Graduate Physics Advanced Degree Programs

Physics Department Guidelines for Graduate Students (.pdf)

Physics Department Course Catalog (.pdf)

School of Science and Engineering Graduate Catalog (.pdf)

Physics Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Program

The master's degree is not a requirement for the Ph.D. in physics. At least 48 credits of graduate courses, exclusive or research credit, must be successfully completed. All students are required to take Physics 601, 602, 706, 710, 717, 718, 723, 724 and six credits of an advanced specialty such as nuclear physics or solid state physics.

The departmental language requirement should be satisfied by a demonstrated proficiency in computer programming.

The preliminary examination consists of two elements, a core examination and a specialty examination. The core examination is composed of two written examinations, one covering classical physics and the other quantum mechanics and modern physics. The specialty examination is an oral examination over material in or related to the student's area of specialization. Students who have not passed the preliminary examination are required to attend the weekly department seminar.

The final requirement for the Ph.D. degree in physics is an acceptable dissertation based on significant research and its defense in an oral examination.

Physics Master of Science (M.Sc.) Program

A thesis is optional for the master's degree in physics. A student electing to write a thesis must complete a minimum of 24 credits of graduate courses approved by the department and defend the thesis in the oral examination. Those electing not to write a thesis must successfully complete 30 credits of graduate courses. All master's degree candidates in physics should satisfy the language requirement by demonstrating proficiency in computer programming. In addition, students are required to attend the weekly department seminars.