Physics, Ph.D.

About the Physics Doctoral Program

The core courses for the Ph.D. in Physics degree are the same as those for the M.S. degree, plus PHYS 5302  and PHYS 6306 . There is no applied concentration for the PhD., so students intending to earn the Ph.D. must complete all four core courses. Further selections of advanced courses should be made in consultation with the graduate and research advisor.

Students seeking the Ph.D. degree must pass a preliminary examination and a qualifying examination as described in the departmental Graduate Booklet and in accordance with Graduate School requirements. Examination topics are drawn from general undergraduate physics and graduate core courses. The program requires a Ph.D. dissertation based on original research.

Students are encouraged to get involved in research early by taking PHYS 7000 , which may count toward the degree. Thesis hours in PHYS 6000  (6 hours for the M.S. with thesis option) and 12 hours of PHYS 8000  (for the Ph.D.) should be taken as early as possible. Students must maintain a B average in the four core courses in addition to the overall B average required by the Graduate School.