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Doctoral Program in Physics

The Doctor of Philosophy degree is conferred in recognition of breadth of scholarship and scientific attainment, plus demonstrated ability to investigate scientific problems independently and efficiently. Doctoral students are required to take a minimum of 45 credits.

PhD candidates must pass a candidacy examination, written and oral; satisfy a one-year residence requirement; and perform original research, write a satisfactory thesis describing that research, and defend this thesis in an oral examination. The usual schedule for physics graduate students consists of two years of course work, qualifying exams, research training and dissertation research. It is required by the university that a graduate student complete the PhD degree within seven years after enrollment. The program expects that most students can complete the PhD in five years of coursework and research work beyond the master’s requirement of 45 credits.

A an outline of the course curriculum is available in the Department's Graduate Program Handbook.