possible research topic, or another topic in the general area of the student's research, but not directly related to that research. It should be sufficiently well defined that the student can achieve substantial mastery and depth of understanding in a period of 4-6 weeks. In general, depth is more important than breadth.

The student shall prepare and deliver a public presentation of 30-45 minutes duration, with the expectation that during that period the audience and guidance committee will freely ask questions. The form of the presentation will be determined by the student's advisor and guidance committee, but regardless of the format, the student must be prepared to depart from the prepared material to answer questions.

Following the presentation and an open question period, the audience will be asked to leave, and the student's guidance committee will pose additional questions. While some questions will be directly related to the topic of the presentation, others will probe fundamental physics underlying or related to the topic. The student's ability to respond appropriately, exhibiting both understanding of the relevant physics and the ability to apply it to the topic at hand, is at least as important as the prepared presentation.

While the primary function of the examination is educational rather than evaluative, if the guidance committee does not find the student's performance to be satisfactory, it may:

• Fail the student, resulting in his/her administrative withdrawal from the doctoral program;
• Require the student to submit to another oral examination covering the same or different material;
• Require other remedial work, which may include preparing and presenting a written or oral explanation of some topic, or such other steps as the committee deems appropriate.

In cases (2) and (3), the requirement must be completed successfully within two months after the original examination, but no later than the beginning of the student's fourth year. In no case will the student receive a third opportunity to fulfill the requirement.

IV. 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, culminating 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 of the program.

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Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD)

Canadian immigration updates.

Applicants to Master’s and Doctoral degrees are not affected by the recently announced cap on study permits. Review more details

Go to programs search

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is a broad-based department with a wide range of research interests covering many key topics in contemporary physics, astronomy, and applied physics. We are a vibrant community that engages in a wide range of research directions, from probing the origin of the universe to exploring emergent phenomena in complex systems, that provide deep insights into the nature of the universe and practical solutions that will help define the world of tomorrow. Departmental research activities are supported by several computing and experimental facilities, and excellent electronics and machine shops.

Our graduate programs include approximately 200 graduate students, working on experiments and theory in research fields that include: Applied Physics, Astronomy/Astrophysics, Atomic/Molecular/Optics, Biophysics, Condensed Matter, Cosmology, Gravity, Medical Physics, Nuclear Physics, Particle Physics, and String Theory.

For specific program requirements, please refer to the departmental program website

What makes the program unique?

The Department of Physics & Astronomy at UBC is noted for the excellence of its research and its high academic standards and integrity. It is one of the largest and most diverse physics and astronomy departments in Canada. We are constantly rated as one of the top Physics & Astronomy programs in the world. Much of the Department's research is enhanced by local facilities such as the TRIUMF National Laboratory, the Advanced Materials and Process Engineering Laboratory (AMPEL), and the BC Cancer Agency, UBC, and associated teaching hospitals, in addition to many specialized research laboratories housed within the Department. There is a great deal of collaboration and overlap of interests among the various groups.

Each year, our faculty bring over $20 million in research grants. This enables us to maintain world-class research laboratories and computational facilities, attract distinguished post-doctorate researchers, and support highly skilled engineers and technicians whose expertise is critical to our research.

A degree in Physics can give you the ability to work out a whole variety of problems, and leaves room to take up nearly anything afterwards. UBC’s Physics program offered the opportunity to teach and work with the dynamic and fun UBC Physics and MRI research community, which all made me excited to pursue my graduate work here.

Sharada Balaji

Quick Facts

Program enquiries, admission information & requirements, 1) check eligibility, minimum academic requirements.

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements. Please review the specific requirements for applicants with credentials from institutions in:

• Canada or the United States
• International countries other than the United States

Each program may set higher academic minimum requirements. Please review the program website carefully to understand the program requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as it is a competitive process.

English Language Test

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.

Minimum requirements for the two most common English language proficiency tests to apply to this program are listed below:

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet-based

Overall score requirement : 90

IELTS: International English Language Testing System

Overall score requirement : 6.5

Other Test Scores

Some programs require additional test scores such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Test (GMAT). The requirements for this program are:

The GRE is not required.

2) Meet Deadlines

3) prepare application, transcripts.

All applicants have to submit transcripts from all past post-secondary study. Document submission requirements depend on whether your institution of study is within Canada or outside of Canada.

Letters of Reference

A minimum of three references are required for application to graduate programs at UBC. References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.

Statement of Interest

Many programs require a statement of interest , sometimes called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar.

Supervision

Students in research-based programs usually require a faculty member to function as their thesis supervisor. Please follow the instructions provided by each program whether applicants should contact faculty members.

Instructions regarding thesis supervisor contact for Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD)

Citizenship verification.

Permanent Residents of Canada must provide a clear photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident card.

4) Apply Online

All applicants must complete an online application form and pay the application fee to be considered for admission to UBC.

Tuition & Financial Support

Financial Support

Applicants to UBC have access to a variety of funding options, including merit-based (i.e. based on your academic performance) and need-based (i.e. based on your financial situation) opportunities.

Program Funding Packages

From September 2024 all full-time students in UBC-Vancouver PhD programs will be provided with a funding package of at least $24,000 for each of the first four years of their PhD. The funding package may consist of any combination of internal or external awards, teaching-related work, research assistantships, and graduate academic assistantships. Please note that many graduate programs provide funding packages that are substantially greater than $24,000 per year. Please check with your prospective graduate program for specific details of the funding provided to its PhD students.

Average Funding

• 55 students received Teaching Assistantships. Average TA funding based on 55 students was $8,283.
• 66 students received Research Assistantships. Average RA funding based on 66 students was $18,834.
• 6 students received Academic Assistantships. Average AA funding based on 6 students was $1,873.
• 82 students received internal awards. Average internal award funding based on 82 students was $9,894.
• 14 students received external awards. Average external award funding based on 14 students was $25,857.

Scholarships & awards (merit-based funding)

All applicants are encouraged to review the awards listing to identify potential opportunities to fund their graduate education. The database lists merit-based scholarships and awards and allows for filtering by various criteria, such as domestic vs. international or degree level.

Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)

Many professors are able to provide Research Assistantships (GRA) from their research grants to support full-time graduate students studying under their supervision. The duties constitute part of the student's graduate degree requirements. A Graduate Research Assistantship is considered a form of fellowship for a period of graduate study and is therefore not covered by a collective agreement. Stipends vary widely, and are dependent on the field of study and the type of research grant from which the assistantship is being funded.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA)

Graduate programs may have Teaching Assistantships available for registered full-time graduate students. Full teaching assistantships involve 12 hours work per week in preparation, lecturing, or laboratory instruction although many graduate programs offer partial TA appointments at less than 12 hours per week. Teaching assistantship rates are set by collective bargaining between the University and the Teaching Assistants' Union .

Graduate Academic Assistantships (GAA)

Academic Assistantships are employment opportunities to perform work that is relevant to the university or to an individual faculty member, but not to support the student’s graduate research and thesis. Wages are considered regular earnings and when paid monthly, include vacation pay.

Financial aid (need-based funding)

Canadian and US applicants may qualify for governmental loans to finance their studies. Please review eligibility and types of loans .

All students may be able to access private sector or bank loans.

Foreign government scholarships

Many foreign governments provide support to their citizens in pursuing education abroad. International applicants should check the various governmental resources in their home country, such as the Department of Education, for available scholarships.

Working while studying

The possibility to pursue work to supplement income may depend on the demands the program has on students. It should be carefully weighed if work leads to prolonged program durations or whether work placements can be meaningfully embedded into a program.

International students enrolled as full-time students with a valid study permit can work on campus for unlimited hours and work off-campus for no more than 20 hours a week.

A good starting point to explore student jobs is the UBC Work Learn program or a Co-Op placement .

Tax credits and RRSP withdrawals

Students with taxable income in Canada may be able to claim federal or provincial tax credits.

Canadian residents with RRSP accounts may be able to use the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) which allows students to withdraw amounts from their registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to finance full-time training or education for themselves or their partner.

Please review Filing taxes in Canada on the student services website for more information.

Cost Estimator

Applicants have access to the cost estimator to develop a financial plan that takes into account various income sources and expenses.

Career Outcomes

108 students graduated between 2005 and 2013: 2 graduates are seeking employment; for 11 we have no data (based on research conducted between Feb-May 2016). For the remaining 95 graduates:

Sample Employers in Higher Education

Sample employers outside higher education, sample job titles outside higher education, phd career outcome survey, alumni on success.

Michael Hoff

Job Title Assistant Professor

Employer University of Washington

Enrolment, Duration & Other Stats

These statistics show data for the Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD). Data are separated for each degree program combination. You may view data for other degree options in the respective program profile.

ENROLMENT DATA

Completion Rates & Times

Upcoming doctoral exams, monday, 24 june 2024 - 12:30pm - room 200, monday, 22 july 2024 - 9:00am - room 200, thursday, 25 july 2024 - 9:00am - room 200.

• Research Supervisors

Advice and insights from UBC Faculty on reaching out to supervisors

These videos contain some general advice from faculty across UBC on finding and reaching out to a supervisor. They are not program specific.

This list shows faculty members with full supervisory privileges who are affiliated with this program. It is not a comprehensive list of all potential supervisors as faculty from other programs or faculty members without full supervisory privileges can request approvals to supervise graduate students in this program.

• Aronson, Meigan (heavy-ferromagnetic compounds; charge density waves; magnetic nanoparticles)
• Berciu, Mona (Electronic and magnetic properties of condensed matter and supraconductivity; Physical sciences; condensed matter theory; polarons, bipolarons; strongly correlated systems)
• Boley, Aaron (Astronomy and Astrophysics; Planet formation, protoplanetary disk evolution, formation of meteorite parent bodies)
• Bonn, Douglas Andrew (Condensed matter, high temperature superconductors, microwave measurements, crystal growth)
• Bryman, Douglas (Particle physics, experimental; Experimental Particle Physics; Applied physics; physics)
• Burke, Sarah (Scanning probe microscopy, organic materials, nanoscale materials, surface physics, photovoltaics )
• Choptuik, Matthew (Theoretical physics, Relativity/Computational Physics )
• Damascelli, Andrea (Electronic structure of solids, strongly correlated electron systems, low dimensional spin systems, thin films and nanostructures, transition metal oxides, high-Tc superconductors, linear and nonlinear optical spectroscopies, angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, photoelectron spectroscopy, synchrotron based spectroscopies., Electronic structure of novel complex systems in nanostructured materials)
• Dierker, Steve (Physical sciences; Collective dynamics of condensed matter systems; Dependence on reduced dimensionality, strong interactions, disorder, and mesoscale structure)
• Folk, Joshua (Physical sciences; 2D materials and Vanderwaals heterostructures; Quantum electronics; Thermodynamics of quantum systems; Strongly correlated phenomena; Topological phenomena; Quantum transport)
• Franz, Marcel (Condensed matter theory )
• Gay, Colin (Experimental subatomic physics, Beyond Standard Model physics, Extra dimensions)
• Gladman, Brett (Astronomy, Planetary Science, meteorites, astrobiology, Solar system formation and evolution)
• Hallas, Alannah (Physical sciences; quantum phenomena; magnetism; Materials design and discovery; Quantum materials)
• Halpern, Mark (Cosmology, Cosmic background radiation, history of star formation, measuring the geometry and contents of the Universe, satellites, balloon-borne telescopes, the physics of music, Physics of music, Cosmic Microwave Background, Physical Cosmology, Star formation history)
• Hasinoff, Michael (Low-energy particle physics)
• Hearty, Christopher (Particle physics, experimental; Experimental Particle Physics; e+e- collider; Physics beyond the Standard Model; Dark sector; dark matter)
• Heyl, Jeremy (Astronomical and space sciences; Physical sciences; Astrophysics; Black Holes; Neutron Stars; quantum phenomena; Quantum-Field Theory; Stellar; Stellar Physics)
• Hickson, Paul (cosmology, galaxies, telescopes, adaptive optics., Astronomy, astrophysics, Galaxies, clusters, instrumentation, adaptive optics)
• Hinshaw, Gary (cosmology, cosmic background radiation, Cosmology, Measuring diffuse background radiations)
• Jones, David (Atomic, optical and molecular physics,Ultrafast Optics, Spectroscopy)
• Karczmarek, Joanna (Physical sciences; Emergent spacetime and gravity; Matrix models; Noncommutative geometry; String theory)
• Leslie, Sabrina
• Lister, Alison (Particle physics, experimental; Large Hadron Collier (LHC); ATLAS experiment; Search for physics beyond the standard model; top quarks; dark matter; Machine Learning; Long-lived particles)
• Madison, Kirk (Condensed matter, atomic, molecular and optical physics )

Doctoral Citations

Sample Thesis Submissions

• Studies of supercoiling-induced denaturation within DNA plasmids using single-molecule convex lens-induced confinement microscopy
• Explorations of universality in ultra-cold and room-temperature collisions
• Towards improving radiotherapeutic treatment of the parotid glands : a cross-modality investigation
• Four dimensional dose calculations and planning strategies for dynamic tumour tracking treatments
• Direct entropy measurements in mesoscopic systems : from proof of concept to the Kondo regime
• Topological superconductivity in twisted cuprates and device applications inspired by their Josephson physics
• Topics in numerical relativity
• From growth to TR-ARPES of C₆₀ : a prototypical OPV system
• Quantum chaos in conformal field theories
• Resurrecting the N = 20 shell closure and upgrades to the TITAN measurement Penning trap
• A journey into computational protein design : simulation methods, physical origins of disease, and therapeutic design for neurodegenerative diseases and COVID19
• Relaxation dynamics in a molecular ultracold plasma : control and modeling
• Refinement of the first r-process abundance peak via high-precision mass measurements
• Longitudinal relaxation dynamics in white matter : experiments in NMR and MRI
• A detection of cosmological 21 cm emission from CHIME in cross-correlation with the eBOSS Lyman-𝜶 forest

Related Programs

Same specialization.

• Master of Science in Physics (MSc)

Same Academic Unit

• Doctor of Philosophy in Astronomy (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Physics (PhD)
• Master of Applied Science in Engineering Physics (MASc)
• Master of Science in Astronomy (MSc)
• Master of Science in Medical Physics (MSc)

Further Information

Specialization.

Physics provides research opportunities in many subfields of physics, including

• applied physics : this effort has spawned a number of spin-off companies.
• medical physics : be involved in a broad range of medical physics research in the areas of radiation therapy, medical imaging, biomedical optics and radiation biophysics.
• biophysics : the application of quantitative principles and methods to biological systems.
• nuclear and particle physics : the aim of subatomic physics is to understand matter and the fundamental forces in the universe and ultimately form a Theory of Everything.
• astronomy and astrophysics : study stars, galaxies, the material in between, and the Universe as a whole.
• atomic, molecular, and optical physics : this field is rapidly expanding and serves as the basis for many modern technological innovations.
• condensed matter physics is concerned with understanding and exploiting the properties of solids and liquids and the large area that this covers makes it the largest field of contemporary physics.
• theoretical physics : Gravity and Relativity, String Theory, High Energy Physics, and Condensed Matter Theory, to Quantum Information and Biophysics

UBC Calendar

Program website, faculty overview, academic unit, program identifier, classification, social media channels, supervisor search.

Departments/Programs may update graduate degree program details through the Faculty & Staff portal. To update contact details for application inquiries, please use this form .

Rane Simpson

UBC is a fantastic institution in an amazing country. Add to this that it is home to the nations premier environment for nuclear physics experiments, and you will have a picture that describes why UBC was my number one destination for graduate studies.

Joshua MacEachern

In my undergrad, I really got great insight to how incredible the researchers in our physics/astronomy department (and the rest of UBC) are. Two of the cosmology faculty on the team that I joined at UBC (including my supervisor) won a Fundamental Breakthrough Prize in Physics in 2018. Their work on...

Paul Herringer

I get excited about all kinds of physics, not just my field of specialization, so I wanted to find a department with a wide variety of research topics. I was also able to find a supervisor whom I work well with in a field that suits my research interests. Last but not least, there are very few...

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The PhD in Physics is a full-time period of research which introduces or builds upon, research skills and specialist knowledge. Students are assigned a research supervisor, a specialist in part or all of the student's chosen research field, and join a research group which might vary in size between a handful to many tens of individuals.

Although the supervisor is responsible for the progress of a student's research programme, the extent to which a postgraduate student is assisted by the supervisor or by other members of the group depends almost entirely on the structure and character of the group concerned. The research field is normally determined at entry, after consideration of the student's interests and the facilities available. The student, however, may work within a given field for a period of time before their personal topic is determined.

There is no requirement made by the University for postgraduate students to attend formal courses or lectures for the PhD. Postgraduate work is largely a matter of independent research and successful postgraduates require a high degree of self-motivation. Nevertheless, lectures and classes may be arranged, and students are expected to attend both seminars (delivered regularly by members of the University and by visiting scholars and industrialists) and external conferences. Postgraduate students are also expected to participate in the undergraduate teaching programme at some time whilst they are based at the Cavendish, in order to develop their teaching, demonstrating, outreach, organisational and person-management skills.

It is expected that postgraduate students will also take advantage of the multiple opportunities available for transferable skills training within the University during their period of research.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the research programme, students will have demonstrated:

• the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, through original research or other advanced scholarship, of a quality to satisfy peer review, extend the forefront of the discipline, and merit publication;
• a systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of an academic discipline or area of professional practice;
• the general ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline, and to adjust the project design in the light of unforeseen problems;
• a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry; and
• the development of a PhD thesis for examination that they can defend in an oral examination and, if successful, graduate with a PhD.

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the  Postgraduate Open Day  page for more details.

See further the  Postgraduate Admissions Events  pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.

Key Information

3-4 years full-time, 4-7 years part-time, study mode : research, doctor of philosophy, department of physics, course - related enquiries, application - related enquiries, course on department website, dates and deadlines:, lent 2024 (closed).

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Easter 2024 (Closed)

Michaelmas 2024 (closed), easter 2025, funding deadlines.

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.

Similar Courses

• Physics MPhil
• Planetary Science and Life in the Universe MPhil
• Computational Methods for Materials Science CDT PhD
• Mathematics MPhil
• Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics PhD

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PhD in Physics

Drive Innovation That Matters

A PhD in Physics from Clarkson University gives you the training and resources to become an independent scholar in a specialized subfield. Through the program, you will apply advanced knowledge in core areas of classical mechanics, electromagnetism and quantum mechanics to uncover out-of-the-box solutions. You will gain the theoretical foundations to conduct experimental investigations with a high degree of expertise. By the time you graduate, you will be ready to lead research teams in academia or industry. 

Why Earn a PhD in Physics From Clarkson University?

The PhD in Physics offers rigorous research training and complex coursework meant to challenge your understanding of the field. You will be able to choose from different specialization areas to deepen your expertise and tackle a wider set of issues through interdisciplinary work with faculty and peers across campus.

One of the hallmarks of our department is the personalized attention we offer students. We keep our class sizes small, encouraging collaboration and solutions that require teamwork. Your research advisor will provide comprehensive guidance, and you will further benefit from a friendly and open relationship with other faculty members. We value your input and ideas and treat you as a fellow scholar.

Despite our size, we offer the resources of a much larger university. You will have access to state-of-the-art research centers and the opportunity to participate in innovative projects led by a diverse team of experts. You will also gain valuable teaching experience by working with undergrads as a teaching assistant or in other capacities. 

What You'll Learn 

The PhD in Physics consists of a minimum of 90 credit hours. At least six of those credit hours should be taken outside the department and at least six of those credit hours should be dedicated to seminars.

Within two years of full-time study, or 66 credit hours if you are a part-time student, you will take the required Comprehensive Exam. The topics covered in the exam include classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics, thermal physics, quantum mechanics and modern physics (relativity, nuclear and solid-state).

As for specializations, you can develop one from the following areas:

• Biophysics 
• Chemical Mechanical Planarization 
• Computational Physics 
• Physics Education 

Credit Hours and Courses:

• A minimum of 90 credit hours beyond BS. Minimum 3 academic years’ full-time graduate study (or the part-time equivalent); 2 years in residence at Clarkson. A four-part Physics Survey Test is used to determine initial coursework.  A maximum of 30 credits (with B or higher grade) can be transferred from an MS degree. Coursework - no less than 33 credits, including at least 6 credits taken outside the department and at least 6 credits of seminar. Each semester prior to the completion of 78 credits, full-time students in residence at Clarkson must successfully complete PH683 or PH684. Maximum credit hours per year - 30 (12 in fall, 12 in spring and 6 in summer; or, 15 in fall and 15 in spring). Only 500 and upper-level courses are accepted.
• Full-time student status: 9 credits per semester until <9 credits remain to complete 90 credits. After completing 90 credits, students will register for 1 credit hour of project/thesis, be in residence, and be actively engaged full-time in completing the project/thesis.

Academic Standing and Other Requirements:

• A minimum average grade of B, and at least a B grade in each of the core courses (PH661, PH663, PH664, PH670 and PH669); The requirement for PH664 and PH670 can be fulfilled any time during the study, and the student’s advisor can approve replacements of these two courses by other advanced graduate courses in the student’s chosen research field.
• Satisfactory progress toward the degree. Academic progress is evaluated at the end of each term by the Physics Graduate Committee Chair in collaboration with the student’s advisor.
• Students with GPA falling below 3.000 will be placed on academic warning. These students will return to academic good standing if their GPA is 3.000 or higher at the end of their next term.
• Students must select a thesis topic and be assigned to a research advisor no later than the second semester of graduate study. The Physics Chair approves the appointment of a research advisor. Research projects primarily guided by faculty outside the physics department requires a physics co-advisor assigned by Physics Chair.
• Satisfactory completion of the Comprehensive Exam is required within two years of full-time study after admission to the PhD program or, for part-time students, before completing 66 credits. If the comprehensive exam is failed twice, the student will be dropped.
• The Physics Comprehensive Examination has two parts, each part four hours long, usually given during the first two weeks of each spring semester. The topical coverages are based on those of upper-level undergraduate physics courses offered at Clarkson, and include: Part I: Classical Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism, Optics; Part II: Thermal Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Modern Physics (relativity, nuclear, solid state).
• By the end of the third year of study, the student writes a PhD research proposal and defends a doctoral topic before a thesis committee composed of at least 5 members. The proposal must be submitted to the thesis committee at least 10 working days before the oral defense. This exam should demonstrate that the thesis topic is of doctoral quality and that the student’s background is adequate to carry out the proposed research. A unanimous decision of the committee is required for passing. The thesis committee (selected by the student’s advisor and approved by the Physics Chair and the Dean of A&S) should include no less than 4 Clarkson faculty (at least 3 from physics) of assistant professor rank or higher and possessing an earned doctoral degree. At least one member must be from a department other than physics. With the provost’s approval, the thesis committee may include an external examiner with appropriate credentials from another university or industry.
• The final PhD examination involves an oral defense of the written doctoral dissertation before the thesis committee. The exam committee must receive thesis copies at least 10 working days before the oral defense.
• Typical program length is 5 years. All work for the PhD degree must be completed within 7 years after passing the Physics Comprehensive Examination.
• For additional information about University Requirements, students should consult Clarkson University’s current Graduate Regulations and Graduate Catalog.

Program Outcomes

After completing the Physics PhD Program at Clarkson University, students will be able to:

• Make use of advanced knowledge acquired from core areas of Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism and Quantum Mechanics.
• Develop research plans and conduct experimental/ theoretical/ computational investigations in areas of their technical expertise.
• Take part in collaborative projects involving diverse teams of participants.
• Analyze, interpret and effectively communicate results of research topics both orally (e,g., in conference presentations) and in writing (e.g., in technical reports and journal publications).
• Demonstrate familiarity with current literature and practices in their field of specialization with a general understanding of scientific and ethical responsibilities.
• Develop investigative plans, carry out research projects and mentor students/trainees. 

Our faculty undertake innovative research in physics and interdisciplinary projects that help advance our understanding of the world. As a student, you will benefit from their mentorship and work closely with them in a collaborative and encouraging environment. Learn more about their experience and areas of specialization.

Meet Our Faculty  

The major areas of emphasis in our department include:

• Astrophysics 
• Bio- and Nano-technology
• Energy Storage 
• Materials Physics
• Nanoscale Systems 
• Nanotechnology 
• Network Theory 
• Physics Education
• Soft Matter and Polymer Physics 

As a student, you have access to Clarkson University centers like the Reynolds Observatory, the Physics Team Design Lab, the Laboratory for Electroanalytical Characterization of Materials and the Computational Laboratory. 

A complete application consists of the following:

• Online Application Form.
• Statement of purpose.
• Three letters of recommendation.
• Official transcripts.
• General GRE is required.
• Minimum test score requirements: TOEFL (80) and TOEFL Essentials (8.5), IELTS (6.5), PTE (56) or Duolingo English Test (115).
• The English language-testing requirement is not waived based on language of instruction, nor do we accept university certificates. English testing is waived if an applicant has a degree from a country where English is the Native Language. Click here to see the list of these countries.

Prerequisites: Applicants must have a BS or equivalent degree in physics or a closely related subject. Applicants are expected to have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher at the time of application. Furthermore, applicants should have achieved a grade of "B+" or better in all physics and math subjects taken.

For those seeking Teaching or Research Assistantships:

• A GRE score of at least 319 is recommended (minimum verbal score of 156 and minimum quantitative score of 163).
• GRE Physics Subject Test scores are not required but are recommended.
• International applicants should have a minimum score of 26 in each section of the TOEFL, 7.0 on each band of the IELTS (with a minimum Speaking band of 7.5) or comparable PTE or Duolingo English Test scores.

MS students interested in pursuing the PhD will be required to sit for the placement test offered by the Department of Physics. This is offered annually in August. This score, in addition to prior academic record, publications and teaching performance, will be considered prior to formal admittance into the PhD program.

Most current graduate students are supported by Teaching Assistantships or Research Assistantships. A full appointment covers the 30 credit hours of tuition and provides a stipend that covers estimated living expenses. Discuss opportunities and how to apply with the department staff and/or program coordinator directly.

We host a variety of seminars and lectures throughout the year with visiting professors, industry leaders and other professionals widely recognized in the field.

The program is held on our main campus in Potsdam, New York. Many of our full-time, research-based master's and PhD programs are housed here, as well. You will be in close proximity to research facilities, onsite laboratories and other resources.

Potsdam Campus

Career Possibilities

The PhD program at Clarkson University provides the rigorous training and research-heavy experience required to enter the world of academia. With your degree, you can apply to professorships and positions in prestigious research centers.

You will also graduate with skills that are attractive to employers in the science and tech industries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for physicists is expected to grow faster than average in the next decade.

The degree can open doors in the following industries and facilities:

• Observatories
• Private industry
• Research laboratories

Recent Employers

Recent Clarkson PhD in Physics graduates have been employed by companies such as:

• Applied Materials
• Intel Corporation
• Global Foundries
• Lockheed Martin
• Micron Technology

Request Info Apply Now

| STEM OPT Eligible

Graduate Admissions Email: [email protected] Phone: 518-631-9831

Interested in learning more about the PhD in Physics? Contact the Office of Graduate Admissions today with your questions.

Find out more about the Physics Department .

Explore Related Programs

PhD in Chemistry

PhD in Mathematics

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Deepen your expertise.

Gain specialized knowledge, conduct original research and qualify for a wide range of academic and industry opportunities with a PhD in Physics from Clarkson.

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PhD Physics Course, Admission, Entrance Exams, Syllabus, Colleges, Jobs, and Salary 2024

Waqar Niyazi

Content Curator

Ph.D. (Physics) - Latest Notifications

• 05 June, 2024 : NIT Trichy Admission 2024 Open for PhD Program; Apply till June 11

Doctor of Philosophy or PhD Physics is a 3-year doctorate program that is considered an ideal degree for students who want to pursue a full-time period of independent research which equips students with research skills and specialist knowledge.

The PhD Physics course consists of research-based subjects that are performed practically. The course covers subjects such as Quantum Optics and Laser Physics, Matter Physics, Solid State Physics, and Materials Science, High Energy Physics, Nonlinear Optics, and Electronic Science.

The basic eligibility for PhD Physics course admission is Bachelor’s Degree, M.Phil. degree or MSc in Physics or Material Science with a minimum of 60% aggregate score. Apart from merit, the admissions process also includes various entrance exams like CSIR/UGC-JRF, CSIR/UGC , JEST/ GATE for PhD Physics courses.

Loyola College, Christ University, Chandigarh University, Fergusson College, Jadavpur University, IIT Kanpur, etc are some of the top colleges offering full-time PhD Physics courses in India. The average annual fees to study a full-time program is around INR 2,000 - 5 lakhs

However, PhD distance education is not valid anymore as per the UGC, a PhD degree from IGNOU   will still be recognized. The average annual fees for a distance PhD Physics program ranges from INR 15,000 - 20,000.

PhD Physics being one of the best professional courses is the reason for its popularity among the research aspirants these days. There are plenty of PhD courses, but every year a large number of students are seen to get enrolled in the Physics department.

Career options are huge in the industry sector after completing a PhD Physics. Major job profiles are Physics Professor, Physicist, Research Scientist, Biophysicist, Natural Science Managers, Petroleum Engineers, Researcher, Subject Matter Expert, Nanotechnologist, etc.

The average Phd Physics salary can be around INR 2 LPA - 20 LPA in various sectors like Education, Research, Labs, Healthcare, Medical, Pharmaceutical, Electronics, Marketing, etc.

PhD Physics: Course Highlights

PhD Physics: What is it About?

Read below points to know what PhD Physics is all about-

• PhD Physics course equips candidates for research, subject matter experts in any specific field of their interest, and also opens career scopes for them in many areas.
• The PhD Physics course equips you with advanced study in Physics and is specialized in disciplines such as Atomic and Condensed Matter Physics, Laser Physics, Particle Physics, etc.
• The PhD Physics course can only be pursued full time as a part-time degree is not recognized anymore as per the UGC norms. However, one can obtain a distance degree from IGNOU if properly followed the guidelines.
• The duration of the PhD Physics course is 3 years for students seeking jobs in this sector.
• After completion of a PhD Physics, candidates can seek jobs in educational, healthcare, pharmaceutical, research sectors, etc.
• The major skills required to pursue PhD are good research conducting skills, collaborative findings, analytical skills, etc.
• PhD Physics will provide knowledge about conducting research in the corporate or academic sector.
• This course will help develop knowledge of students about the natural laws in optics, classical and quantum mechanics, and electricity and magnetism, astronomy and astrophysics, biomedical physics, etc

Why Study PhD Physics?

Many students choose to study PhD Physics because of the following reasons-

• Top Skills Acquired

PhD Physics gives students the ability to conduct experiments, develop theories, mathematical modeling, etc. and students gain knowledge of natural laws in various fields such as optics, classical and quantum mechanics, and electricity and magnetism, astronomy and astrophysics, biomedical physics, etc.

• Future Career Options

Students who have earned a PhD Physics degree can take up any job profiles such as Researcher, Scientist, Physicist, Lecturer & Professor, Author & Writer, Journalist, Editor & Critic, Human Services Worker, Independent Consultant, Philosophical Journalist, Industrial R&D Lab professionals, Senior Research Scientist, etc.

• Lucrative Job Opportunities

Students can find job opportunities in industries such as educational, medical, healthcare, research, finance, consulting, IT, Banking, etc.

PhD Physics Admission Process

The admission process for the PhD Physics course depends on the entrance tests such as CSIR/UGC-JRF, CSIR/UGC , JEST/ GATE , etc. The qualified candidates will be further selected on the basis of personal interview.

Some of the institutes also provide direct admission to the students on merit basis with minimum eligibility of Bachelor’s Degree with 60% aggregate marks.

Following are the steps to keep in mind while applying for a PhD Physics Admission:

• Step 1: Register Online on the college Application Portal by filling required details like name, mobile number, email ID, etc.
• Step 2: Log-in using the generated credentials. Fill the online application form and provide details like personal and academic such as Gender, Address Subject, Marks, etc.
• Step 3: Upload the scanned copies of the required documents like photograph, signature, mark sheet, certificates, etc. The scanned copies must be in the asked format and size.
• Step 4: Pay the application fee as mentioned by the college. After the successful payment, the registration confirmation will be sent to the candidate.
• Step 5: Candidates should download and save the application form for further reference.

PhD Physics Eligibility

Following are the eligibility criteria for the PhD physics course:

• Candidates seeking admission in PhD Physics must have a Bachelor’s Degree, M.Phil. degree or M.Sc Physics or Material Science with a minimum of 60% aggregate score.
• The minimum of 60% aggregate or equivalent CGPA (relaxed to 55% or equivalent CGPA for SC/ST).
• Various colleges conduct entrance exams such as CSIR/UGC-JRF, CSIR/UGC, JEST, etc. followed by personal interview for admission.

PhD Physics Entrance Exams

Some of the important dates and details of the PhD Physics Entrance Exams are tabulated below.

How to Prepare for the Entrance Exams

• PhD entrance exams are the most comprehensive competitive exams for research opportunities. Candidates should analyze the time and days that they require for thorough preparation.
• Engineering, Science & Mathematical concepts should be studied well. Questions will be asked about Quantitative ability, General Ability, Engineering, Statistics, etc. Candidates should manage the time according to each subject and topic.
• Candidates should solve sample question papers and take several mocks tests and model tests to know the exam pattern. This way, candidates have an idea about the exam pattern which will save a lot of time during the exam.
• Candidates should learn to effectively manage their time to answer 65 questions in about three hours, which will carry 100 marks in total. Candidates should have hands-on practice of shortcuts for mathematical questions which will save time for revision.
• Go through various books available for Mathematics, General Aptitude, Engineering which will give an idea about the previous year’s questions.

How to get admission in a good PhD Physics college?

To get admission in top PhD colleges, keep in mind the following things-

• Exceptional marks and performance in the Bachelor’s Degree and required entrance exams are required to secure a place in a top institute. Better the performance, higher are the chances of admission into a top institute offering PhD Physics.
• Apart from this candidate’s performance in the interview should be excellent, based on which the final selection will be done.
• Also, aspirants should be excellent at performing research with findings of research conducted by them.
• Be informed about the course cut-offs, eligibility, important dates, application process & fee, and deadlines to always stay updated.
• Candidates should prepare for the exam well in advance and cover all the required topics related to a general attitude, engineering, etc.

PhD Physics Syllabus

Some of the core and major PhD Physics syllabus, which every aspirant needs to study throughout the course duration are tabulated below.

PhD Physics Books

Tabulated below are some of the PhD Physics books that can help aspirants to have a broader and better understanding of the course

PhD Physics Top Colleges

Some of the top colleges in India providing PhD Physics are:

PhD Physics College Comparison

The table drawn below shows the comparison made among the 2 top IITs that offer a PhD in Physics.

Source: College Websites

PhD Physics: Distance Education

PhD Physics distance education is not valid anymore as per the UGC. However, a PhD Physics degree from IGNOU will still be recognized. The basic eligibility criteria for PhD Physics Distance education is that the candidate should possess a Master's Degree from a University recognized by UGC or any other qualification recognized as equivalent.

The details of the PhD Physics course through IGNOU is mentioned below:

Check:  IGNOU Admission

PhD Physics Course Comparison

PhD Physics vs PhD Chemistry

Both courses have different subjects and study areas. We have discussed the in-depth comparison below-

PhD Physics: Job Prospects and Career Options

After successful completion of the PhD Physics, graduates have vast career options. They can seek employment in sectors like IT, Research, Chemical, Medical, Healthcare, Educational, Engineering, or can be employed in areas like research administration, university administration, science reporting, technical management, and marketing, etc.

Graduates can choose to work as Researcher, Scientist, Physicist, Lecturer & Professor, Author & Writer, Journalist, Editor & Critic, Human Services Worker, Independent Consultant, Philosophical Journalist, Industrial R&D Lab professionals, Senior Research Scientist, etc.

Some of the major job profiles associated with the PhD Physics, along with the average salary are as follows:

Source: Payscale

Some of the top recruiters are ITM Group of Institutes, Amity University, Manipal University, Physical Research Laboratory, Solid State Physics Laboratory, IISC Bangalore, IIIT Hyderabad, UBS, Amazon, Indian Institute of Science, etc. offering an average salary of INR 5 LPA to 20 LPA.

PhD Physics: Future Scope

PhD Physics course makes an individual familiar with the fundamentals of Physics. Post obtaining a degree of the course, candidates are recommended to choose from the prominent career job opportunities such as Research Scientist, BioPhysicist, Environmental Engineering, Physics Faculty, etc.

Ques. What can I do after a PhD Physics?

Ans. You get vast career options and can choose from the following fields to work as Researcher, Scientist, Physicist, Lecturer & Professor, Author & Writer, Journalist, Editor & Critic, Human Services Worker, Independent Consultant, Philosophical Journalist, Industrial R&D Lab professionals, Senior Research Scientist, etc.

Ques. Is a PhD in Physics worth it?

Ans. Graduates with a PhD Physics degree will be well-positioned to get high-paying research or physicist level jobs like with an average annual salary of INR 8 LPA.

Ques. How is a PhD Physics?

Ans. The PhD Physics course provides experimental and theoretical education in physics and aims at providing a broad professional background in physics to the students. Students will be studying a variety of topics based on ongoing research activities at the Department of Physics.

Ques. Which top colleges in India provide a PhD Physics?

Ans. IIT Kanpur, IIT Madras, IIT Bombay, IISc Bangalore, BITS Pilani, Loyola College, Shiv Nadar University, BIT Mesra, etc. are some of the top colleges offering PhD Physics Department.

Ques. What Scope does a PhD Physics degree have?

Ans. PhD Physics course makes an individual familiar with the fundamentals of Physics. Post obtaining a degree of the course, candidates are recommended to choose from the prominent career job opportunities such as Research Scientist, BioPhysicist, Environmental Engineering, Physics Faculty, etc.

Ques. Which is a better PhD Physics or PhD Chemistry ?

Ans. PhD Physics involves Atomic and Condensed Matter Physics, Laser Physics, Particle Physics, etc. It prepares graduates to develop theories, mathematical modeling, etc. It focuses on the science of matter, properties, structure, composition, behavior, reaction, interaction, and change.

Ques. What job roles can I apply for after completing my PhD Physics?

Ans. Top job profiles, candidates can work in are Researcher, Scientist, Biophysicist, Postsecondary Physics Teachers, Physicists and Astronomers, Natural Sciences Managers, Petroleum Engineers, Industrial R&D Lab professionals, Senior Research Scientist, etc.

Ques. What is the admission process to apply for a PhD Physics program?

Ans. The admission process for the PhD Physics course depends on the entrance tests such as CSIR/UGC-JRF, CSIR/UGC, JEST/GATE, etc. The qualified candidates will be further selected on the basis of personal interview.

Ques. What will I get to study during my PhD Physics course?

Ans. You will get to study about Research Methodology and Statistics, Mathematical Methods, Theoretical Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Experimental Physics, Statistical Mechanics, Numerical Methods and Simulation, Numerical Methods and Programming, Research and Technical Communication, etc

Ques. What is the average fee and salary of a PhD Physics passout?

Ans. The average course fee to study a full-time PhD Physics program is around INR 20,000 to 5 lakhs and the average annual salary can range from INR 2 to 20 LPA.

11 Reviews found

VIT Chennai - A place to learn, A chance to grow - ia their Motto!!

Loan/ scholarship provisions :.

For the PhD program, a yearly fee of 40,000 rupees is payable. In addition, 1000 rupees each for courses need to be paid during course work registration, and during the time of thesis submission, a sum of 10,000 rupees needs to be paid as a Thesis fee. A caution deposit of Rs. 3000 is to be paid during the first year, which will be refunded. For scholars, there is a special cash award for anyone who publishes a paper within a year, 2 years, and 3 years period.

Campus Life :

There are lots of actions going on on the campus. Sports, workshops, competitions, and so on. For Undergrads and Postgrads, it is easy to participate in them. But for the research scholars, there are not many events but they can participate in the college events if they want but there will be no push. The infrastructure and lab facilities are vital for research scholars. It is nominal in VIT but can improve a lot. Labs are in good condition.

IITM- How the top institute in NIRF really is.

There are a number of fests happen but the annual cultural fest SAARANG is the huge one where they call Bollywood singers and popular overseas bands as well. There are many student activities also at this time(generally in December). Techfest is known as SAASTRA and happens at the end of January/start of Feb. Many departments have their separate fest such as biofest. The library and journal collection is excellent. You will find almost all your needs there. Classrooms are classic ones for phd students with some if the modern facility (you can expect old classrooms as it's an old IIT). There are a huge number of activities and you can literally do anything you want. A number of clubs for music, dance, musical instruments, sports, indoor sports etc. We have a gym and a swimming pool as well. Also, there are student clubs, finance clubs, film clubs etc, and all these clubs are run by students only.

Placement Experience :

Students with bachelor's and master's usually opt for placement. Students pursuing phd in physics don't usually go for a placement. It's a common thing in phd everywhere. Students usually opt for post foc positions abroad. So this question is not much relevant for PhD. If you consider all other degrees, the average package is 1500-2000k/ annum where the highest goes somewhere around 10M Indian rupees. Popular companies like Google, Amazon and Microsoft recruit students regularly. 100s of companies come for recruitment and Almost 100% of students get placed for bachelors, but you can say it's 0% in a PhD as they don't even sit in an interview. My plan is to go for a post-doc position, preferably in abroad as it gives higher value to a career.(that's strange but true)

The college is extremely Good for study

Course curriculum overview :.

I choose the B.Sc PCM course because I am very much intended to study science. There are many students and many courses like M.Sc physics, chemistry, maths, zoology, botany, And many more. The students are with me are there are 100 Students per section, there are 6 sections in this college. The faculty of lectures are very nice They studied well as PhD in many sciences. Their teaching method is very good. They have a lot of knowledge about to teach students. The nice interacted with students. In exam times There is full strictly conducted. Very difficult to pass from copy. Only studied well and pass well.

The annual fest is like a big festival. All students are in traditional Dresses. In April They conducted an annual day. There are more cultural activities like dance singing, many professors are coming there. The libraries are too good. All books are available in Library. The seat arrangement is very nice in the library. The students are studied well. In the classroom lots of seats to sit properly and listen to the class well. The sports like cricket, volleyball, football. the students are going to state levels and get many prizes.

Management with best faculty

Alumni/alumna :.

The college management used to maintain the alumni meet for every batch. This year there is a alumni meet for my seniors. It was held in auditorium and great sessions were conducted by the management. This session is very helpful that they have shared their experience about their carrier individually.

The management provides seminars workshops for individual departments. The workshop is very useful for the students where they can gain multiple skills and ideas. The labs were highly maintained by the college management with high tech equipments. Also they conduct sports day for the students.

SINP Review

Admission :.

The admission process was started and there were online forms that were available on the college website. The selection process is based on the screening of the student's academic records. The student those are applying for the course should have a master degree in physics. They should have also given the entrance exam of GATE in physics.

The syllabus has been divided into three terms for the physics course. There are many subjects that are been taught in the course. The students have the option to select from the four subjects in the advanced course. There is a research and project conducted in the month of August-July which is compulsory for all the students.

Good curriculum and overall technical exposure is excellent

I decided to pursue a PhD in Physics. IIT-Delhi is rich in imparting knowledge and offers a wide infrastructural advantage. At IIT-Delhi clearing NET examination is mandatory after which interviews are conducted twice in a year (in May for July session and in Nov-Dec for January session). After the interview the shortlisted candidates are allowed to interact with their choice of supervisors and with the mutual consent of student and supervisor, one can join the Ph. D. course

College Events :

The college celebrates various technical and cultural festivals which are widely enjoyed by the students and helps them to interact informally with the faculty members. The cultural fest at IIT-Delhi is generally extended up to 5 days. Apart from festivals several hostel events also take place all throughout the year

Bishal Paul's Review On Saha Institute Of Nuclear Physics - [SINP], Kolkata

The college offers seminars, conferences, workshops etc. for a better understanding of the students. The college has laboratories for experiments, computer labs, library, auditorium etc. The library of the college has many books, journals, magazines, dictionaries etc.

Fee Structure And Facilities :

The fees differs according to the course. My course fee was INR 30,000 per year which makes a grand total of INR 90,000 which includes tuition fees, examination fees, lab charges etc. It is not expensive looking into many other facilities provided by the college.

My college experience

First step is to find supervisor with respect to your interest and potential. Once supervisor is decided then go for problem defining in the area of research that you are chosen. Once problem is decided then you should take few courses that are essential to understand the basics and methodology of approaching the problem that is being defined. On parallel you will also have literature review which is an important process to know the depth of the problem and solution methods. Once you get idea of your problem then write up a proposal and submit to the department.

Our campus life is pretty amazing. Girls boys ratio would be around 40:60. We enjoy like anything on campus. Full parties and fun time through the semester days, When it comes to subjective matters we will be forming into groups and make discussions out. Our campus has got students from all parts of India and few from foreign as well. Lot of diversity in regions. We celebrate all regional festivals as if its our festival since it happens on our campus. We enjoy living and leading life on campus.

Life change time.

The JIIT Youth club, better known as JYC, amongst students and faculty members, was formed in 2004. Since it's formation, it is responsible for organizing various literary, cultural, sports and technical events every year. JYC endeavors its members in gainfully utilizing their time and energy beyond the normal academic activities, which help them to inculcate the moral values and feeling of social responsibility in themselves.

The course structure is good here. once you get registered in Ph.D program. then you have to complete courses which is recommend in Ph.D. these courses are very useful in research program. each course has some credits and you have to earn those credits to pass those course.

Dibyajyoti Mohanta's Review On IIT BHU - Indian Institute Of Technology, Varanasi

The fee structure is maintained according to the MHRD rule and regulations. The fee structure for PhD students are 15,950 rupees (including Hostel fees and Tuition fees ) per year. And for the B.Tech students the tuition fees are around 59,000 rupees per year. And there are so much scholarships and fellowships for needy student.

Being a new IIT, We are very much giving competition to the other ones in terms of Placements and Job opportunities. In the session 2015-16 total 13 students are registered for placements. Out of them Nine students are placed. Highest CTC :10 lakhs/pa. No of companies visited in that session in all departments are 106.

PhD journey

Entrance preview :.

My pasion to understand the physics behind the natural things drive me to do PhD in Physics. So i took national level exam to do PhD from renowned national institutes. I have qualified through written and interview exams to do PhD at University of Hyderabad. After that i am also selected for a bilateral research program to be performed in colloboration with Italy.

The management is slightly disturbing. The people are less known with the rules and want to have their won ruling than the authorities. SOme use to have particality in some part of the student community. That made me really feeeling bad while staying in the campus. Actually it is degradingthe standards of university. Let see where it will lead finally.

Ph.D. (Chemistry)

Ph.d. (mathematics), ph.d. (biotechnology), ph.d. (zoology), ph.d. (botany), ph.d. (english), master of science [ms], bachelor of science [b.sc] (physics), ph.d. (physics) colleges in india.

IIT Madras - Indian Institute of Technology - [IITM]

IIT Delhi - Indian Institute of Technology [IITD]

IIT Bombay - Indian Institute of Technology - [IITB]

IIT Kharagpur - Indian Institute of Technology - [IITKGP]

IIT Kanpur - Indian Institute of Technology - [IITK]

IIT Roorkee - Indian Institute of Technology - [IITR]

BITS Pilani (Pilani Campus)

IIT Guwahati - Indian Institute of Technology - [IITG]

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Prospective Undergrads

An undergraduate degree in physics at MIT, with its emphasis on learning to solve problems, provides an excellent basis for graduate study in physics and related fields; it is also a great foundation for careers in industry, research, finance, management, law, medicine, or public policy.

The Physics Department offers two tracks to the major , Flexible and Focus, each leading to a Bachelor of Science in Physics:

• The Flexible track is selected by most Physics majors: it provides a series of rigorous courses in fundamental physics topics, and its options enable many of our students to complete second majors in other disciplines.
• Students who choose the Focus track take a greater number of specific required courses, including two terms of experimental physics, and write a research thesis.

Both pathways are highly suitable for any student planning to pursue graduate school, teaching or research beyond MIT. Degree requirements for each can be found on our Physics Degree Requirements webpage.

Advanced Standing and Transfer Credit Exams

MIT Physics offers two kind of credit for knowledge demonstrated through exams or for previous work:

• Advanced Standing credit can be given for successfully passing an exam demonstrating mastery of the material from an MIT course. Current subjects for which Advanced Standing Exams (ASEs) are available are 8.01 , 8.02 , 8.03 , and 8.04 .
• Transfer credit is given for course work completed at another university; a Validation Exam to demonstrate mastery of the material is required for 8.01 or 8.02 transfer credit.

Upcoming Exams Schedule

The MIT Physics Department offers ASEs twice a year (once in August and once in January).

Fall 2024 Advanced Standing/Validation Exams schedule: 8.01 ASE: August 5, 2024 — Online 8.02 ASE: August 7, 2024 — Online 8.03 ASE: September 3, 2024 — On Campus – Time/Location TBA 8.04 ASE: September 3, 2024 — On Campus – Time/Location TBA To register for ASEs, download the ASE petition form . Be sure to sign the petition yourself and obtain your advisor’s signature, then forward it to Physics Academic Administrator Shannon Larkin for instructor signatures. To request transfer credit for any Physics subject, consult with Physics Academic Administrator Shannon Larkin , who serves as the Department’s Transfer Credit Examiner and will determine whether the course meets MIT Physics’ standards.

Accommodations for ASEs / Transfer Validation Exams

In order to be granted extended time, a distraction-free space, or any other needed accommodation for the exams offered, students need to get approval from the Disabilities and Access Services Office ( [email protected] ). Students also need to contact the Physics Course Manager, Anna Maria Convertino ( [email protected] ) to coordinate the logistics of the accommodation requested.

More on Advanced Standing Credit

MIT’s first-level Physics courses in Classical Mechanics (8.01) and Electricity & Magnetism (8.02) provide a rigorous, in-depth study of these topics at a level offered by few other schools. A student who believes that pre-MIT work has prepared the student with strong knowledge of the subject matter in 8.01 and/or 8.02 may take an Advanced Standing Exam.

A passing grade on an MIT Advanced Standing Exam entitles a student to full credit for the subject, as well as placement in the next subject in a sequence. A student may only take an Advanced Standing Exam in a class for which they had never registered nor attended at MIT.

Obtaining Advanced Standing Credit

For january exams:.

All students, including new transfer students:

• Register for ASEs using the ASE petition form .
• Be sure to sign the petition yourself and obtain your advisor’s signature, then forward it to Physics Academic Administrator  Shannon Larkin for instructor signatures.

For August Exams:

Incoming first-year students:

• Register for ASEs through the form on the  Office of the First Year website .

All continuing students and new transfer students:

All students, both exam dates:

• Read the “ What you need to do ” section of the MIT Registrar’s Office website on ASEs.
• After obtaining a signature from your Academic Advisor, and signing the petition yourself, send the petition to  [email protected]  to obtain an instructor signature from Shannon Larkin , Physics Academic Administrator.
• Once you receive your signed form, submit it to the Registrar’s Office (send to  [email protected] ) for verification that you have not previously been enrolled in the class. Forms must arrive at the Registrar’s Office at least three weeks before the date of the exam.

Additional information about MIT’s Advanced Standing Exams policy and practice .

Advanced Standing Grading

• First-semester freshmen: P grade for passing the exam; no grade posted for failing the exam.
• Second-semester freshmen: graded on the A/B/C/No Record scale; any passing grade (C or above) appears on the student’s transcript.
• Sophomores, juniors, and seniors (including new transfer students): letter grades will appear on transcript, but not factor into the GPA.
• A student who fails an advanced standing exam cannot retake it, and should enroll in the appropriate subject.

More on Transfer Credit

MIT’s first-level Physics courses in Classical Mechanics (8.01) and Electricity & Magnetism (8.02) provide a rigorous, in-depth study of these topics at a level offered by few other schools. A student who has not yet completed the Physics GIRs at MIT may wish to take a course at another college or university (e.g., during a summer session) and apply for transfer credit; students transferring to MIT may have already taken such a course. In order to qualify for MIT credit, the course must:

• be calculus-based and directed toward science or engineering majors;
• use a text at a level comparable to that of texts used at MIT (see below);
• be the equivalent of one MIT term in the number of lecture hours, number of assignments, etc.; have content matching that of 8.01 (Mechanics) or 8.02 (Electricity and Magnetism).

The principal topics usually included in such a course are listed below. Additional information can be found on the individual course websites .

Obtaining transfer credit

To request transfer credit for any Physics subject, consult with Physics Academic Administrator Shannon Larkin , who serves as the Department’s Transfer Credit Examiner and will determine whether the course meets MIT Physics’ standards. Students requesting transfer credit should send:

• a copy of or link to the official catalog description of the course;
• a detailed syllabus including the title and author of the textbook and the chapters covered, as well as topics covered week to week;
• a transcript from the institution where the course was taken (NOTE: a grade of B or better is required to receive transfer credit).

Requesting credit for 8.01 or 8.02:

• The student must “validate” the transfer credit by passing an MIT 8.01 or 8.02 Validation Exam. Exams are given during Orientation week prior to the fall term and in the last week of IAP prior to the spring term. To register for an exam, submit a petition (PDF) to the Academic Programs Office .
• After passing the Validation Exam, request transfer credit by submitting a Request for Additional Credit (PDF) to the Transfer Credit Examiner.

Requesting credit for courses beyond the GIRs:

• Based on the materials sent to the Transfer Credit Examiner, a decision will be made on what transfer credit will be awarded; no exam is required for subjects above 8.02. Transfer credit may be in the form of direct credit for a specific MIT Physics subject, if the previous course covers the same curriculum with the same rigor, or may be in the form of units of academic credit, in cases where no analogous MIT course exists.
• Once credit has been approved, submit a Request for Additional Credit (PDF) to the Transfer Credit Examiner.

Transfer Credit Grading

Transfer credit appears on the transcript with a grade of “S.” Transfer credit entitles the student to placement in the next subject in a sequence.

A student who fails an 8.01 or 8.02 Validation Exam will have no grade noted on the transcript, but may not repeat the exam and must enroll in the MIT course.

Potential Topics for Placement Exams

Physics ASEs and Validation Exams are three-hour, closed-book exams covering calculus-based introductory Classical Mechanics ( 8.01 ) or Classical Electromagnetism ( 8.02 ). Exams are modelled on final exams in 8.01 and 8.02, with problems based on a selection of the topics listed below. Suggested texts for study include University Physics by Young and Freedman; Physics by Halliday, Resnick and Krane; and Physics for Scientists and Engineers by Serway. Calculators may not be used during these exams; formula sheets are often provided but are not guaranteed.

8.01 Preparation Guides

• Potential 8.01 ASE topics
• 8.01 ASE equation sheet for Fall 2023

8.02 Preparation Guides

• Potential 8.02 ASE topics
• 8.02 ASE equation sheet

Physics subjects for First-years (GIRs)

The Department of Physics has various options for fulfilling the General Institute Requirements (GIRs) of Physics I and Physics II , all based on extensive use of calculus.

Physics I introduces classical (Newtonian) mechanics: space and time; kinematics; Newton’s Laws; particle dynamics; collisions and conservation laws; work and potential energy; universal gravitation; rigid bodies, equilibrium, and rotational dynamics.

• 8.01 : taken by most students, this course uses the Technology Enabled Active Learning (TEAL) format, including group problem-solving and digital content;
• 8.012 : mathematically more advanced than 8.01; is intended for students with strong physics and math background;
• Appropriate placement in 8.01, 8.01L, or 8.012 is determined by the results of the Math Diagnostic for Physics Placement test taken during Orientation.
• 8.011 : offered each spring, intended for students who need to retake a version of 8.01; its organization of small lecture sections and weekly quizzes benefits students who learn well in a highly-structured environment.

Physics II introduces electromagnetism and electrostatics: electric charge, Coulomb’s law, the electric structure of matter, conductors and dielectrics. Concepts of electrostatic field and potential, electrostatic energy. Electric currents, magnetic fields, and Ampere’s law. Magnetic materials. Time-varying fields and Faraday’s law of induction. Basic electric circuits. Electromagnetic waves and Maxwell’s equations.

• 8.02 : like 8.01, presents material using the TEAL format .
• 8.021 : offered each fall; taught in small lecture sections with weekly quizzes. Enrollment is limited to students who have previously attempted 8.02 or 8.022.
• 8.022 : mathematically more advanced level than 8.02; intended for students with strong physics and math background.

Physics Undergraduate Student Activities

Undergraduate student life in the MIT Physics Department is lively!  Many activities—social events, grad school discussions, career panels, dinners with faculty—are planned and sponsored by:

• Society of Physics Students (SPS)
• Undergraduate Womxn in Physics (UWIP)

The Department also sponsors activities throughout the year: sophomore orientation, gatherings welcoming the year and celebrating the end of exams, Town Halls where students can voice their opinions about department issues, and much more. You can find these events listed in our calendar .

Learn more about undergraduate life at MIT in general at:

• MIT Association of Student Activities
• MIT Campus and Student Activities
• MIT Undergraduate Association
• MIT Division of Student Life

Visit MIT Physics

We welcome hearing from you if you are planning a visit to the Boston area and would like to visit the MIT Physics department! Visits usually involve meeting with our Undergraduate Program Coordinator, who will describe the program and undergraduate activities, and answer questions. We can also arrange for you to meet with a current student. Visit arrangements should be made in advance in order to ensure someone is available to meet with you. To request an appointment, contact [email protected] .

While we do not arrange visits with faculty members, you may contact research labs and/or individual faculty directly to ask about a meeting during your visit.

Visitors can also take a campus tour provided by the Admissions Office and read more information about arranging a general visit to MIT .

Programs for Prospective Students

Mit summer research program (msrp).

The  MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP)  is an institutional effort to help facilitate the involvement of talented students in research aspects of the fields of engineering and science, in particular those from disadvantaged backgrounds such as under-represented minorities, or first-generation college students.

This summer program seeks to identify talented undergraduates from around the country who could benefit from spending a summer on MIT’s campus, working in a research laboratory under the tutelage and guidance of experienced scientists and engineers – MIT faculty members, postdoctoral fellows and advanced graduate students.

Students who participate in this program will be better prepared and motivated to go on to a Ph.D. degree, thereby helping to curtail under-representation in critical fields of scientific investigation.

Application Deadline

Please visit the MIT Summer Research Program site for application deadline information.

Program Features

• Supervision by an MIT faculty member, postdoctoral fellow or advanced graduate student
• Weekly research presentation by MIT faculty
• Weekly seminars on issues directly related to the academic, personal and professional growth of interns
• Social outings (barbeques, boat cruise, visits to Boston area, etc.)
• Preparation of an abstract and graduate school statement of purpose
• Poster presentation at the end of the program
• Individual counseling on academic careers
• Constructive feedback on the need for further undergraduate courses and acquisition of additional laboratory skills
• Opportunity to possibly co-author a scientific paper with the faculty mentor
• Exposure to state of the art research laboratories in MIT departments and over 60 interdisciplinary centers on MIT’s campus
• Hands-on training in active, “real-world” laboratories

For questions or for further information, contact the MSRP staff at  [email protected] .

Physics Bridge Program

The MIT Physics Bridge Program is a one- or two-year post-baccalaureate program at MIT to facilitate the transition to graduate school.  Participation is open to physics students who have completed a bachelor’s degree and have participated in the MIT Summer Research Program.

Interested college seniors who have attended MSRP should apply to the MIT Physics graduate program by following the procedures given at our  physics graduate study website .

Undergraduate Employment Opportunities

Interested students can find opportunities to work as TAs, graders, and course mentoring in Student Employment Opportunities .

Tutoring Resources

Physics students have access to a variety of academic support and tutoring opportunities:

• Peer Tutoring Program : offered to qualifying students taking sophomore core subjects (8.03, 8.033, 8.04, 8.044). For more information about this program, contact [email protected] .
• Fall Classes: 8.01, 8.02, 8.01L, 8.012, 8.021, 8.022, 8.03, 8.04, 8.041
• Spring Classes: 8.011, 8.02, 8.022, 8.03, 8.04, 8.044
• Tutoring in specific courses: some courses include tutors as part of their course staff; please refer to individual subject web pages for specific tutoring opportunities.
• Individual hiring of tutors: can be organized through a special arrangement with the Physics Academic Programs Office.
• The Office of Minority Education’s Talented Scholars Resource Room (TSR^2): free tutoring services to all MIT undergraduate students. TSR^2 provides one-on-one tutoring sessions, p-set nights, and exam reviews.

Stanford PhD physicist applies for rural clerk job in central Chinese town

• Su Zhen, with a doctorate from top US university, reportedly appears on civil servant candidate list in Anhui province, sparking speculation

In China, the civil service exam usually consists of a written test, interview and assessment – those listed on the screenshot still have to undergo their “political assessment” before the final decision is made and announced.

As the list has not yet been made public, the Post could not independently verify the original source of the screenshot. However the Post did confirm the authenticity of the case with two insiders, including one from Xiao county, a region of around 1 million people in northern Anhui province, where Su was born and graduated from a local high school.

One of Su’s high school classmates, who goes by the username Hyman, expressed his surprise on Monday on social media site Zhihu, a Quora-like online content platform.

He said when he heard the news from his high school alumni group, his first reaction was, “It’s impossible.”

He said he then turned to other classmates for confirmation, but was told that Su’s WeChat was no longer in use and others had lost contact with him a long time ago.

“I think his intelligence and diligence make him a better academic researcher than me, and there is no doubt that he has a bright future ahead of him,” he said.

Su was one of the school’s top academic performers. According to Hyman, Su was the best student in his class – and the top student in USTC’s physics department.

During his studies at USTC, Su was awarded the Guo Moruo Scholarship, the university’s most prestigious scholarship. According to the university, of the 34 recipients in 2016, 26 went to the world’s most famous universities and research institutes. Su chose to head to Stanford.

Which is why his career choice now is seen by many as inexplicable.

“If he doesn’t want to go into academia and hopes to become a civil servant, a city in China’s economically developed coastal area is also a better choice,” he said.

Others, however, believe Su may have made his decision for personal reasons and his choice should be respected.

In March, there was a similar case in the Yuhang District Education Bureau in the eastern province of Zhejiang when they welcomed a new civil servant who had graduated from Harvard University.

Despite such similar cases, Yuan Lanfeng, a researcher at USTC, believes Su’s case is an anomaly that does not represent the general situation for graduates of prestigious universities.

“It’s not necessary to take such a grass-roots job, even if it’s very hard to find work,” Yuan said, adding that with his CV, the most obvious route for Su is academia, followed by companies, and there must be a personal reason for not going to any of these.

The Post has attempted to contact Su to ask him about his life experiences and career considerations, but has not yet received a reply.

The Post also contacted Mike Dunne, Su’s primary thesis adviser and a professor of photon science at Stanford, for comment, but he also did not respond.

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Helen caines appointed horace d. taft professor of physics.

Helen Caines, a physicist whose research has revealed important insights into the behavior of nuclear matter under extremes of temperature and density, was recently appointed the Horace D. Taft Professor of Physics, effective immediately.

She is a member of Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) in the Department of Physics and is a member of the Yale Wright Laboratory.

Caines, whose research group is currently supported by grants from the U.S. Department of Energy, is a collaborator on the STAR experiment based at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) at Brookhaven National Laboratory. She was the STAR elected co-spokesperson from 2017-2023 and is also involved with the ALICE experiment at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, the world's largest and most powerful particle accelerator, located near Geneva, Switzerland. Most recently Caines joined the ePIC collaboration, the experiment selected to be installed at the future Electron-Ion Collider, a one-of-a-kind particle collider scheduled to begin operations at Brookhaven National Laboratory in the early 2030s. She is an author or co-author on more than 700 peer-reviewed publications.

Caines and her research group use collisions of nuclei traveling at relativistic speeds to create and study the Quark Gluon Plasma (QGP), the state of matter as it existed in the universe shortly after the Big Bang. She played a pivotal role in the preparations and operation of the beam energy scan at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). The data STAR collected during this 3-year period is being used to search for the “critical point” in the phase diagram of nuclear matter which marks a change in how the transition to the QGP occurs.

Caines is an elected fellow of the Institute of Physics in the UK and the American Physical Society. She has served on the Nuclear Science Advisory Committee (NSAC) that provides advice and guidance to the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation on scientific priorities within the field of basic nuclear science research.

Her contributions have helped shape research agendas in her field. Caines has been involved in organizing a number of field-defining workshops and conferences, including the recent Critical Point and Onset of Deconfinement (CPOD) International Conference, the Strangeness in Quark Matter International Conference, and the International Conference on Initial Stages in High Energy Collisions (IS).

An outstanding mentor and teacher, Caines has a sizable research group which currently consists of two research scientists, one associate research scientist, two postdoctoral fellows, and seven graduate students. She also supervises undergraduate researchers and is active in outreach for increasing diversity in physics. She has just finished a term as a member of the American Physics Society’s Committee on Minorities in Physics

Caines earned a B.S. degree and her Ph.D. at the University of Birmingham in Birmingham, England.

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2024 phd graduate – aerospace and thermal engineering.

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Are you ready to put your aerospace & thermal engineering skills to work solving the critical challenges related to the defense of our nation and our service members? Are you interested in tackling the design challenges associated with extreme speed and intense heat?

If so, then you are exactly the type of candidate we are looking for! We are seeking highly motivated teammates to join our dynamic group of engineers and scientists. As part of our diverse team you will work in a highly collaborative and engaging environment.

We are currently looking for candidates to join the Aerospace & Thermal Engineering group that have expertise in:

• Aerodynamics, aeroacoustics & computational fluid dynamics
• Wind tunnel testing; in-silo, restrained fire, and flight testing of rocket motors
• Reacting multi-phase flows, non-equilibrium flows & fluid/structure interactions
• Combustion, thermochemistry, ablation & surface chemistry
• Thermal & aerothermal analysis, design and test
• Multi-waveband sensor modeling & scene generation
• Software architecture, GPU computing & physics-based algorithm development

Our engineers and scientists collaborate closely to find solutions for challenging thermal environments – thermal protection systems for hypersonic speeds, in-silo rocket launch, missile staging, turbulent combustion in detonation engines, and the first fractions of a second after intercept impact. At the opposite extreme, we have worked on spacecraft, lunar infrastructure, and systems deployed in Antarctica. All of these environments create challenges not only in thermal and aerodynamic design and testing, but also in predictive modeling.

Our computational physicists, software architects and high performance computing experts are continually evolving state-of-the-art modeling and simulation capabilities to guide design, prototype development and testing of kinetic weapons systems. They are at the cutting edge of scene and signature generation in simulating performance of the infrared, optical and radio frequency sensors that detect such systems.

Our sponsors mandate us to solve today’s problems with the best methods available today, but we strive to also look forward – to anticipate new engineering challenges and new opportunities. Our group sustains an energetic community of innovators. Current efforts include work in rotating detonation engine technology development, new thermal protection system materials, electric propulsion for space applications, and spatiotemporal methods for GPU-based modeling of turbulent combustion and hypersonic boundary layers. We collaborate with other groups across the lab in nearly all we do, and regularly work with subject matter experts in external academic and defense communities – to consult, to employ state-of-the-art testing capabilities and to partner in developing new hardware technologies and software methodologies.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

• Have a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Chemistry or a related field.
• Are an expert in one of the following areas: aerodynamics and fluid analysis, thermal/fluid modeling, heat transfer, thermochemistry, combustion, hypersonic thermal design, infrared scenes, signatures and related software development.
• Are a motivated self-starter with excellent communications skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. If you are selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [email protected]. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

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2024 PhD Graduate - Post Doctoral Fellow Computational Materials Scientist/Chemistry job in Laurel

2024 PhD Graduate - Post Doctoral Fellow Computational Materials Scientist/Chemistry

_appMessage[text.featured_jobs] (web-86bf545f88-sggxd) Helping diverse candidates find great careers is our goal. The information you provide here is secure and confidential. We are now directing you to the original job posting. Please apply directly for this job at the employer’s website. click here if you are not redirected automatically By clicking the button above, I agree to the DiversityJobs.com Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . Special Instructions UCF Recognized for Academic Excellence and Advancing Professional Careers in Engineering, Research and Innovation Led by the nation’s No. 3 homeland security program and some of the best engineering and research-innovation programs in the country, U.S. News & World Report ranked more than 30 UCF graduate programs among the best. By Anthony M. Moore | March 29, 2022 UCF is one of the best universities in the nation for students looking to continue their education and advance their careers in a wide range of professional areas, including emergency and crisis management , high-tech research and the engineering fields. Take it from U.S. News & World Report ’s 2023 Best Graduate Schools Rankings , which are based on in-depth reputational and statistical surveys from more than 800 institutions. Located in one of the nation’s major metropolitan cities, UCF is close to a host of internship and job opportunities with many of the nation’s most successful companies. The rankings are the latest acknowledgement of UCF’s dedication to academic excellence, commitment to advancing the professional careers of students and an institutional priority for making significant societal contributions. Earlier this year, U.S. News & World Report recognized UCF as one of the top 10 universities in the nation for Online Bachelor’s Programs . Last fall, the publication named UCF a national leader in innovation and social mobility . Taken as a whole, the rankings show UCF is the place to be for those looking to take their professional careers to the next level. In the annual rankings, announced today, UCF’s Master of Emergency and Crisis Management program placed No. 3 in the nation, ranking among the top ten in the country for the fifth consecutive year. UCF was No. 12 for Atomic/ Molecular/ Optical Physics. Four areas of study within public administration ranked among the top 40 in the country. Nine UCF engineering programs were in the top 50 among public institutions and in the top 100 among all institutions, both public and private. Overall, nearly 40 programs at UCF were rated among the top 150 within their respective fields. Emergency and Crisis Management Ranked in Top Three – Again Placing third in the nation, the Master of Emergency and Crisis Management program is the university’s highest-ranking program. The program has been UCF’s top-ranked graduate program each of the last four years. The fifth consecutive year that it has placed in the top 10, UCF’s program is the only one in Florida to place in the top 10 in this category for 2023. Earning an average annual salary of around $75,000, the demand for emergency management practitioners is expected to grow 4% through 2029. UCF’s program prepares its students, both those working in the industry as well as those looking to break into it, to secure management roles in prominent local and national entities. These include the City of Orlando, Lockheed Martin, the National Military Command Center, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Seminole County Office of Emergency Management. Program leadership says UCF prepares its students to meet the employment demand like few other universities. UCF focuses on a whole community approach for all phases of emergency management while emphasizing ethical and culturally competent leadership in public service. “The ever-increasing number of man-made and natural disasters necessitates the need for professional emergency management practitioners to guide our nation’s communities through times of tragedy and distress.” – Qian Hu, emergency management program director “The ever-increasing number of man-made and natural disasters necessitates the need for professional emergency management practitioners to guide our nation’s communities through times of tragedy and distress,” says Qian Hu, program director and an associate professor within UCF’s School of Public Administration. “For nearly 20 years, UCF has been training individuals to meet the demands of threats to our homeland. At UCF, our students receive an innovative, hands-on experience that qualifies them to be crisis management leaders anywhere across the globe.” In addition to the graduate program in Emergency and Crisis Management, the following academic areas within UCF’s School of Public Administration were ranked within the top 40 of their respective fields: A Leader in National Research “UCF’s steady and ongoing investments in AMO physics and laser sciences, both in the Department of Physics and at CREOL, allow our students to work and collaborate on interdisciplinary research at the cutting edge of these fields.” – Zenghu Chang, Pegasus Professor of Physics and Optics and Photonics Earlier this year, Michael Chini, a UCF physics professor, led a UCF team that developed the world’s first optical oscilloscope, an instrument that can measure the electric field of light, based on all-solid-state materials. A research team led by Physics Professor Li Fang was awarded an almost $2 million grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation to develop a first-of-its-kind infrared laser system. A team of physics and CREOL professors earned UCF an invitation to join LaserNetUS, a U.S. Department of Energy consortium of the nation’s most prominent laser facilities. Recently ficonTEC, a German-based global leader in photonics manufacturing, partnered with UCF to establish a Central Florida location and provide CREOL student and faculty researchers access to sophisticated industry production tools through a new lab in the college. “UCF’s steady and ongoing investments in AMO physics and laser sciences, both in the Department of Physics and at CREOL, allow our students to work and collaborate on interdisciplinary research at the cutting edge of these fields,” says Zenghu Chang, a Pegasus Professor of Physics and Optics and Photonics Overall, 2021 was a banner year for UCF research endeavors . From innovative jet propulsion systems to explorations on office-space behaviors, UCF research endeavors focused on work that battled threats and sought out opportunities to advance society. An internationally recognized space pioneer , UCF conducts innovative applied research, including more than 12 projects related to NASA’s Artemis mission. Last year, UCF ranked 25th among public universities for producing patents and 60th in the world, according to the National Academy of Inventors and the Intellectual Property Owners Association. A Leader in Engineering Among engineering programs, UCF’s College of Engineering and Computer Science ranked No. 43 across public institutions and No. 73 overall. The university placed ahead of several other Florida institutions, including Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, the University of Miami and the University of South Florida. Nine individual engineering programs and areas were ranked within the top 50 among public institutions. They were all ranked in the top 100 among both public and private institutions. The Computer Science program saw the college’s biggest one-year national leap, rising 13 spaces to No. 69, overall. A full listing of UCF engineering rankings follow: Other 2023 ucf rankings, more topics, pegasus magazine. 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