Students earning a Ph.D. in Physics advance the start-of-the-art in the field through research---experimental, theoretical, and/or computational---in areas such as condensed matter physics, atomic physics, and particle physics. Coursework is offered to ensure that students have an appropriate level of foundational knowledge. 

Graduates of this program are well prepared for careers in fundamental and applied physics research, higher education, and a wide range of industries that can take advantage of the technical, communication, and leadership skills our students develop.

Students interested in graduate work should refer to the Graduate and Professional Bulletin. 

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  1. Articulate the relevant principles of classical mechanics, statistical mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics in the context of important model systems and real systems, at the level expected of graduate students.
  2. Apply advanced problem-solving skills using analytical and numerical methods as appropriate at the graduate level.
  3. Appreciate the current state of knowledge in areas of physics both within and outside their area of specialization.
  4. Carry out original research in physics.
  5. Use written communication and oral presentation skills to share research results with the scientific community.

Effective Fall 2026

Students are required to maintain the department's requirements for normal progress.  Any course substitutions, waivers, or transfer credits must be approved by the departmental Graduate Advisory Committee.

Core Courses 121
PH 571
Mathematical Methods for Physics I
PH 621
Classical Mechanics
PH 641
Electromagnetism I
PH 642
Electromagnetism II
PH 651
Quantum Mechanics I
PH 652
Quantum Mechanics II
PH 671
Statistical Mechanics
Seminar4
PH 692
Seminar 2
Physics Electives 39
DSCI 550/PH 550
Computational Physical Statistics
PH 521
Introduction to Lasers
PH 522
Introductory Laser Laboratory
PH 531
Introductory Condensed Matter Physics
PH 561
Elementary Particle Physics
PH 721
Advanced Atomic, Molecular, Optical Physics
PH 731
Condensed Matter Theory
PH 762
Elementary Particle Theory
PH 770
Quantum Theory
Non-classroom courses8-38
PH 693
Current Topics in Physics Research
PH 698
Research
PH 699
Thesis
PH 784
Supervised College Teaching
PH 795
Independent Study
PH 799
Dissertation
Other courses 40-15
ATS 3XX-7XX
CHEM 3XX-7XX
CS 3XX-7XX
DSCI 3XX-5XX
ECE 3XX-7XX
GRAD 3XX-7XX
MATH 3XX-7XX
MECH 3XX-7XX
MSE 3XX-7XX
PH 3XX-7XX
STAR 3XX-7XX
STAT 3XX-7XX
Master's Degree Credit 50-30
Program Total72

A minimum of 72 credits are required to complete this program. 

1

A 3.0 GPA is required for the Core Courses.

2

This is a 1-credit course, which must be taken at least 4 times.

3

At least 3 credits at the 600- or 700- level, and at least 3 credits in a subject outside the student's primary area of research.  Any substitutions in this category must be approved by the student's advisor and the Graduate Advisory Committee.

4

With approval of the student's advisor.

5

Up to 30 credits may be accepted from a prior Master's degree.

For more information, please visit Requirements for All Graduate Degrees in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.

Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees

NOTE:  Each semester the Graduate School publishes a schedule of deadlines. Deadlines are available on the Graduate School website. Students should consult this schedule whenever they approach important steps in their careers.

Forms are available online.

Step Due Date
1. Application for admission (online) Six months before first registration
2. Diagnostic examination when required Before first registration
3. Appointment of advisor Before first registration
4. Selection of graduate committee Before the time of fourth regular semester registration
5. Filing of program of study (GS Form 6) Before the time of fourth regular semester registration
6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD) Two terms prior to final examination
7. Report of preliminary examination (GS Form 16) - (Ph.D. and PD) Within two working days after results are known
8. Changes in committee (GS Form 9A) When change is made
9. Application for Graduation (GS Form 25) Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website
9a. Reapplication for Graduation (online) Failure to graduate requires Reapplication for Graduation (online) for the next time term for which you are applying
10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee At least two weeks prior to the examination or at the discretion of the graduate committee
11. Final examination Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website
12. Report of final examination (GS Form 24) Within two working days after results are known; refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website
13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form (GS Form 30) to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only) prior to submitting the electronic thesis/dissertation Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website.
14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website
15. Graduation Ceremony information is available from the Graduate School website