Physics—MS and PhD

Our graduate programs provide a rigorous foundation with specialized concentrations in Astrophysics, Condensed Matter Physics, and Quantum Optics and Quantum Information. Our curriculum is designed for collaboration; research areas overlap significantly, allowing students to customize their education with courses across disciplines.

Research Concentrations

PHYS Master of Science (MS)

Students may choose between a thesis or non-thesis track to earn their MS in Physics.

General Requirements

  • Minimum Credits: 30 total credit hours.
  • Level Requirement: At least 18 credits must be at the 600-level or higher.
  • Core Curriculum: Students must pass the following with a grade of “B–” or higher:
    • PHYS 605 Mathematical Physics (3 credits)
    • Either PHYS 601 Quantum Mechanics I or PHYS 424 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (3 credits); Note: PHYS 424 must be taken for graduate-level credit.
    • Two semesters of PHYS 698 Physics Seminar (1 credit each).

Thesis Option

  • 16 additional credits of approved lecture coursework.
  • A minimum of 6 credits of PHYS 799 Master’s Thesis Research.
  • A written thesis and defense before an Examination Committee.

Non-Thesis Option

  • 22 additional credits of approved lecture coursework.
  • A scholarly paper.
  • A passing score on the written Qualifying Exam at the MS level (to be completed within the first two years).

 

PHYS Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Course Requirements

The PhD degree requires a minimum of 52 credits. Each of the 7 core courses must be passed with a grade of “B–” or higher.

  • Core Courses:
    • PHYS 601 Classical Mechanics
    • PHYS 602 Statistical Mechanics
    • PHYS 605 Mathematical Physics
    • PHYS 606 Quantum Mechanics I
    • PHYS 607 Quantum Mechanics II
    • PHYS 701 Classical Electricity and Magnetism I
    • PHYS 707 Classical Electricity and Magnetism II
  • Seminar & Professional Skills:
    • PHYS 690 Professional Skills in Physics (1 credit)
    • PHYS 698 Physics Seminar (3 semesters, 1 credit each)
  • Electives & Research:
    • Three Graduate Elective Courses (3 credits each)
    • PHYS 899 Doctoral Research (Minimum of 2 semesters, 9 credits each)

Milestones to Candidacy

  1. Qualifying Examination: Students must demonstrate mastery of fundamental physics via a written exam consisting of four sections: Classical Mechanics, Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics, and Electricity and Magnetism.
    • Timing: Offered every January and August.
    • Deadline: All four sections must be passed by the start of the 4th semester.
    • Note: Sections are graded separately; students only need to repeat specific sections they have not yet passed.
  2. Preliminary PhD Committee: By the end of the 4th semester, students must secure a tenure-track Physics faculty member as their PhD Research Advisor. In consultation with their Advisor, the student forms a committee consisting of the advisor and two additional Physics faculty members. At least two members of this committee must be tenure-track faculty.
  3. PhD Research Proposal: Students present a two-part proposal to their Preliminary Committee: a formal written document and an oral presentation.
  4. Admission to Candidacy:
    After completing all required coursework (excluding PHYS 899), passing the Qualifying Examination, and successfully presenting the Research Proposal, a student becomes eligible for PhD Candidacy.

    • Faculty Review: Based on the recommendation of the Preliminary PhD Committee, the full Department of Physics faculty will vote on the student’s admission to candidacy.
    • Formal Recommendation: Following a positive departmental vote, a formal recommendation is submitted to the Graduate School to officially admit the student to PhD Candidacy.
    • Timeline: Students must be voted into Candidacy by the start of their 4th year in the program.

Dissertation and Defense

  • Doctoral Research: After reaching candidacy, students focus on their original research, culminating in a PhD Dissertation.
  • The Final Defense: Students must defend their dissertation before a Final PhD Committee. In accordance with Graduate School policy, the Chair of this committee must be a tenure-track member of the Physics Department.