best phd programs in physics

Best Physics Schools

Ranked in 2023, part of Best Science Schools

Graduate schools for physics typically offer a range of

Graduate schools for physics typically offer a range of specialty programs, from quantum physics to relativity, as well as plentiful research opportunities to bolster a science education. These are the best physics schools. Each school's score reflects its average rating on a scale from 1 (marginal) to 5 (outstanding), based on a survey of academics at peer institutions. Read the methodology »

• Clear Filters

20 Best Doctor of Physics Graduate Schools

Reviewed by David Krug David Krug is a seasoned expert with 20 years in educational technology (EdTech). His career spans the pivotal years of technology integration in education, where he has played a key role in advancing student-centric learning solutions. David's expertise lies in marrying technological innovation with pedagogical effectiveness, making him a valuable asset in transforming educational experiences. As an advisor for enrollment startups, David provides strategic guidance, helping these companies navigate the complexities of the education sector. His insights are crucial in developing impactful and sustainable enrollment strategies.

Updated: March 12, 2024 , Reading time: 35 minutes

Share this on:

Find your perfect college degree

In this article, we will be covering...

Physics or physical science is a discipline that studies the elemental forces that govern every entity in the universe. Physical science is ubiquitous. It is concerned with electromagnetic energy, communication technologies, medical radiology and imaging, cosmological energy, astronomy, and biological physics.

While it is everywhere, not all of its forms and upshots are completely defined, described, or studied – yet this is where physics as an academic discipline thrives. 

Academically, Physics is a degree for those with an unending inquisitive nature and an appreciation for abstract and intangible concepts. Waves, subatomic particles, and cosmology, to name a few, are concepts that only become alive and apparent through advanced mathematical equations.

The Doctor of Physics (Ph.D.) is a terminal degree in the field of physics. It is the most advanced degree available in the field of physics and provides students with the opportunity to explore a specialty area such as astrophysics, condensed matter physics, or quantum mechanics, among others.

Through coursework and research experience, Ph.D. students develop expertise in a chosen sub-discipline as they advance their understanding of physics. These levels of learning require not only extensive research experience but also extensive patience, as completion of dissertations and research may take years.

Most students who embark on an academic track in physics are geared to take it all the way to graduate school. A doctorate and post-doctorate in physics are the ultimate academic goals (not career goals). Upon completion, graduates of the Doctor of Physics program often pursue a career in research and academia.

Quick audio summary:

Check this out:

METHODOLOGY

The following metrics and considerations were employed to arrive at the ranking below (in no particular order):

• The number of available areas of focus/research areas, research centers, facilities, and institutions, and the availability of equipment and research instrumentation were strongly considered.
• Funding received from the National Sciences Foundation (NSF) and other government agencies, such as the Department of Energy, was also factored in, as this signifies the level and depth of scientific research activity within the institution.
• The availability of university-based and outside fellowships, grants, and awards was also considered, with the same rationale as with the previous metric. 
• “Word of mouth” from other physicists themselves, through online scientific forums and other Q&A websites (e.g., Quora). Only responses from those with a legitimate profile with academic credentials to boot (Ph.D. or post-doc) were considered. 
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary or collaborative research. It allows students to conduct applied physics work in other disciplines or industries, which is the ultimate goal of any theoretical work. 
• Combination of rankings from other school ranking publications. The National Taiwan University – Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers for World Universities is also known as the NTU Rankings.

In summary, the ranking below was based on two things: breadth of research opportunities and professional public opinion. The first criterion is a given. The second criterion may appear subjective, but the reality is, that physicists determine the top caliber through published research in peer-reviewed journals and other scientific literature.

When on the hunt for a good physics program, you don’t ask a doctor, a lawyer, or an engineer, right? You ask a physicist. 

THE 20 BEST DOCTOR OF GENERAL PHYSICS GRADUATE SCHOOLS

Yale university.

New Haven, CT

Ph.D. in Physics

Yale University was founded in 1701. The Physics Department was an upshot of the Department of Philosophy, the Arts, and the Sheffield Scientific School. In 1894, the Physics Department had physicist Arthur Day as part of its faculty.

• The Physics Ph.D. program requires students to complete the core courses in quantum mechanics, electromagnetic theory, and statistical and mathematical physics. First-year students must also take the following courses: Topics in Modern Physics Research and Responsible Conduct in Research for Physical Scientists.
• The prerequisites for doctoral candidacies, such as the required coursework, qualifying exams, and the submission of a written thesis proposal, should all be completed before the culmination of Year 3.
• Students can apply to any of the external fellowships that are available through the  Physics Department. These include grants from the NSF and the Department of Energy . 

Standout Features of the Program:

The department researches 11 areas of physics . Among the notable fields are Gravitational Physics and Biophysics. It is also home to three physics research centers, such as the Wright Laboratory and the Yale Quantum Institute . It offers an option for Physics Ph.D. students interested in interdisciplinary applied physics to cross-enroll into the Physical and Engineering Biology Ph.D. program , an inter-departmental offering.

Yale University was the first to confer a Ph.D. degree in the US in 1861. Also, among its many firsts, it is the first institution to confer higher learning degrees to minorities – first, to Yung Wing, a Chinese BA graduate in 1854, and Edward Bouchet, an African American Ph.D. graduate in  1876.

University of Washington (UW)

Seattle, WA

The University of Washington, a public research facility and university, was established in 1861. It has been teaching physics courses such as mechanics and calculus ever since. The Department of Physics was launched in 1928 and has since expanded to include a department dedicated to Astronomy and other research centers and institutes.

• UW offers a doctoral program in Physics, which requires the completion of 90 credits of coursework.
• A general exam is required, which determines the student’s readiness to undertake dissertation work. The final exam is also required, which is based on the doctoral candidate’s dissertation.
• Applicants to the program must demonstrate a strong background in courses like electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and optics. Knowledge of nuclear, particle, and condensed matter physics is a big plus.
• Students can research any of the department’s 14 research areas , including Nuclear Theory and Neutrino Physics.
• First-year students are expected to take on mandatory teaching assistantship roles to receive funding. For the succeeding terms, students must secure funding sources on their own, whether through TA work, RA work, or a combination of both. UW will help in this regard.

Standout Features of the Program:

The department is home to six research centers and institutes , four of which receive government funding. For instance, the Department of Energy co-funds the Institute for Nuclear Theory along with university funding. 

UW spearheads the NSF Institute for Accelerated AI Algorithms for Data-Driven Discovery or A3D3 . It recently received a $15 million NSF grant to help fast-track studies in physics and astrophysics and integrate these with neuroscience through AI, data science, and machine learning. The institute brings together nine universities with UW at the helm.

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

Pasadena, CA

Caltech was founded in 1891 by benefactor Amos Throop. In 1921, astronomer George Hale, physicist Robert Millikan, and chemist Arthur Noyes worked together to lead the university to become a behemoth in scientific research. Since then, Caltech’s Division of Physics, Mathematics, and Astronomy co-manages and spearheads more than ten research centers, including JPL, and has produced close to 20 Nobel laureates in Physics.

• Students admitted to the Ph.D. program in Physics must submit a study plan for approval before the first term closes.
• Passing the written exams (Year 2) and the oral exam (Year 3) is required.
• Elementary Particles and Fields
• Quantum Information and Matter
• Physics of the Universe
• Interdisciplinary Physics
• Students are also required to undertake TA work for at least one semester.

There are 13 research areas within the Physics division. Some of the standout areas include Theoretical and Experimental Elementary Particle Physics and Gravitational Wave Science. Caltech is home to 7 research centers, including the Center for Data-Driven Discovery (CD3) and the Space Radiation Laboratory (SRL) .

Caltech manages NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory or JPL . Also, together with MIT, it operates the Laser Interferometer  Gravitational-Wave Observatory, or LIGO , which the NSF funds. Caltech also owns the Palomar Observatory in San Diego, CA, and co-manages the Keck Observatory in Hawaii with the University of California system.

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

Harvard University is one of the oldest US universities founded in 1636. In the 1800s, the Department of Physics was instituted, emphasizing integrating theoretical learning and laboratory application.

• The doctoral program in Physics, regardless of the chosen track , requires 64 credit units of study, passing marks in two oral examinations, and the submission and defense of a dissertation.
• Students may also cross-enroll at MIT for some graduate-level courses.
• Students are required to hold full-time academic residence for at least two years or four terms.
• Harvard will cover the cost of attendance, including stipends, of first-year Ph.D. students for both terms, after which students are expected to apply for fellowships or apply for RA positions or teaching fellowships to cover their funding and other expenses for the succeeding terms.

The program offers four tracks toward a doctoral degree in Physics: General Physics, Biophysics, Engineering and Physical Biology (EPB), and Molecules, Cells, and Organisms (MCO). Students interested in doing physics research and its integration or application with other fields such as engineering and biology may opt for the other three tracks. Students under the general track may choose to join any of the department’s 13 research centers , including the Black Hole Initiative , the first of its kind worldwide.

The Department of Physics does its part to break stereotypes and glass ceilings through its “ Women in Physics ” initiative. The organization’s objective is to bring together female physics students of all levels of higher learning for mentoring and professional camaraderie. It also aims to encourage more women to be part of a career field that male scientists have long dominated.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Ph.D. in Physics and Ph.D. in Physics, Statistics and Data Science (PhysSDS)

Founded in 1861, MIT is a groundbreaker in research and its applications and, thus, home to many innovations. It launched the Department of Physics four years later, which offers the doctoral program via two pathways – General Physics and the Physics, Statistics and Data Science (PhysSDS) track. 

• Both tracks can be completed in six years or less. Fewer attempts in doctoral exams can shorten the completion time.
• Astrophysics
• Atomic and Optical Physics
• Quantum Information
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Experimental OR Theoretical Nuclear and Particle 
• Plasma Physics
• They must take at least two courses in their chosen area of research. 
• Students in the Physics Ph.D. program may cross-enroll into the Ph.D. in PhysSDS track. They can complement their advanced physics research with knowledge of data science and analysis, inferential algorithms, and statistical modeling with machine learning, to name a few. 

MIT is proactive in helping its Ph.D. students, especially those in good standing, receive full funding throughout their residency, whether through fellowships, research assistantships (RA), or teaching assistantships (TA). For example, if the research contract for which the RA is completed or terminated, MIT will support the student for one term and proactively help seek other funding opportunities. 

The MIT Physics faculty comprises achievers who have won almost every award and prize in Physics known to man – the Nobel Prize, the MacArthur Fellowship, the National Medal of Science, the Sloan Research Fellowships, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and many more .

Princeton University

Princeton, New Jersey

In 1746, Princeton University became the fourth educational institution established in the US Princeton’s Physics research rose to prominence a century later thanks to Joseph Henry’s studies on electromagnetic induction. 

• The Ph.D. program in Physics requires students to complete the required coursework within the first two years of study. A career development course, Communicating Physics, is also required.
• The preliminary exams must be taken within their first year of study. Some of the topics covered by the exam are quantum mechanics and thermodynamics. 
• An experimental project must be presented before the culmination of Year 2. Students are strongly advised to begin preparations for this as early as their first term.
• Students can apply for any external fellowships, grants, and prizes to help fund their doctoral study and research. Travel funds are available for students partaking in other academic endeavors outside of Princeton.

The department offers  11 research areas from which students can choose to conduct research. Some of the notable areas include Condensed Matter Experiment and Theory, High Energy Experiment and Theory, and Particle Phenomenology, to name a few. Princeton Physics is also home to 5 research centers . The NSF funded three of these, including the IRIS-HEP software center, which provides advanced information systems to the Large Hadron Collider at CERN.

Albert Einstein held an academic residency at Princeton, specifically at the Mathematics building, during the 1930s. He accepted an offer from the university’s Institute of Advanced Study as a researcher. Though he was not employed as a university faculty, he delivered lectures at Princeton and other American universities. 

University of California – Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

Ph.D. in Physics and Ph.D. in Physics with Astrophysics Emphasis

After its incorporation into the UC system in 1936, not only did UCSB carry a new, but a new location as well, and this time, facing the sea with a two-mile-long shoreline. UCSB’s Department of Physics was launched in 1944 and continues to carry the reputation of being “ relatively small ” yet, a powerhouse in physics research and education.

• The department offers the Physics Ph.D. degree with two concentrations: the General Track and the Astrophysics track . Both tracks will require a candidacy exam and a  dissertation defense for completion.
• Both tracks also require the completion of courses in Quantum Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory, and Statistical Mechanics. 
• Students under the General track are required to demonstrate knowledge of  Lagrangian Mechanics. In contrast, those under the Astrophysics track must take any five of the following courses: Galactic Dynamics, Interstellar Medium, Extragalactic Astrophysics, Stellar Structure and Evolution, High Energy Astrophysics, and  Cosmology.
• First and second-year students are guaranteed funding through TA or RA positions. There are five fellowships available through the department and many other opportunities through the UCSB Graduate Division .

UCSB Physics researches eight areas of physics and houses and co-manages ten research centers, including Microsoft Station Q, which focuses on quantum physics. It is home to more than 20 research groups, including the Young Lab Group , helmed by Prof. Andrea Young. The group consists of post-doc, graduate, and undergraduate students and conducts studies on quantum materials through nanofabrication techniques and electronic measurement.

UCSB is the only educational and research institution in the US situated within walking distance of the beach. So, if you hit a snag in your research and feel burned out, remember that the sea is just right outside. 

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

Stanford University was established in 1891, and the same year, the Department of Physics was also instituted. Research at the university first reached its peak during the 1930s, through prominent figures such as Felix Bloch, who discovered spin waves and was also Stanford’s first Nobel Prize recipient, for his collaborative work involving Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR).

• Stanford’s doctoral program in Physics requires the completion of the following courses: Statistical Mechanics, Classical Electrodynamics, Research Activities at Stanford, and Teaching of Physics Seminar. A course on either Quantum Mechanics or Quantum Field Theory is also required.
• In addition, the following mathematics courses are also required: Complex Variable Functions, Linear Algebra and  Matrix Theory, Complex Analysis, Partial Differential Equations, and Mathematical Methods. 
• Students are also required to teach for at least three quarters to complete the Ph.D. program. 
• First-year Ph.D. students are guaranteed funding through RA or TA work . Internal fellowships are available on a nomination basis. Students can also apply for the Knight-Hennesy Scholarship for graduate students and external fellowships, such as the NSF.

The department has and continues to produce research in seven different areas of physics. Some of the department’s most applauded and popular research are the ones done on theoretical, observational, and experimental astrophysics and cosmology.

The Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology, or KIPAC , and the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center, or SLAC , were both established to deeply explore how the fundamental physical forces in the universe can be dissected, simulated, analyzed, and applied to other industries such as biotechnology, medicine, agriculture, geodetic science, and engineering, among many others. KIPAC is housed within SLAC, and the Department of  Energy funds both entities.

University of Colorado – Boulder

Boulder, CO

The University of  Colorado – Boulder (CU Boulder) is a publicly funded research institution belonging to the elite group of the American Association of Universities (AAU) , along with 63 other universities. Established in 1876, CU Boulder has produced acclaimed research and innovations in the areas of bio-health, astrophysics, and sustainable energies, all of which are upshots of CU’s formidable physics programs and research.

• The CU Physics Department offers a doctoral program in Physics which requires the completion of 30 credit hours of graduate-level coursework. 
• Students must maintain (at least) a 3.0 GPA to stay in the program.
• Students must complete two comprehensive exams and submit and defend a dissertation. The dissertation accounts for 30 credit hours.
• Ph.D. students can explore several funding options, from fellowships to RA or TA positions and award and research grant opportunities.

Doctoral students can choose to research any of the 12 research areas available within the department. These include High Energy Physics, Astrophysics and Planetary Sciences, Plasma Physics, and Biophysics, to name. CU Physics is also home to various research centers and fellowships , such as the Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics (JILA) , the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) , and the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute (RASEI) , among many others. 

CU Physics offers other interdisciplinary Ph.D. programs such as Geophysics , Applied Physics, and Chemical Physics . The Applied Physics track has four concentrations: Biophysics, Imaging Sciences, Quantum Information Science, and Molecular Physics. Also, the department’s High Energy Physics faculty partook in the historical and collaborative Higgs boson particle discovery in Switzerland’s Large Hadron Collider, which goes to show the world-class caliber of the CU Physics faculty. 

University of California – Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

In 1868, the University of California–Berkeley became the state’s first land-grant educational institution and the first school within the UC system. Berkeley’s Department of Physics pioneered high-energy physics research and, decades later, studied dark matter and neutrino science, as well. 

• Berkeley’s doctoral degree in Physics is one of the most competitive in the world. Every year, more than 7000 applicants are considered by the department, but only 45 are accepted into the program, which amounts to a 6.4% acceptance rate.
• Ph.D. students must complete two written exams on Classical Physics and Modern Physics before applying for research fellowships. 
• Students can choose from any of the seven research areas available at Berkeley Physics. Among these include Plasma and Non-linear Dynamics, Condensed Matter Physics, and Material Science, to name a few. 
• Students can fund their studies through RA or TA work or by applying for any of the fellowships, scholarships, or awards offered by the department. Some of the fellowships are aimed at students involved in astrophysics or condensed matter physics studies. 

Students can also explore research opportunities in any of Berkeley Physics’ research centers that focus on the following areas: cosmological physics , theoretical physics , and nanoscience and engineering . Students interested in interdisciplinary and collaborative hands-on work can also explore opportunities at the Berkeley Lab and the Space Scienc e Laboratory .

The department is home to the Physics R&D Machine Shop , a materials science and manufacturing haven for physicists. This shop can create and deliver parts for laboratory experiments, demonstrations, and other academic purposes, from metallurgical works like machining, milling, and assembly to  computerized manufacturing, CAD/CAM, and 3D printing, this 

The University of Chicago

Chicago, IL

Established in 1890, the University of Chicago operates for one purpose: research, or as Chancellor Robert Zimmer puts it, “ inquiry .” The Physics Department, launched in 1893, was the true embodiment of this vision. The succeeding decades saw the department focus on experimental physics, emphasizing replicating previously successful experiments to hone students’ skills and prepare them for original research. 

• The department’s Ph.D. program in Physics requires first-year students to complete an experimental physics requirement, either in the form of a course or a project.
• Students are advised to consult the department on the availability of courses as these may change from year to year. Some of the notable courses include Quantum Field Theory, Advanced Data Analysis, and Solid State Physics.
• Students can fund their studies through TA work or internal or external fellowships . The graduate school also offers a travel fund for academic activities outside Chicago, like conferences, lectures, or research.

Chicago is home to ten research areas , which include Quantum Science and Nuclear Physics, among others. There are also ten research centers housed within the university, one of which is the Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics (KICP). Chicago is also heavily involved in other research centers outside the university, such as Fermilab and CERN. 

Chicago’s Physics Department is responsible for many discoveries such as the photon, the nuclear chain reaction, new isotopes, solar wind, and rotating black holes and their properties.

University of  Arizona – Tucson

Founded in 1885, the University of Arizona always played an important role in research, particularly space discoveries. From astronomer Gerard Kuiper’s Lunar Maps which aided the first moon landing in 1969 to the OSIRIS-Rex Asteroid study mission , UA consistently makes its mark as a viable and reputable institution for research and development.

• The Ph.D. in Physics program at UA requires the completion of at least 63 credit units, which includes 18 units from dissertation work. 
• For the required coursework, including core courses in Analytical, Quantum, and Statistical Mechanics, and Electromagnetic Theory,  a minimum GPA of 3.1 must be maintained.
• Students must take six elective courses. Choices include Molecular Biophysics, Plasma Physics, and Optical Physics, among others. Instead of this, an independent study requirement can be undertaken instead.
• UA offers a long list of internal and external fellowships to help students fund their studies. Specific external fellowships for doctoral candidates, women, minorities, and students with disabilities are also available. 

The department researches six areas of physics. Some notable areas include Optical Physics and  Astrophysics . It is also home to three research facilities: the Biosphere 2, the Life and Planets Astrobiology Center (LAPLACE), and the NSF-funded Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Lab.

Students interested in Applied Physics and Medicine can also join the Master’s Program in Medical Physics . Some of the required coursework includes topics on radiation oncology physics and imaging physics. Completing the program, a combination of theoretical and applied learning prepares students for the American Board of Radiology certification. They are also eligible to apply to the medical residency program at the Department of Radiation Oncology .

Cornell University

Ithaca, New York

Cornell University was founded in Ithaca, New York, in 1865. In 1872, the university launched the Department of Physics thanks to physicist William Anthony. It conferred its first Ph.D. degree twenty years after the department’s inauguration. From the 1930s to 1940s, the department focused its research on nuclear physics. During the Space Race era, the department established the Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics .

• To be considered, Ph.D. program applicants must have a solid background in quantum mechanics, optics, electronics, and advanced lab familiarity.
• The first two years of study should be spent on completing the required coursework, although preparatory steps to research work, e.g., reaching out to a prospective Ph.D. advisor, during this time are also encouraged.
• Although first-year Ph.D. students are guaranteed funding through TA work, it is strongly advised that they proactively seek funding opportunities through fellowships during their first year. 
• Several fellowship opportunities are available which students can explore after their first year. One of which is the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) which accepts about 200 CGS students per year. 

Cornell Physics offers eight research areas , including Experimental Elementary Particle Physics, which students can focus on. The department is also home to nine research institutes that focus on particle physics, atomic physics, high energy physics, materials science, and nanoscience. One example is the Kavli Institute at Cornell (KIC) for Nanoscale Science , funded by the Kavli Institute.

During the 1940s, the Department of Physics welcomed to its faculty two famed physicists who were known for their participation in the Manhattan Project , Richard Feynman, who taught from 1945 to 1951, and Robert Wilson, who taught from 1947 to 1967. 

University of Texas – Austin

The University of Texas (UT) in Austin was established in 1883. The Department of Physics was launched a year later. Ten years later, the university’s first master’s degree in Physics was conferred to George W. Pierce. Pierce would later emerge as the pioneer of communications engineering technology. 

• The UT Ph.D. in Physics program offers students flexibility in the curriculum, especially those who have already earned a master’s degree. Transfer credits are accepted.
• Instead of a written exam, oral qualifying exams, one via a panel and another via a one-on-one session, are implemented. The topic of the oral exam will center on the student’s dissertation proposal.
• A weekly “Pizza Seminar,” similar to a town hall session, with all faculty members present, is held to help students choose a dissertation topic. Pizza is served during the meetings, such as the name of the event. Students can also take the course Particle Physics: Introduction to Research instead of the weekly session. 
• First-year students fund their studies through TA work but are encouraged to supplement this with a fellowship , scholarship , or grant, as well. 

The department is home to an extensive list of facilities and equipment to help students and researchers conduct investigations and experiments. The list includes a supercomputer, a cryogenic laboratory, various spectroscopical equipment, and many more. 

The Department houses seven research centers and institutes focused on the different areas of physics such as quantum systems, gravitational physics, high energy physics, nonlinear dynamics, particle physics, and fusion studies.  

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

In 1876, Johns Hopkins University (JHU) was established as the first educational institution with a heightened focus on research. Every member of its faculty is involved in different studies and research, a tradition that continues today. Graduate students, especially those under the Department of Physics and Astronomy, are expected to be involved in original investigative work as early as their first semester.

• The department offers two Ph.D. programs – one in Physics and one in Astronomy. 
• Students under the Physics track must take courses on electromagnetic theory, quantum mechanics, and advanced statistical mechanics.
• Students under both tracks are expected to take and pass the departmental exam before starting their second year of studies. They should also have an official thesis adviser by the end of their second year.
• Students must also maintain a grade of at least B- for every course. 
• Most Ph.D. students at JHU receive full funding for at least five years through three common pathways: RA work, TA work, and fellowships . 

The department researches six areas of physics . Their work in Condensed Matter Physics is complemented by the department’s own Raman scattering machine housed at the Raman Laboratory.

JHU’s Department of Physics and Astronomy is well-equipped. Not only does it have its clean room, but it also has at least five furnaces, two magnetometers, various X-ray and spectroscopic equipment, and much more. It also has its machine shop , capable of designing and creating materials for investigations and experiments,  

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN

Established in 1862, Purdue University is a land-grant educational institution that used to be an A&M (agricultural and mechanical) college. Physics courses were taught at the university by 1874, but it wasn’t until 1904 that the discipline would have a department. 

• The department offers two Ph.D. tracks, a Physics track, and an Astrophysics track.
• The Ph.D. in Physics program requires students to complete all necessary coursework within their first year.
• Various funding opportunities are available to students. Faculty members with open RA and TA positions are posted on the department’s website. Students must apply to external fellowships and grants/awards for augmented funding.
• Students in both physics and astrophysics tracks can specialize in computational science and engineering (CSE) on top of their doctoral studies. Some of the courses prescribed in the CSE curriculum include Scientific Visualization, Statistical Machine Learning, AI, and Optimization Methods for Systems and Control, among many others. 

Purdue Physics conducts studies in ten research areas . Some of the notable and distinct focus areas include Planetary Physics and Geophysics, and Quantum Information Science. The department also holds regular seminars in these focus areas. 

Purdue Physics collaborates with other departments and the university’s other research institutes located in the “Discovery Park” area campus. For biophysics, there is the Bindley Bioscience Center . For nanoscience, there is the Birck Nanotechnology Center . For particle and accelerator physics, there is the Purdue Rare Isotope Measurement Laboratory or the PRIME Lab . And for quantum physics and atomic and molecular optics (AMO), there is the Purdue Quantum Science and Engineering Institute .

Georgia Institute of Technology

Atlanta, Georgia

Established in 1885, Georgia Tech was originally a trade school with a focus on engineering. Its transformation to a research university mirrored the state’s transformation from agrarian and skilled-trade roots to an industrial hub driven by research and development. While physics has long been taught at the university, it wasn’t until 1938 that the discipline would have its own home. 

• The Ph.D. in Physics program requires the completion of the required coursework and passing the candidacy exam before the doctoral research or dissertation.
• Students are also required to undertake seminars and complete specialized problem sets.
• Ph.D. students who are in good standing are guaranteed funding that covers tuition and health insurance, at the very least. 
• Students also can cross-enroll in other interdisciplinary doctoral programs such as the Quantitative Biosciences Ph.D. program or the Computational Science and Engineering (CSE) Ph.D. program . Students must consult their advisers on how to streamline their curriculum to avoid redundant courses. A master’s degree in Robotics is also available as a top-up degree option. 

Georgia Tech has six physics areas for research work. Some notable areas of focus include Non-linear Physics, Astroparticles, and Soft Matter Physics, to name a few. The department also houses two research centers: the Center for Non-linear Science and the Center for Relativistic Astrophysics (CRA) .

In collaboration with UC Santa Barbara, Georgia Tech is currently doing groundbreaking – literally  – investigations on the subterranean landscape , using a robot that can burrow through soft ground, like sand, for example. This is an interdisciplinary research endeavor co-founded by several government agencies like the NSF, NASA, and the Army Research Office.

University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)

The University of Illinois is a research and academic hub founded in 1867. It is known to spearhead groundbreaking research such as digital education with PLATO , LED technology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, which is the pride of UIUC’s Department of Physics. Its doctoral offering requires the completion of 96 credit units, including individual research and a dissertation.

• Students can choose from any of the department’s eight research areas , which include Nuclear Physics, High Energy Physics, and Condensed Matter Physics, to name a few. 
• Students are also strongly encouraged to take courses on Quantum Mechanics, Mathematical Methods, Statistical Physics, and Classical Electromagnetism in preparation for research work.
• Theoretical Astrophysics
• Biomolecular Physics
• Emergent States of Matter
• Subatomic Physics
• Quantum Optics and Information
• Modern Atomic Physics
• Examinations are required before undertaking research work for dissertation submission and defense.

Standout Features of the Program:  

This is one of the top 20 doctoral physics programs in the US, according to Clarivate Analytics, currently ranking 15 th (24 th best in the world). The department receives close to $30 million in funding annually from the NSF and other benefactors. 

The department is home to thirteen Nobel Prize laureates . In 2003, it took home two prizes – one for Physics, through Dr. Anthony J. Leggett’s research on superconductors and super-fluids, and the other for Medicine, through Sir Peter Manfield’s discovery of MRI and its use in Medicine.

Columbia University

New York, NY

Columbia University is New York’s oldest university, founded in 1754. It is also the fifth university to be instituted in the US. More than a hundred years later, the Department of Physics was established. The Pupin Hall, which houses the department and the Pupin Laboratory, was named after long-serving department chair, physicist Michael Pupin. He spearheaded the development of a cyclotron which was instrumental to the Manhattan Project research of the 1940s.

• The department offers three graduate degrees in Physics – an MA, an  M.Phil., and a Ph.D. This contrasts with other universities that only offer a Ph.D. program in Physics, with the MA as an in-progress conferment.
• The department requires students to have earned an MA and then an M.Phil. in Physics, which equals three years of study. During this time, students would need to complete 30 credits of coursework in preparation for the doctoral qualifying exams and research.
• The qualifying exam is divided into four parts: Classical Physics, Modern Physics, General Physics, and an Oral Exam.
• During the first two years in graduate school, funding can come from teaching laboratory classes and supervising problem sets. Students can also explore other sources of funding like fellowships and awards. 

The department conducts research in different interdisciplinary areas of physics such as Biology, High Energy Nuclear and Particle Physics, Molecular and Atomic Physics, Astrophysics, Gravitational Waves, and Cosmology, to name some. 

Aside from Columbia’s pivotal role in the Manhattan Project (the isolation of Uranium isotope 235, elemental to the atomic bomb creation), the university also saw the establishment of the American Physical Society .

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

The University of Pennsylvania is one of America’s oldest universities. Founded in 1740, this Ivy League school has always been known for its top-caliber faculty and graduates. Its Department of Physics and Astronomy is one of the smallest heads, but its heightened focus and successful discoveries in key physics areas make its mark on the world stage.

• The  Ph.D. program in Physics requires the completion of 20 credit units (each course equals one credit). Courses on statistical, mathematical, and quantum mechanics and electromagnetism are all required. For these core courses, a minimum grade of B+ must be maintained. 
• Upon completing the core courses, the oral candidacy exam must be undertaken as soon as possible, or at most, 18 months after passing the courses.
• Students are encouraged to conduct original interdisciplinary research for their dissertations to compel them to collaborate with scholars from other departments. 
• Internal and external fellowships are available to help students with funding.

The department categorizes its research areas into three main topics: 

• Condensed Matter, which includes subtopics like soft and living matter, and biophysics,
• Astronomy, which includes subtopics like dark matter and dark energy, and,
• Particle Physics involves collaborative work in high-energy physics, neutrino physics, String theory, and cosmology.

UPenn’s work in Particle Physics features collaborations with renowned research centers that have resulted in groundbreaking physics discoveries. Some of these include:

• The unearthing of the neutrino mass through research conducted at the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO),
• Experiments at the Large Hadron Collider resulted in the discovery of the Higgs boson,
• Detection of the top quark through the joint effort of the UPenn and Fermilab teams. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a doctor of general physics graduate program .

A Doctor of General Physics graduate program or a Ph.D. program in Physics is a research program that requires students to take a few core courses in preparation for dissertation work. Compared to undergraduate or master’s degrees, which usually culminate with a choice between a capstone project, a thesis, or a practicum, a doctoral or Ph.D. program, especially in Physics, will always culminate with a dissertation proposal, and then, the public defense.

Most doctoral programs in Physics accept students straight out of the undergraduate level, which would seem like the doctoral program is a twofer – a master’s and a Ph.D. program rolled into one, which it is. However, applicants must remember that most of these programs only confer the master’s degree in Physics once the student’s dissertation has been accepted by the department, meaning the student is moving on into the actual doctoral phase of the program, which is now all about the execution of the accepted dissertation topic.

A terminal master’s degree in Physics is rarely available, and Physics schools rarely accept applicants who only intend to earn a master’s degree.

What are the benefits of a General Physics doctorate?

A doctorate in Physics pays well. BLS reports that in 2022, physicists with a Ph.D. earn a median salary of close to $140K annually. Most physicists are employed by private and government-funded research institutes or centers, and normally, the entry-level requirement is a bachelor’s degree in physics or a related field.

But, undergrads will only land assistantship roles unless they apply to a graduate program. Published and acclaimed research increases a physicist’s marketability to join a renowned research facility or group, especially at the graduate level.

Who can apply to the program? 

Most Physics Ph.D. programs will accept students with a bachelor’s degree in Physics or a related degree. Otherwise, students can still be accepted into programs provided they can demonstrate competency in the following core physics courses: quantum mechanics, electromagnetic theory, statistical mechanics, and mathematical physics. College graduates with a strong background in advanced mathematics, computational science, and engineering may also be a good fit for such a program.

Are GRE scores required? What are the other admission requirements?

GRE scores, as of writing, are optional, with some universities not requiring it at all. But make sure to check with the department’s admission office to confirm as GRE policies may change.

Other requirements are the usual ones required by graduate schools, such as letters of application, transcripts, essays, letters of recommendation, and a CV. 

What are the usual degree requirements? 

Accepted grad school entrants who still have to earn their master’s degree must complete a specific number of coursework credits. These need to be completed during the first two years of study. Some rigorous programs are more stringent, requiring students to complete the coursework within the first year, with an added requirement of independent research, to be presented and defended by the end of the second year of study.

A candidacy exam, which is usually oral, sometimes written, or a combination of both is required of students after completing the required coursework and before (or simultaneous with) the presentation of a dissertation proposal. This exam gauges the student’s core competency and readiness for doctoral research.

Once the committee has accepted the dissertation, which is usually in year 5 or 6, some programs require students to take another exam, usually an oral exam, synonymous with the dissertation defense. Once passed, the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Physics can be awarded to the student.

How long does getting a Doctorate in Physics take, and is it worth the time and money?

Getting a Doctorate in Physics typically takes 3 to 5 years (or possibly more) of study and research. It is worth the time and money if you are looking to pursue a career in academia, research, or the technical industry.

In addition to increased job options, people with a doctorate usually have higher salaries and an edge in the job market. On the other hand, if you are looking to pursue a career in a different field, a Doctorate in Physics may not necessarily be the best investment.

Related Posts

We’re certain of one thing—your search for more information on picking the best graduate degree or school landed you here. Let our experts help guide your through the decision making process with thoughtful content written by experts.

• Twitter Facebook Pinterest
• Highest Paid
• Popular Online
• Non-Traditional

2024 Best Physics Doctor's Degree Schools

In 2024, College Factual analyzed 104 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best Physics Doctor's Degree Schools ranking. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 1,752 doctor's degrees in physics during the 2020-2021 academic year.

What's on this page: * Our Methodology

• Best Doctor’s Degree Schools List

Choosing a Great Physics School for Your Doctor's Degree

Quality Overall Is Important

A school that excels in educating for a particular major and degree level must be a great school overall as well. To account for this we include a college's overall Best Colleges for a Doctor's Degree ranking which itself looks at a combination of various factors like degree completion, educational resources, student body caliber and post-graduation earnings for the school as a whole.

Average Earnings

To determine the overall quality of a graduate school, one factor we look at is the average early-career salary of those receiving their doctor's degree from the school. After all, your doctor's degree won't mean much if it doesn't help you find a job that will help you earn a living.

Other Factors We Consider

The metrics below are just some of the other metrics that we use to determine our rankings.

• Major Focus - How much a school focuses on physics students vs. other majors.
• Major Demand - The number of physics students who choose to seek a doctor's degree at the school.
• Educational Resources - How many resources are allocated to students. These resources may include educational expenditures per student, number of students per instructor, and graduation rate among other things.
• Student Debt - How much debt physics students go into to obtain their doctor's degree and how well they are able to pay back that debt.
• Accreditation - Whether a school is regionally accredited and/or accredited by a recognized physics related body.

Our complete ranking methodology documents in more detail how we consider these factors to identify the best colleges for physics students working on their doctor's degree.

More Ways to Rank Physics Schools

When choosing the right school for you, it's important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we've created a number of major-specific rankings , including this Best Physics Doctor's Degree Schools list to help you make the college decision.

Best Schools for Doctorate Students to Study Physics in the United States

Below you'll see a list of the best colleges and universities for pursuing a doctor's degree in physics. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

15 Top Schools for a Doctorate in Physics

Stanford University is a great choice for individuals pursuing a doctor's degree in physics. Located in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. More information about a doctorate in physics from Stanford University

University of Chicago is one of the best schools in the United States for getting a doctor's degree in physics. UChicago is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Chicago. More information about a doctorate in physics from University of Chicago

Any student who is interested in a doctor's degree in physics needs to take a look at Northwestern University. Located in the city of Evanston, Northwestern is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. More information about a doctorate in physics from Northwestern University

It's difficult to beat University of Michigan - Ann Arbor if you want to pursue a doctor's degree in physics. Located in the city of Ann Arbor, U-M is a public university with a very large student population. More information about a doctorate in physics from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

UIUC is a fairly large public university located in the small city of Champaign. More information about a doctorate in physics from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

University of Arizona is a very large public university located in the large city of Tucson.

Doctorate recipients from the physics program at University of Arizona get $7,483 above the standard college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

UMN Twin Cities is a fairly large public university located in the city of Minneapolis. More information about a doctorate in physics from University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Located in the city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. More information about a doctorate in physics from Johns Hopkins University

Located in the suburb of College Park, UMCP is a public university with a fairly large student population. More information about a doctorate in physics from University of Maryland - College Park

Located in the city of Ithaca, Cornell is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. More information about a doctorate in physics from Cornell University

Notre Dame is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of Notre Dame. More information about a doctorate in physics from University of Notre Dame

UCSB is a fairly large public university located in the midsize suburb of Santa Barbara. More information about a doctorate in physics from University of California - Santa Barbara

Located in the medium-sized city of Berkeley, UC Berkeley is a public university with a fairly large student population.

Doctorate students who receive their degree from the physics program earn an average of $75,527 in the first couple years of their career.

Located in the city of Columbus, Ohio State is a public university with a fairly large student population.

After graduation, physics doctorate recipients typically make an average of $79,371 in their early careers.

Located in the city of Boston, Northeastern is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. More information about a doctorate in physics from Northeastern University

Honorable Mentions

Here are some additional great schools for Physics students that almost earned our Best Physics Doctor's Degree Schools award.

Physics by Region

View the Best Physics Doctor's Degree Schools for a specific region near you.

Other Rankings

Best associate degrees in physics, best master's degrees in physics, best value in physics, best for non-traditional students in physics, best online in physics, most popular online in physics, best bachelor's degrees in physics, best overall in physics, highest paid grads in physics, best for veterans in physics, most popular in physics, most focused in physics.

View All Rankings >

Physics Related Rankings by Major

Physics is one of 8 different types of Physical Sciences programs to choose from.

Physics Concentrations

Most popular majors related to physics, notes and references.

• The bars on the spread charts above show the distribution of the schools on this list +/- one standard deviation from the mean.
• The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ( IPEDS ) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
• Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s ( College Scorecard ).
• Credit for the banner image above goes to A. T. Service . More about our data sources and methodologies .

Popular Reports

Compare your school options.

Doctoral Program (Ph.D.)

• Graduate Programs

The Physics Ph.D. program provides students with opportunities to perform independent research in some of the most current and dynamic areas of physics. Students develop a solid and broad physics knowledge base in the first year through the core curriculum, departmental colloquia, and training.

Upper-level courses and departmental seminar series subsequently provide more specialized exposure. Armed with the core knowledge, doctoral students join a research group working in an area of particular interest. This research is performed in very close collaboration with one or more faculty whose interests span a wide range of physics fields.

Applicants are expected to have a strong background in physics or closely related subjects at the undergraduate level. All applications are evaluated holistically to assess the applicant's preparation and potential for graduate coursework and independent research, which can be demonstrated in multiple ways.

Submitting General and Physics GRE scores is recommended (but not required), especially for non-traditional students (this includes applicants with a bachelor's degree outside of physics or applicants who have taken a long gap after completing their bachelor's degree).

Three recommendation letters from faculty or others acquainted with the applicant's academic and/or research qualifications are required.

If you have submitted an application and need to make changes or add to the application, do not send the materials to the Physics department. The department is unable to alter or add to your application. Contact the  Graduate School staff  for all changes.  

Ph.D. Program Milestones and Guideposts

• Work toward joining a research group
• Pass 3 courses per semester if a TA or 4 courses per semester if a Fellow with at least 50% B's or better
• Complete 6 core courses (PHYS 2010, 2030, 2040, 2050, 2060, 2140)
• Begin research
• Complete PHYS2010 (or other core courses) if not taken during Year 1
• Complete at least 2 advanced courses
• Pass qualifying exam
• Complete 2nd Year Ethics Training
• Identify prelim committee
• Continue research
• Complete remaining advanced courses
• Pass preliminary exam and advance to candidacy
• Complete thesis research
• Write and defend thesis

Ph.D. Resources

• Ph.D. Program Student Handbook
• Graduate Core Course Listing
• Finding a Research Group
• Comprehensive Exam Information
• Ph.D. Second Year Ethics Training Requirement
• Ph.D. Preliminary Exam Requirements and Guidelines
• Ph.D. Prelim Form
• Physics Department Defense Form
• Ph.D. Dissertation Defense Requirements and Guidelines
• Ph.D. Course Waiver/Permission Form

• Diversity & Inclusion
• Community Values
• Visiting MIT Physics
• People Directory
• Faculty Awards
• History of MIT Physics
• Policies and Procedures
• Departmental Committees
• Academic Programs Team
• Finance Team
• Meet the Academic Programs Team
• Prospective Students
• Requirements
• Employment Opportunities
• Research Opportunities
• Graduate Admissions
• Doctoral Guidelines
• Financial Support
• Graduate Student Resources

PhD in Physics, Statistics, and Data Science

• MIT LEAPS Program
• for Undergraduate Students
• for Graduate Students
• Mentoring Programs Info for Faculty
• Non-degree Programs
• Student Awards & Honors
• Astrophysics Observation, Instrumentation, and Experiment
• Astrophysics Theory
• Atomic Physics
• Condensed Matter Experiment
• Condensed Matter Theory
• High Energy and Particle Theory
• Nuclear Physics Experiment
• Particle Physics Experiment
• Quantum Gravity and Field Theory
• Quantum Information Science
• Strong Interactions and Nuclear Theory
• Center for Theoretical Physics
• Affiliated Labs & Centers
• Program Founder
• Competition
• Donor Profiles
• Patrons of Physics Fellows Society
• Giving Opportunties
• physics@mit Journal: Fall 2023 Edition
• Events Calendar
• Physics Colloquia
• Search for: Search

Many PhD students in the MIT Physics Department incorporate probability, statistics, computation, and data analysis into their research. These techniques are becoming increasingly important for both experimental and theoretical Physics research, with ever-growing datasets, more sophisticated physics simulations, and the development of cutting-edge machine learning tools. The Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Statistics (IDPS)  is designed to provide students with the highest level of competency in 21st century statistics, enabling doctoral students across MIT to better integrate computation and data analysis into their PhD thesis research.

Admission to this program is restricted to students currently enrolled in the Physics doctoral program or another participating MIT doctoral program. In addition to satisfying all of the requirements of the Physics PhD, students take one subject each in probability, statistics, computation and statistics, and data analysis, as well as the Doctoral Seminar in Statistics, and they write a dissertation in Physics utilizing statistical methods. Graduates of the program will receive their doctoral degree in the field of “Physics, Statistics, and Data Science.”

Doctoral students in Physics may submit an Interdisciplinary PhD in Statistics Form between the end of their second semester and penultimate semester in their Physics program. The application must include an endorsement from the student’s advisor, an up-to-date CV, current transcript, and a 1-2 page statement of interest in Statistics and Data Science.

The statement of interest can be based on the student’s thesis proposal for the Physics Department, but it must demonstrate that statistical methods will be used in a substantial way in the proposed research. In their statement, applicants are encouraged to explain how specific statistical techniques would be applied in their research. Applicants should further highlight ways that their proposed research might advance the use of statistics and data science, both in their physics subfield and potentially in other disciplines. If the work is part of a larger collaborative effort, the applicant should focus on their personal contributions.

For access to the selection form or for further information, please contact the IDSS Academic Office at  [email protected] .

Required Courses

Courses in this list that satisfy the Physics PhD degree requirements can count for both programs. Other similar or more advanced courses can count towards the “Computation & Statistics” and “Data Analysis” requirements, with permission from the program co-chairs. The IDS.190 requirement may be satisfied instead by IDS.955 Practical Experience in Data, Systems, and Society, if that experience exposes the student to a diverse set of topics in statistics and data science. Making this substitution requires permission from the program co-chairs prior to doing the practical experience.

• IDS.190 – Doctoral Seminar in Statistics and Data Science ( may be substituted by IDS.955 Practical Experience in Data, Systems and Society )
• 6.7700[J] Fundamentals of Probability or
• 18.675 – Theory of Probability
• 18.655 – Mathematical Statistics or
• 18.6501 – Fundamentals of Statistics or
• IDS.160[J] – Mathematical Statistics: A Non-Asymptotic Approach
• 6.C01/6.C51 – Modeling with Machine Learning: From Algorithms to Applications or
• 6.7810 Algorithms for Inference or
• 6.8610 (6.864) Advanced Natural Language Processing or
• 6.7900 (6.867) Machine Learning or
• 6.8710 (6.874) Computational Systems Biology: Deep Learning in the Life Sciences or
• 9.520[J] – Statistical Learning Theory and Applications or
• 16.940 – Numerical Methods for Stochastic Modeling and Inference or
• 18.337 – Numerical Computing and Interactive Software
• 8.316 – Data Science in Physics or
• 6.8300 (6.869) Advances in Computer Vision or
• 8.334 – Statistical Mechanics II or
• 8.371[J] – Quantum Information Science or
• 8.591[J] – Systems Biology or
• 8.592[J] – Statistical Physics in Biology or
• 8.942 – Cosmology or
• 9.583 – Functional MRI: Data Acquisition and Analysis or
• 16.456[J] – Biomedical Signal and Image Processing or
• 18.367 – Waves and Imaging or
• IDS.131[J] – Statistics, Computation, and Applications

Grade Policy

C, D, F, and O grades are unacceptable. Students should not earn more B grades than A grades, reflected by a PhysSDS GPA of ≥ 4.5. Students may be required to retake subjects graded B or lower, although generally one B grade will be tolerated.

Unless approved by the PhysSDS co-chairs, a minimum grade of B+ is required in all 12 unit courses, except IDS.190 (3 units) which requires a P grade.

Though not required, it is strongly encouraged for a member of the MIT  Statistics and Data Science Center (SDSC)  to serve on a student’s doctoral committee. This could be an SDSC member from the Physics department or from another field relevant to the proposed thesis research.

Thesis Proposal

All students must submit a thesis proposal using the standard Physics format. Dissertation research must involve the utilization of statistical methods in a substantial way.

PhysSDS Committee

• Jesse Thaler (co-chair)
• Mike Williams (co-chair)
• Isaac Chuang
• Janet Conrad
• William Detmold
• Philip Harris
• Jacqueline Hewitt
• Kiyoshi Masui
• Leonid Mirny
• Christoph Paus
• Phiala Shanahan
• Marin Soljačić
• Washington Taylor
• Max Tegmark

Can I satisfy the requirements with courses taken at Harvard?

Harvard CompSci 181 will count as the equivalent of MIT’s 6.867.  For the status of other courses, please contact the program co-chairs.

Can a course count both for the Physics degree requirements and the PhysSDS requirements?

Yes, this is possible, as long as the courses are already on the approved list of requirements. E.g. 8.592 can count as a breadth requirement for a NUPAX student as well as a Data Analysis requirement for the PhysSDS degree.

If I have previous experience in Probability and/or Statistics, can I test out of these requirements?

These courses are required by all of the IDPS degrees. They are meant to ensure that all students obtaining an IDPS degree share the same solid grounding in these fundamentals, and to help build a community of IDPS students across the various disciplines. Only in exceptional cases might it be possible to substitute more advanced courses in these areas.

Can I substitute a similar or more advanced course for the PhysSDS requirements?

Yes, this is possible for the “computation and statistics” and “data analysis” requirements, with permission of program co-chairs. Substitutions for the “probability” and “statistics” requirements will only be granted in exceptional cases.

For Spring 2021, the following course has been approved as a substitution for the “computation and statistics” requirement:   18.408 (Theoretical Foundations for Deep Learning) .

The following course has been approved as a substitution for the “data analysis” requirement:   6.481 (Introduction to Statistical Data Analysis) .

Can I apply for the PhysSDS degree in my last semester at MIT?

No, you must apply no later than your penultimate semester.

What does it mean to use statistical methods in a “substantial way” in one’s thesis?

The ideal case is that one’s thesis advances statistics research independent of the Physics applications. Advancing the use of statistical methods in one’s subfield of Physics would also qualify. Applying well-established statistical methods in one’s thesis could qualify, if the application is central to the Physics result. In all cases, we expect the student to demonstrate mastery of statistics and data science.

• Utility Menu

Apply   |   Contact Us   |   Carol Davis Fund   Anonymous Feedback to the Physics Chair

Graduate studies, commencement 2019.

The Harvard Department of Physics offers students innovative educational and research opportunities with renowned faculty in state-of-the-art facilities, exploring fundamental problems involving physics at all scales. Our primary areas of experimental and theoretical research are atomic and molecular physics, astrophysics and cosmology, biophysics, chemical physics, computational physics, condensed-matter physics, materials science, mathematical physics, particle physics, quantum optics, quantum field theory, quantum information, string theory, and relativity.

Our talented and hardworking students participate in exciting discoveries and cutting-edge inventions such as the ATLAS experiment, which discovered the Higgs boson; building the first 51-cubit quantum computer; measuring entanglement entropy; discovering new phases of matter; and peering into the ‘soft hair’ of black holes.

Our students come from all over the world and from varied educational backgrounds. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and attracting the widest possible range of talents.

We have a flexible and highly responsive advising structure for our PhD students that shepherds them through every stage of their education, providing assistance and counseling along the way, helping resolve problems and academic impasses, and making sure that everyone has the most enriching experience possible.The graduate advising team also sponsors alumni talks, panels, and advice sessions to help students along their academic and career paths in physics and beyond, such as “Getting Started in Research,” “Applying to Fellowships,” “Preparing for Qualifying Exams,” “Securing a Post-Doc Position,” and other career events (both academic and industry-related).

We offer many resources, services, and on-site facilities to the physics community, including our electronic instrument design lab and our fabrication machine shop. Our historic Jefferson Laboratory, the first physics laboratory of its kind in the nation and the heart of the physics department, has been redesigned and renovated to facilitate study and collaboration among our students.

Members of the Harvard Physics community participate in initiatives that bring together scientists from institutions across the world and from different fields of inquiry. For example, the Harvard-MIT Center for Ultracold Atoms unites a community of scientists from both institutions to pursue research in the new fields opened up by the creation of ultracold atoms and quantum gases. The Center for Integrated Quantum Materials , a collaboration between Harvard University, Howard University, MIT, and the Museum of Science, Boston, is dedicated to the study of extraordinary new quantum materials that hold promise for transforming signal processing and computation. The Harvard Materials Science and Engineering Center is home to an interdisciplinary group of physicists, chemists, and researchers from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences working on fundamental questions in materials science and applications such as soft robotics and 3D printing.  The Black Hole Initiative , the first center worldwide to focus on the study of black holes, is an interdisciplinary collaboration between principal investigators from the fields of astronomy, physics, mathematics, and philosophy. The quantitative biology initiative https://quantbio.harvard.edu/  aims to bring together physicists, biologists, engineers, and applied mathematicians to understand life itself. And, most recently, the new program in  Quantum Science and Engineering (QSE) , which lies at the interface of physics, chemistry, and engineering, will admit its first cohort of PhD students in Fall 2022.

We support and encourage interdisciplinary research and simultaneous applications to two departments is permissible. Prospective students may thus wish to apply to the following departments and programs in addition to Physics:

• Department of Astronomy
• Department of Chemistry
• Department of Mathematics
• John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS)
• Biophysics Program
• Molecules, Cells and Organisms Program (MCO)

If you are a prospective graduate student and have questions for us, or if you’re interested in visiting our department, please contact  [email protected] .

• GRADUATE STUDIES
• Admissions & Financial Aid
• Admissions FAQs
• Advising Team
• Advising Portal (Graduate)
• Course Requirements
• Other PhD Tracks
• Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
• GSAS Student Council
• PhD Thesis Help
• Tax Information

Share this page

Graduate education in physics offers you exciting opportunities extending over a diverse range of subjects and departments. You will work in state-of-the-art facilities with renowned faculty and accomplished postdoctoral fellows. The interdisciplinary nature of the program provides you with the opportunity to select the path that most interests you. You will be guided by a robust academic advising team to ensure your success.

You will have access to Jefferson Laboratory, the oldest physics laboratory in the country, which today includes a wing designed specifically to facilitate the study and collaboration between you and other physics graduate students.

Students in the program are doing research in many areas, including atomic and molecular physics, quantum optics, condensed-matter physics, computational physics, the physics of solids and fluids, biophysics, astrophysics, statistical mechanics, mathematical physics, high-energy particle physics, quantum field theory, string theory, relativity, and many others.

Graduates of the program have secured academic positions at institutions such as MIT, Stanford University, California Institute of Technology, and Harvard University. Others have gone into private industry at leading organizations such as Google, Facebook, and Apple. 

Additional information on the graduate program is available from the Department of Physics , and requirements for the degree are detailed in Policies . 

Areas of Study

Engineering and Physical Biology | Experimental Astrophysics | Experimental Physics | Theoretical Astrophysics | Theoretical Physics | Unspecified

Admissions Requirements

Please review admissions requirements and other information before applying. You can find degree program-specific admissions requirements below and access additional guidance on applying from the Department of Physics .

Academic Background

Applicants should be well versed in undergraduate-level physics and mathematics. Typically, applicants will have devoted approximately half of their undergraduate work to physics and related subjects such as mathematics and chemistry. It is desirable for every applicant to have completed at least one year of introductory quantum mechanics classes. An applicant who has a marked interest in a particular branch of physics should include this information in the application. If possible, applicants should also indicate whether they are inclined toward experimental or theoretical (mathematical) research. This statement of preference will not be treated as a binding commitment to any course of study and research. In the Advanced Coursework section of the online application, prospective students must indicate the six most advanced courses (four in physics and two in mathematics) they completed or will complete at their undergraduate institution.

Standardized Tests

GRE General: Optional GRE Subject Test: Optional

Theses & Dissertations

Theses & Dissertations for Physics

See list of Physics faculty

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Questions about the program.

Ph.D. program

The Applied Physics Department offers a Ph.D. degree program; see  Admissions Overview  for how to apply.  

1.  Courses . Current listings of Applied Physics (and Physics) courses are available via  Explore Courses . Courses are available in Physics and Mathematics to overcome deficiencies, if any, in undergraduate preparation. It is expected the specific course requirements are completed by the  end of the 3rd year  at Stanford.

Required Basic Graduate Courses.   30 units (quarter hours) including:

• Basic graduate courses in advanced mechanics, statistical physics, electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, and an advanced laboratory course. In cases where students feel they have already covered the materials in one of the required basic graduate courses, a petition for waiver of the course may be submitted and is subject to approval by a faculty committee.
• 18 units of advanced coursework in science and/or engineering to fit the particular interests of the individual student. Such courses typically are in Applied Physics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering, but courses may also be taken in other departments, e.g., Biology, Materials Science and Engineering, Mathematics, Chemistry. The purpose of this requirement is to provide training in a specialized field of research and to encourage students to cover material beyond their own special research interests.​

​ Required Additional Courses .  Additional courses needed to meet the minimum residency requirement of 135 units of completed course work. Directed study and research units as well as 1-unit seminar courses can be included. Courses are sometimes given on special topics, and there are several seminars that meet weekly to discuss current research activities at Stanford and elsewhere. All graduate students are encouraged to participate in the special topics courses and seminars. A limited number of courses are offered during the Summer Quarter. Most students stay in residence during the summer and engage in independent study or research programs.

The list of the PhD degree core coursework is listed in the bulletin here:  https://bulletin.stanford.edu/programs/APLPH-PHD .

3.  Dissertation Research.   Research is frequently supervised by an Applied Physics faculty member, but an approved program of research may be supervised by a faculty member from another department.

4.  Research Progress Report.   Students give an oral research progress report to their dissertation reading committee during the winter quarter of the 4th year.

5.  Dissertation.

6.  University Oral Examination .  The examination includes a public seminar in defense of the dissertation and questioning by a faculty committee on the research and related fields.

Most students continue their studies and research during the summer quarter, principally in independent study projects or dissertation research. The length of time required for the completion of the dissertation depends upon the student and upon the dissertation advisor. In addition, the University residency requirement of 135 graded units must be met.

Rotation Program

We offer an optional rotation program for 1st-year Ph.D. students where students may spend one quarter (10 weeks) each in up to three research groups in the first year. This helps students gain research experience and exposure to various labs, fields, and/or projects before determining a permanent group to complete their dissertation work. 

Sponsoring faculty members may be in the Applied Physics department, SLAC, or any other science or engineering department, as long as they are members of the Academic Council (including all tenure-line faculty). Rotations are optional and students may join a group without the rotation system by making an arrangement directly with the faculty advisor. 

During the first year, research assistantships (RAs) are fully funded by the department for the fall quarter; in the winter and spring quarters, RAs are funded 50/50 by the department and the research group hosting the student. RAs after the third quarter are, in general, not subsidized by the rotation program or the department and should be arranged directly by the student with their research advisor.

How to arrange a rotation

Rotation positions in faculty members’ groups are secured by the student by directly contacting and coordinating with faculty some time between the student’s acceptance into the Ph.D. program and the start of the rotation quarter. It is recommended that the student’s fall quarter rotation be finalized no later than Orientation Week before the academic year begins. A rotation with a different faculty member can be arranged for the subsequent quarters at any time. Most students join a permanent lab by the spring quarter of their first year after one or two rotations.  When coordinating a rotation, the student and the sponsoring faculty should discuss expectations for the rotation (e.g. project timeline or deliverables) and the availability of continued funding and permanent positions in the group. It is very important that the student and the faculty advisor have a clear understanding about expectations going forward.

What do current students say about rotations?

Advice from current ap students, setting up a rotation:.

• If you have a specific professor or group in mind, you should contact them as early as possible, as they may have a limited number of rotation spots.
• You can prepare a 1-page CV or resume to send to professors to summarize your research experiences and interest.
• Try to tour the lab/working areas, talk to senior graduate students, or attend group meeting to get a feel for how the group operates.
• If you don't receive a response from a professor, you can send a polite reminder, stop by their office, or contact their administrative assistant. If you receive a negative response, you shouldn't take it personally as rotation availability can depend year-to-year on funding and personnel availability.
• Don't feel limited to subfields that you have prior experience in. Rotations are for learning and for discovering what type of work and work environment suit you best, and you will have several years to develop into a fully-formed researcher!

You and your rotation advisor should coordinate early on about things like: 

• What project will you be working on and who will you be working with?
• What resources (e.g. equipment access and training, coursework) will you need to enable this work?
• How closely will you work with other members of the group? 
• How frequently will you and your rotation advisor meet?
• What other obligations (e.g. coursework, TAing) are you balancing alongside research?
• How will your progress be evaluated?
• Is there funding available to support you and this project beyond the rotation quarter?
• Will the rotation advisor take on new students into the group in the quarter following the rotation?

About a month before the end of the quarter, you should have a conversation with your advisor about things like:

• Will you remain in the current group or will you rotate elsewhere?
• If you choose to rotate elsewhere, does the option remain open to return to the present group later?
• If you choose to rotate elsewhere, will another rotation student be taken on for the same project?
• You don't have to rotate just for the sake of rotating! If you've found a group that suits you well in many aspects, it makes sense to continue your research momentum with that group.

Application process

View Admissions Overview View the Required Online Ph.D. Program Application  

Contact the Applied Physics Department Office at  [email protected]  if additional information on any of the above is needed.

PhD Program

**new** graduate student guide, expected progress of physics graduate student to ph.d..

This document describes the Physics Department's expectations for the progress of a typical graduate student from admission to award of a PhD.  Because students enter the program with different training and backgrounds and because thesis research by its very nature is unpredictable, the time-frame for individual students will vary. Nevertheless, failure to meet the goals set forth here without appropriate justification may indicate that the student is not making adequate progress towards the PhD, and will therefore prompt consideration by the Department and possibly by Graduate Division of the student’s progress, which might lead to probation and later dismissal.

Course Work

Graduate students are required to take a minimum of 38 units of approved upper division or graduate elective courses (excluding any upper division courses required for the undergraduate major).  The department requires that students take the following courses which total 19 units: Physics 209 (Classical Electromagnetism), Physics 211 (Equilibrium Statistical Physics) and Physics 221A-221B (Quantum Mechanics). Thus, the normative program includes an additional 19 units (five semester courses) of approved upper division or graduate elective courses.  At least 11 units must be in the 200 series courses. Some of the 19 elective units could include courses in mathematics, biophysics, astrophysics, or from other science and engineering departments.  Physics 290, 295, 299, 301, and 602 are excluded from the 19 elective units. Physics 209, 211 and 221A-221B must be completed for a letter grade (with a minimum average grade of B).  No more than one-third of the 19 elective units may be fulfilled by courses graded Satisfactory, and then only with the approval of the Department.  Entering students are required to enroll in Physics 209 and 221A in the fall semester of their first year and Physics 211 and 221B in the spring semester of their first year. Exceptions to this requirement are made for 1) students who do not have sufficient background to enroll in these courses and have a written recommendation from their faculty mentor and approval from the head graduate adviser to delay enrollment to take preparatory classes, 2) students who have taken the equivalent of these courses elsewhere and receive written approval from the Department to be exempted. 

If a student has taken courses equivalent to Physics 209, 211 or 221A-221B, then subject credit may be granted for each of these course requirements.  A faculty committee will review your course syllabi and transcript.  A waiver form can be obtained in 378 Physics North from the Student Affairs Officer detailing all required documents.  If the committee agrees that the student has satisfied the course requirement at another institution, the student must secure the Head Graduate Adviser's approval.  The student must also take and pass the associated section of the preliminary exam.  Please note that official course waiver approval will not be granted until after the preliminary exam results have been announced.  If course waivers are approved, units for the waived required courses do not have to be replaced for PhD course requirements.  If a student has satisfied all first year required graduate courses elsewhere, they are only required to take an additional 19 units to satisfy remaining PhD course requirements.  (Note that units for required courses must be replaced for MA degree course requirements even if the courses themselves are waived; for more information please see MA degree requirements).

In exceptional cases, students transferring from other graduate programs may request a partial waiver of the 19 elective unit requirement. Such requests must be made at the time of application for admission to the Department.

The majority of first year graduate students are Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs) with a 20 hour per week load (teaching, grading, and preparation).  A typical first year program for an entering graduate student who is teaching is:

First Semester

• Physics 209 Classical Electromagnetism (5)
• Physics 221A Quantum Mechanics (5)
• Physics 251 Introduction to Graduate Research (1)
• Physics 301 GSI Teaching Credit (2)
• Physics 375 GSI Training Seminar (for first time GSI's) (2)

Second Semester

• Physics 211 Equilibrium Statistical Physics (4)
• Physics 221B Quantum Mechanics (5)

Students who have fellowships and will not be teaching, or who have covered some of the material in the first year courses material as undergraduates may choose to take an additional course in one or both semesters of their first year.

Many students complete their course requirements by the end of the second year. In general, students are expected to complete their course requirements by the end of the third year. An exception to this expectation is that students who elect (with the approval of their mentor and the head graduate adviser) to fill gaps in their undergraduate background during their first year at Berkeley often need one or two additional semesters to complete their course work.

Faculty Mentors

Incoming graduate students are each assigned a faculty mentor. In general, mentors and students are matched according to the student's research interest.   If a student's research interests change, or if (s)he feels there is another faculty member who can better serve as a mentor, the student is free to request a change of assignment.

The role of the faculty mentor is to advise graduate students who have not yet identified research advisers on their academic program, on their progress in that program and on strategies for passing the preliminary exam and finding a research adviser.  Mentors also are a “friendly ear” and are ready to help students address other issues they may face coming to a new university and a new city.  Mentors are expected to meet with the students they advise individually a minimum of once per semester, but often meet with them more often.  Mentors should contact incoming students before the start of the semester, but students arriving in Berkeley should feel free to contact their mentors immediately.

Student-Mentor assignments continue until the student has identified a research adviser.  While many students continue to ask their mentors for advice later in their graduate career, the primary role of adviser is transferred to the research adviser once a student formally begins research towards his or her dissertation. The Department asks student and adviser to sign a “mentor-adviser” form to make this transfer official.  

Preliminary Exams

In order to most benefit from graduate work, incoming students need to have a solid foundation in undergraduate physics, including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics, special relativity, thermal and statistical physics and quantum mechanics, and to be able to make order-of-magnitude estimates and analyze physical situations by application of general principles. These are the topics typically included, and at the level usually taught, within a Bachelor's degree program in Physics at most universities. As a part of this foundation, the students should also have formed a well-integrated overall picture of the fields studied. The preliminary exam is meant to assess the students' background, so that any missing pieces can be made up as soon as possible. The exam is made up of 4 sections, as described in the  Preliminary Exam Policy *, on the Department’s website.  Each section is administered twice a year, at the start of each semester. 

Entering students are encouraged to take this exam as soon as possible, and they are required to attempt all prelims sections in the second semester. Students who have not passed all sections in the third semester will undergo a Departmental review of their performance. Departmental expectations are that all students should successfully pass all sections no later than spring semester of the second year (4th semester); the document entitled  Physics Department Preliminary Exam Policy * describes Departmental policy in more detail. An exception to this expectation is afforded to students who elect (with the recommendation of the faculty mentor and written approval of the head graduate adviser) to fill gaps in their undergraduate background during their first year at Berkeley and delay corresponding section(s) of the exam, and who therefore may need an additional semester to complete the exam; this exception is also further discussed in the  Preliminary Exam Policy * document.

* You must login with your Calnet ID to access Physics Department Preliminary Examination Policy.

Start of Research

Students are encouraged to begin research as soon as possible. Many students identify potential research advisers in their first year and most have identified their research adviser before the end of their second year.  When a research adviser is identified, the Department asks that both student and research adviser sign a form (available from the Student Affairs Office, 378 Physics North) indicating that the student has (provisionally) joined the adviser’s research group with the intent of working towards a PhD.  In many cases, the student will remain in that group for their thesis work, but sometimes the student or faculty adviser will decide that the match of individuals or research direction is not appropriate.  Starting research early gives students flexibility to change groups when appropriate without incurring significant delays in time to complete their degree.

Departmental expectations are that experimental research students begin work in a research group by the summer after the first year; this is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged.  Students doing theoretical research are similarly encouraged to identify a research direction, but often need to complete a year of classes in their chosen specialty before it is possible for them to begin research.  Students intending to become theory students and have to take the required first year classes may not be able to start research until the summer after their second year.  Such students are encouraged to attend theory seminars and maintain contact with faculty in their chosen area of research even before they can begin a formal research program. 

If a student chooses dissertation research with a supervisor who is not in the department, he or she must find an appropriate Physics faculty member who agrees to serve as the departmental research supervisor of record and as co-adviser. This faculty member is expected to monitor the student's progress towards the degree and serve on the student's qualifying and dissertation committees. The student will enroll in Physics 299 (research) in the co-adviser's section.  The student must file the Outside Research Proposal for approval; petitions are available in the Student Affairs Office, 378 Physics North.   

Students who have not found a research adviser by the end of the second year will be asked to meet with their faculty mentor to develop a plan for identifying an adviser and research group.  Students who have not found a research adviser by Spring of the third year are not making adequate progress towards the PhD.  These students will be asked to provide written documentation to the department explaining their situation and their plans to begin research.  Based on their academic record and the documentation they provide, such students may be warned by the department that they are not making adequate progress, and will be formally asked to find an adviser.  The record of any student who has not identified an adviser by the end of Spring of the fourth year will be evaluated by a faculty committee and the student may be asked to leave the program. 

Qualifying Exam

Rules and requirements associated with the Qualifying Exam are set by the Graduate Division on behalf of the Graduate Council.  Approval of the committee membership and the conduct of the exam are therefore subject to Graduate Division approval.  The exam is oral and lasts 2-3 hours.  The Graduate Division specifies that the purpose of the Qualifying Exam is “to ascertain the breadth of the student's comprehension of fundamental facts and principles that apply to at least three subject areas related to the major field of study and whether the student has the ability to think incisively and critically about the theoretical and the practical aspects of these areas.”  It also states that “this oral examination of candidates for the doctorate serves a significant additional function. Not only teaching, but the formal interaction with students and colleagues at colloquia, annual meetings of professional societies and the like, require the ability to synthesize rapidly, organize clearly, and argue cogently in an oral setting.  It is necessary for the University to ensure that a proper examination is given incorporating these skills.”

Please see the  Department website for a description of the Qualifying Exam and its Committee .   Note: You must login with your Calnet ID to access QE information . Passing the Qualifying Exam, along with a few other requirements described on the department website, will lead to Advancement to Candidacy.  Qualifying exam scheduling forms can be picked up in the Student Affairs Office, 378 Physics North.   

The Department expects students to take the Qualifying Exam two or three semesters after they identify a research adviser. This is therefore expected to occur for most students in their third year, and no later than fourth year. A student is considered to have begun research when they first register for Physics 299 or fill out the department mentor-adviser form showing that a research adviser has accepted the student for PhD work or hired as a GSR (Graduate Student Researcher), at which time the research adviser becomes responsible for guidance and mentoring of the student.  (Note that this decision is not irreversible – the student or research adviser can decide that the match of individuals or research direction is not appropriate or a good match.)  Delays in this schedule cause concern that the student is not making adequate progress towards the PhD.  The student and adviser will be asked to provide written documentation to the department explaining the delay and clarifying the timeline for taking the Qualifying Exam.

Annual Progress Reports

Graduate Division requires that each student’s performance be annually assessed to provide students with timely information about the faculty’s evaluation of their progress towards PhD.  Annual Progress Reports are completed during the Spring Semester.  In these reports, the student is asked to discuss what progress he or she has made toward the degree in the preceding year, and to discuss plans for the following year and for PhD requirements that remain to be completed.  The mentor or research adviser or members of the Dissertation Committee (depending on the student’s stage of progress through the PhD program) comment on the student’s progress and objectives. In turn, the student has an opportunity to make final comments. 

Before passing the Qualifying Exam, the annual progress report (obtained from the Physics Student Affairs Office in 378 Physics North) is completed by the student and either his/her faculty mentor or his/her research adviser, depending on whether or not the student has yet begun research (see above).  This form includes a statement of intended timelines to take the Qualifying Exam, which is expected to be within 2-3 semesters of starting research.  

After passing the Qualifying Exam, the student and research adviser complete a similar form, but in addition to the research adviser, the student must also meet with at least one other and preferably both other members of their Dissertation Committee (this must include their co-adviser if the research adviser is not a member of the Physics Department) to discuss progress made in the past year, plans for the upcoming year, and overall progress towards the PhD.  This can be done either individually as one-on-one meetings of the graduate student with members of the Dissertation Committee, or as a group meeting with presentation. (The Graduate Council requires that all doctoral students who have been advanced to candidacy meet annually with at least two members of the Dissertation Committee. The annual review is part of the Graduate Council’s efforts to improve the doctoral completion rate and to shorten the time it takes students to obtain a doctorate.)

Advancement to Candidacy

After passing the Qualifying Examination, the next step in the student's career is to advance to candidacy as soon as possible.  Advancement to candidacy is the academic stage when a student has completed all requirements except completion of the dissertation.  Students are still required to enroll in 12 units per semester; these in general are expected to be seminars and research units.  Besides passing the Qualifying Exam, there are a few other requirements described in the Graduate Program Booklet. Doctoral candidacy application forms can be picked up in the Student Affairs Office, 378 Physics North.

Completion of Dissertation Work

The expected time for completion of the PhD program is six years.  While the Department recognizes that research time scales can be unpredictable, it strongly encourages students and advisers to develop dissertation proposals consistent with these expectations.  The Berkeley Physics Department does not have dissertation defense exams, but encourages students and their advisers to ensure that students learn the important skill of effective research presentations, including a presentation of their dissertation work to their peers and interested faculty and researchers.

William H. Miller III Department of Physics & Astronomy

• Admissions and Transfers
• Graduate Courses
• Degree Forms and Requirements
• Research and Advising
• Graduate Student Examination Guide
• Career Services for PhD Students
• Summer Support and Internships
• Graduate Program Statistics

Graduate programs in physics and astronomy at Johns Hopkins University are among the top programs in the field. Students engage in original research starting in their first semester and have flexibility in choosing their course of research and designing their path through the program. A wide range of research projects—both theoretical and experimental—are available in astrophysics, atomic, molecular & optical physics, biological physics, condensed matter physics, and particle physics. Graduate students can work toward a PhD in either physics or astronomy and astrophysics. Our doctoral students are prepared for careers in physics and astronomy research, teaching, or in applications such as biophysics, space physics, and industrial research.

Graduate students at Johns Hopkins study and work in close collaboration with a world-renowned, award-winning physics and astronomy faculty , whose research is truly global. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, and they are full participants in the vibrant intellectual life of the department. Research leading to the dissertation can be carried out not only within the Department of Physics and Astronomy, but also in collaboration with other research centers. Recent dissertation research has been conducted with members of the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory , Space Telescope Science Institute , and the Goddard Space Flight Center .

Graduate students are involved in research projects beginning in their first semester at JHU. Students are free to explore different areas of research by working on short research projects with different advisers. A series of seminars, presentations and orientation events held in the fall semester help introduce students to the faculty in the department so that they can choose their first project. Such projects may last a semester or a year; they might become the prelude to their thesis work or may focus on a completely separate topic. In many cases, the projects lead to published research papers. By the end of their second year, students have typically completed their required graduate classes, have explored several different research directions and are in a good position to choose a thesis topic and a thesis advisor. Students start thesis research no later than fall of their 3rd year and graduate at the end of the 5th or 6th year.

It is departmental policy that all graduate students in good standing are supported through fellowships, research assistantships and / or teaching assistantships for up to six years.  The financial package covers the tuition and student health insurance, and provides a stipend commensurate with that of other leading research institutions. We have designed our graduate program in such a way that indeed most students earn their PhD in six years or less.

Fellowships

We strongly encourage prospective and enrolled students eligible for external fellowships to apply for them. For graduate students already enrolled, research and academic advisors provide assistance and support in applying for NSF fellowships, NASA fellowships, etc. Faculty and staff nominate graduate students for departmental and university fellowships, and applications are reviewed by the graduate program committee and / or the department chair.

The University Research Office maintains an up-to-date list of  graduate student funding opportunities . 

Teaching and research assistantships

Teaching and research assistantships are equivalent in terms of stipend and benefits. Most students are supported by teaching assistantships during their first year. In subsequent years, they may be supported by teaching assistantships or research assistantships depending on availability of external funding and research performance. Students should discuss funding options with their advisors well in advance of the semester in question. Teaching assistantships in year six and beyond should be requested by the student and the advisor by application to the graduate program committee. Continuation in the program and financial support of any kind in year seven and beyond should also be requested by the student and the advisor by application to the graduate program committee. In evaluating these requests, the graduate program committee takes into consideration whether the student is on a clear path to graduation, whether the student is making good progress and whether the extension is necessitated by the scope of the thesis.

• Graduate Student Handbook
• Mentorship Guidelines

Graduate Policies

Statement of the rights and responsibilities of phd students at johns hopkins university.

Ph.D. education is fundamental to the University’s teaching and research mission. For an intellectual community of scholars to flourish, it is important to acknowledge the principles that underlie the compact between Ph.D. students, the faculty, and other members of the University community.

It is in this spirit that the Doctor of Philosophy Board, in collaboration with faculty and students from across the University,  has articulated a statement of rights and responsibilities for doctoral students at Johns Hopkins.  The principles described in this document are to be realized in policies established by the various Schools of the University; the Schools will also develop mechanisms to monitor and enforce such policies.

• Academic and Research Misconduct Policy
• Assistant Leave Policy
• Grievance Policy
• Jury and Witness Duty
• Homewood Schools Policy for Graduate Student Probation, Funding Withdrawal, and Dismissal
• Information Technology Policy
• Managing the Conversation: Inform, Support, and Report Quick Reference Guide for Responding to Staff and Faculty Discrimination, Harassment & Sexual Misconduct Disclosures
• Managing the Conversation: Inform, Support, and Report Quick Reference Guide for Responding to Student Discrimination, Harassment & Sexual Misconduct Disclosures
• Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Sciences Office of the Dean & Leadership

Graduate Board

The  Homewood Graduate Board  is a subcommittee of the Academic Council of the Schools of Arts and Sciences and Engineering, and is responsible for the administration of policies and procedures for the award Doctor of Philosophy, PhD of the Schools of Arts and Sciences and Engineering, and for master’s degrees in the School of Arts and Sciences.

Office of Institutional Equity – Title IX Information

Title IX  of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”) prohibits discrimination with a basis on sex in any federally-funded education program or activity. Title IX affects almost every facet of JHU.

Physics, PhD

Zanvyl krieger school of arts and sciences, admission requirements.

To obtain admission, a student is expected to submit evidence that they have a good chance to succeed. 

A complete application will include:

• Statement of purpose. We look for a thoughtful, well-written statement that shows the ability to overcome challenges, dedication to attain chosen goals, a capacity for creativity, an understanding of physics and/or astronomy, and any other indication of potential for research.
• Three letters of recommendation. Recommendation letters should help us evaluate your capacity for research, the most important criterion for admission.
• Transcripts of all previous work. Transcripts submitted with the application may be unofficial transcripts. Successful applicants who accept the offer of admission must supply an official transcript before they can begin the PhD program at JHU. In the case of students in the final year of their bachelors program, the official transcript must show completion of all coursework required for the degree.
• TOEFL or IELTS for international students. A reproduction is acceptable. Johns Hopkins prefers a minimum score of 600 (paper-based) or 250 (computer-based) or 100 (Internet-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
• $75 non-refundable application fee. The application fee may be waived .

Note: submission of General GRE and Physics GRE scores is optional.

Successful applicants applying in the last year of their Bachelor’s program will need to demonstrate the completion of their Bachelor’s degree program before they can begin the Ph.D. program at JHU.

Program Requirements

The Ph.D. program has strong emphasis on early and active involvement in graduate research. Thus, students are required to have a research advisor and file a research summary every semester they are enrolled in the program, starting with the first one. Furthermore, students must complete the required courses with a grade of B- or better; the coursework is typically done over the first two years. In the beginning of the second year, students complete the research examination, and in the beginning of the third year – the University’s Graduate Board Oral examination, both of which are based on completed or proposed research. During the first two years, students are typically involved in introductory research projects, which may or may not be related to their thesis work, and sometimes work with several different advisors, but they must identify (and have an agreement with) a thesis advisor no later than the beginning of their third year in the program, after which point students focus on their thesis research. The thesis is to be completed by no later than the end of the 6th year, ending with an oral presentation of the thesis to a faculty committee.

Course Requirements

Ph.d. in physics.

Students must complete the following courses:

Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics

Students in both programs must receive at least a B- in each required course, or they will be required to retake the specific course once more and pass it.

The department offers a wide range of graduate physics, astrophysics, mathematical methods and statistics classes, and while only five are required, the students are encouraged to use the flexibility of the graduate program and the available classes to design programs of study that best prepare them for their chosen area of research. In addition to the required courses listed above, below is the list of the graduate courses that have been taught in recent years:

Research and Advising

The principal goal of graduate study is to train the student to conduct original research. Therefore, physics and astronomy graduate students at Johns Hopkins are involved in research starting in their first semester in the program.

First and Second-Year Research Requirement

By the end of September, the student chooses their first research advisor among the professorial faculty and starts working on the first-semester research project. If the proposed research advisor does not hold a primary appointment as a tenure-track or research faculty member in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, the form must be co-signed by a PHA faculty member, who will provide mentorship  (relevant department faculty members list) . This requirement holds for all semesters of research. The first-semester project continues through intersession in January. The spring-semester research project continues until the end of the spring semester. The summer semester lasts from June through August. Students may continue with one advisor through the entire first year, or they may choose to cycle through several different research advisers from one semester to the next.

This system of semester projects continues during the first two years of the program, when students also complete required coursework. The nature of these first- and second-year research projects varies from student to student, from advisor to advisor and from one sub-field of physics to another. Some may be self-contained research projects that lead to published scientific papers and may or may not be related to the thesis research in later years.  Listing of recent publications by our graduate students . Others may comprise reading or independent-study projects to develop background for subsequent research. In other cases, they may be first steps in a longer-term research project.

This system accommodates both the students who have chosen the direction of their thesis work before graduate school and those who would like to try a few different things before committing to a long-term project. As students get more familiar with the department and the research opportunities, they zero in on their thesis topic and find a thesis advisor. This may happen any time during the first two years, and students are required to find a thesis advisor by the beginning of the third year.

Thesis Research and Defense

Securing a mutual agreement with a thesis advisor is one of the most important milestones of our graduate program. Students must find a thesis advisor and submit the thesis advisor form before the first day of their 3rd year. The form represents a long-term commitment and serious efforts in planning and communication between the student and the advisor. If the proposed thesis advisor does not hold a primary appointment as a tenure-track or research faculty member in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, the form must be co-signed by a PHA faculty member, who will serve as the departmental advisor of record (relevant department faculty members list) . 

After the student chooses a thesis advisor, the student forms their Thesis Committee consisting of three faculty members in the Dept. of Physics and Astronomy (PHA). At least two should be tenure track faculty with primary appointments in PHA. An external advisor may be added as the fourth member of the committee. These committees function as extended advisory bodies; students have the opportunity to discuss their progress and problems with several faculty. They also conduct one formal annual review of each student’s progress.

Research leading to the dissertation can be carried out not only within the Department of Physics and Astronomy, but with appropriate arrangements, either partly or entirely at other locations if necessitated by the project goals. At the conclusion of thesis research, the student presents the written dissertation to the faculty committee and defends the thesis in an oral examination.

Requirements for the M.A. Degree

Although the department does not admit students who intend to pursue the master’s degree exclusively, students in the department’s Ph.D. program and students in other Ph.D. programs at Johns Hopkins may apply to fulfill the requirements for the M.A. degree in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Students from other JHU departments must seek approval from their home department and from the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Before beginning their M.A. studies, students must have mastered the undergraduate physics material covered by the following courses:

Courses taken elsewhere may qualify at the discretion of the Graduate Program Committee (normally this requirement is satisfied by the Ph.D.-track students before they arrive at JHU as they have completed a B.A. or B.Sci. in Physics at another institution).

To qualify for the M.A. degree in Physics, students must complete eight one-semester 3-credit graduate-level courses in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and pass the departmental research exam. For the M.A. degree in Astronomy, students must complete eight one-semester 3-credit graduate-level courses in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, plus the seminar “Language of Astrophysics” and pass the departmental research exam. The student must receive a grade of B- or above in each of the courses; graduate courses can be retaken once in case of failure.

Of the eight one-semester courses, four must be the core courses listed above in the Ph.D. requirements and two must be Independent Graduate Research courses. The remaining two course requirements for the M.A. degree may be fulfilled either by 3-credit graduate electives or by additional Independent Graduate Research. The research courses must include an essay or a research report supervised and approved by a faculty member of the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Under most circumstances students pursuing their Ph.D. qualify for the M.A. degree by the end of their second year if they have taken all four core courses in their discipline at JHU, the “Language of Astrophysics” seminar (for M.A. in Astronomy), four semesters of Independent Graduate Research, and passed the research exam. Graduate courses taken at another institution or in another department at JHU in most cases do not count toward the M.A. requirements (therefore, students who are interested in the M.A. degree, but are planning to waive any graduate courses because they have passed a comparable graduate course at another institution, should discuss their eligibility for the M.A. degree with the Academic Program Administrator as soon as they arrive at JHU). Students should expect that no M.A. requirements can be waived; that the minimal research requirement is two semesters; and that at most one of the core courses can be substituted by another (non-research) graduate course in exceptional circumstances. Any requests for M.A. course substitutions must be made to the Graduate Program Committee at least a year before the expected M.A. degree so that the committee can recommend an appropriate substitution.

College of Arts & Sciences

Doctoral Program

The Path to The Ph.D

The Georgetown graduate experience is tailored to match your academic and professional goals. The process is straightforward, but as with any program, there are certain benchmarks that help you chart your path. Detailed information is available in the Graduate Handbook .

• Perform well and earn 34 credits in the coursework (maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above)
• Participate in the Integrative Experience after the 1 st 2 semesters of coursework
• Join 3 Lab Rotations to gain expertise and choose an Academic Advisor
• Pass the Comprehensive Examination , typically before beginning their 2 nd year
• Pass the Qualifying Examination , within 18 months of completing coursework or directly after an Apprenticeship
• Research, write and defend a Dissertation

Prerequisites for first-year graduate courses

Classical mechanics.

• Lagrangian formulation at the level of Marion.
• Understand the definition of Hamiltonian and of a Poisson bracket.

COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS

• Proficiency in coding in a high-level programming language like Fortran, C, C++, or java.
• Understanding loops and conditional statements.
• Full knowledge of how to solve second order differential equations with constant coefficients.
• Separation of variables for partial differential equations.
• Heat flow or diffusion,
• Wave or Schroedinger equation, and
• Boundary-value problems.
• Understanding of Fourier analysis (both discrete and a continuous Fourier transform) and eigenvalue problems.

ELECTROMAGNETISM

• Differential formulation of Maxwell’s equations
• Poisson’s equation
• Multipole expansions
• Generation of electromagnetic waves
• Circuit analysis (both AC and DC)
• Geometrical & physical optics, (at the level of Griffiths).

QUANTUM MECHANICS

• Bra and ket notation
• Eigenvalue problems (as partial differential equations and in matrix form)
• Separation of variables
• Raising and lowering operators
• Addition of angular momentum
• Hydrogen atom
• Nondegenerate perturbation theory
• Simple time-evolution problems (at the level of Liboff, Griffiths, or Dicke and Witte).

STATISTICAL MECHANICS

• Definitions of entropy, free energy, chemical potential.
• Free energy of classical and quantum harmonic oscillator.
• Equipartition theorem.
• Degenerate Fermi and Bose gases.
• One-dimensional Ising model. (At the level of Kittel and Kroemer).

• Skip to Content
• Catalog Home
• Institution Home
• Graduate Catalog /
• School of Arts & Sciences /

Physics and Astronomy, PhD

The University of Pennsylvania Department of Physics and Astronomy is a world-leading institution that generally is regarded as among the very best places for graduate students to obtain a PhD. Graduate students at Penn combine a short term of coursework with independent, original research that forms the basis of their dissertation and typically their first publications. A rich program of seminars and colloquia by invited speakers from across the world supplements what students learn in classes and during their research activities. 

Primary research areas include outstanding theoretical and experimental work in both hard and soft condensed matter physics, often done in conjunction with other schools and departments at Penn, with some laboratories located in Penn's Singh Center for Nanotechnology and the Laboratory for Research into the Structure of Matter. Biophysics at Penn is also divided amongst advanced theoretical work and hands-on laboratory work, and encompasses both complex networking theories and some of the exotic optics of biological systems.

Our Astrophysics and Cosmology groups explore the structure and evolution of the Universe, perform searches for exoplanets, and study galaxy formation. Efforts in cosmology include theoretical models for the acceleration of the Universe and the properties of dark matter, observations of the structure of the Universe and studies of dark matter using gravitational lensing with the Dark Energy Survey and eventually the Large-aperture Synoptic Survey Telescope, and studies of the cosmic microwave background with telescopes in places like the Chilean Andes and the South Pole. Our effort in nuclear and particle physics also spans both fundamental theoretical work such as string theory, as well as experimental work at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN and various neutrino experiments across the world. Collider efforts include studies of the recently-discovered Higgs boson as well as searches for supersymmetry, and our neutrino work includes searches for Majorana neutrinos and CP violation in neutrino oscillations.

Our experimental nuclear and particle physics effort makes extensive use of Penn's world-class instrumentation group, giving students the ability to explore creative new ideas in both hardware and in their data analysis work.

For more information: http://www.physics.upenn.edu/graduate/

View the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs .

Required Courses

The total course units required for graduation is 20.

One course must be outside the student's field of specialization.

Up to 11 course units can come from independent research or reading courses.

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2023 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

Print Options

Print this page.

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

A PDF of the entire 2023-24 catalog.

A PDF of the 2023-24 Undergraduate catalog.

A PDF of the 2023-24 Graduate catalog.

2024 Best Colleges for Physics in America

• Direct Admissions
• College Quiz
• Best colleges
• Best student life
• Top party schools
• Best academics
• Best professors
• Hardest to get into

Best programs

• Accounting/finance
• Agricultural sciences
• Anthropology
• Architecture
• Communications
• Computer science
• Criminal justice
• Culinary arts
• Engineering
• Engineering technician
• Environmental science
• Film/photography
• Global studies
• Health care management
• Information technology
• International relations
• Kinesiology/therapy
• Performing arts
• Political science
• Public health
• Public policy
• Religious studies
• Sports management
• Most diverse
• Most liberal
• Most conservative

Social scene

• Best greek life
• Best campuses
• Best college dorms
• Best college food
• Best locations
• Safest campuses
• College athletics
• Best for student athletes

1-25 of 960 results

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA •

• • Rating 4.16 out of 5   661 reviews

Sophomore: Great place to be challenged, learn, and grow. A safe environment to fall and fail. Lots of support and resources available but you need to take the initiative to reach out about them ... Read 661 reviews

• grade  A+ Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 4%

Net price $20,232

SAT range 1530-1580

#1 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

CAMBRIDGE, MA ,

661 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says Great place to be challenged, learn, and grow. A safe environment to fall and fail. Lots of support and resources available but you need to take the initiative to reach out about them .

Read 661 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A+ ,

Acceptance Rate : 4% ,

Net Price : $20,232 ,

SAT Range : 1530-1580 ,

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, CA •

• • Rating 3.98 out of 5   134 reviews

Other: I like the campus most , students activities , diverse programs of alumni and dorms and libraries . overall experiences are very good . ... Read 134 reviews

Acceptance rate 3%

Net price $20,755

SAT range —

#2 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

Blue checkmark.

PASADENA, CA ,

134 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Other says I like the campus most , students activities , diverse programs of alumni and dorms and libraries . overall experiences are very good . .

Read 134 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 3% ,

Net Price : $20,755 ,

Harvard University

• • Rating 4.15 out of 5   848 reviews

Alum: Attending Harvard College was transformative. The housing system fostered a strong sense of community, facilitating academic support and social interaction. The rigorous academics, led by renowned faculty, challenged me to think critically and pursue my interests. Harvard's commitment to diversity enriched my experience, and the vibrant location in Cambridge provided endless opportunities for exploration and growth. Harvard College offered an unparalleled experience that has left an indelible mark on my life. ... Read 848 reviews

Net price $19,491

SAT range 1490-1580

#3 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

848 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Attending Harvard College was transformative. The housing system fostered a strong sense of community, facilitating academic support and social interaction. The rigorous academics, led by renowned... .

Read 848 reviews.

Net Price : $19,491 ,

SAT Range : 1490-1580 ,

Illinois Institute of Technology

CHICAGO, IL

• • Rating 3.54 out of 5   740

Alma College

• • Rating 3.74 out of 5   612

Eastern Kentucky University

RICHMOND, KY

• • Rating 3.62 out of 5   1,700

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ •

• • Rating 3.97 out of 5   470 reviews

Freshman: I am currently a first-year here at Princeton University and my experiences here have single-handedly changed my life. The school has offered me so much support in every facet of my life -- from academics, to finances, to extracurriculars. I feel that I am completely thriving here in a way that I was never able to before. Classes are suburb with professors who really care about not only about what we learn but also how we grow as individuals. Dining is amazing and we have the sweetest dining staff ever. There are so many options for clubs that you are never bored and can always find something for you. Overall, I feel like there is no better place for me than Princeton :). ... Read 470 reviews

Acceptance rate 6%

Net price $18,698

#4 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

PRINCETON, NJ ,

470 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I am currently a first-year here at Princeton University and my experiences here have single-handedly changed my life. The school has offered me so much support in every facet of my life -- from... .

Read 470 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 6% ,

Net Price : $18,698 ,

Stanford University

Stanford, CA •

• • Rating 4.1 out of 5   1,283 reviews

Freshman: I honestly really like it here! It was my dream school and genuinely there are so many opportunities that you have access to. That said, its heat you make of it. No one will force you or push you to apply for things or cold email people. You just need to have the personal drive. Also, I love the area, its quiet, so if you're into big massive part vibes, it may not be the place for you. I love how they have options for weekends for people who don't party. Very accommodating! ... Read 1,283 reviews

Net price $18,279

SAT range 1500-1580

#5 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

STANFORD, CA ,

1283 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I honestly really like it here! It was my dream school and genuinely there are so many opportunities that you have access to. That said, its heat you make of it. No one will force you or push you to... .

Read 1283 reviews.

Net Price : $18,279 ,

SAT Range : 1500-1580 ,

Yale University

New Haven, CT •

• • Rating 4.02 out of 5   1,053 reviews

Freshman: Yale is amazing overall! Campus is full of activities and there's always something to do. New Haven may not be the greatest city in America, but that just makes students be more active on campus and creates a sense of community! Yale also has the perfect balance of academics, extracurriculars, and social life, or as we like to think about it, the 8/8/8 rule: 8 hours of studying, 8 of sleep, and 8 of social life. ... Read 1,053 reviews

Acceptance rate 5%

Net price $18,647

#6 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

NEW HAVEN, CT ,

1053 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Yale is amazing overall! Campus is full of activities and there's always something to do. New Haven may not be the greatest city in America, but that just makes students be more active on campus and... .

Read 1053 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 5% ,

Net Price : $18,647 ,

• Will you get in? Understand your chances of getting accepted into any college in the country, and it's completely free

Rice University

Houston, TX •

• • Rating 4.09 out of 5   1,121 reviews

Graduate Student: Going to Rice University to attend the Shepherd School of Music at a graduate level is an experience separate from the rest of Rice. The Opera Department at Rice University has been one of the best programs in the United States producing incredible singers in the industry for a while now. Financial aid has been decreasing from full rides to having to pay a couple of thousands to attend +fees for a Master of Music. It is case by case, however. Pros: BEAUTIFUL theater that is incredible to sing in, program's very YAP reminiscent (in good and bad ways), world-class faculty, great networking opportunity, masterclasses/private audition opportunities Cons: your soul/free-time belongs to the Opera Department; if a release conflicts with the opera schedule, tough luck; there have been many issues with casting opportunities/favoritism; if you're a person of color, be prepared to be a token on all promo material; TOO many irrelevant time-consuming academics; having a car is a MUST in Houston ... Read 1,121 reviews

Acceptance rate 9%

Net price $19,902

SAT range 1490-1570

#7 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

HOUSTON, TX ,

1121 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says Going to Rice University to attend the Shepherd School of Music at a graduate level is an experience separate from the rest of Rice. The Opera Department at Rice University has been one of the best... Pros: BEAUTIFUL theater that is incredible to sing in, program's very YAP reminiscent (in good and bad ways), world-class faculty, great networking opportunity, masterclasses/private audition... Cons: your soul/free-time belongs to the Opera Department; if a release conflicts with the opera schedule, tough luck; there have been many issues with casting opportunities/favoritism; if you're a... .

Read 1121 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 9% ,

Net Price : $19,902 ,

SAT Range : 1490-1570 ,

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA •

• • Rating 3.9 out of 5   1,359 reviews

Freshman: It's important to acknowledge that college experiences vary greatly from person to person, and while some may face challenges or difficulties, others may find their time in college to be transformative and rewarding. Instead of focusing on the negatives, perhaps you could consider exploring constructive criticism or discussing specific areas for improvement in the college experience. This approach allows for a more balanced and productive discussion that can lead to positive changes and improvements in the education system. If you have specific concerns about your college experience, it might be helpful to address them directly with the appropriate channels within your institution or seek support from counselors or advisors. Remember, challenges are a natural part of any educational journey, and there are often resources available to help navigate them. ... Read 1,359 reviews

Acceptance rate 7%

Net price $26,123

SAT range 1500-1570

#8 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

PHILADELPHIA, PA ,

1359 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says It's important to acknowledge that college experiences vary greatly from person to person, and while some may face challenges or difficulties, others may find their time in college to be... .

Read 1359 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 7% ,

Net Price : $26,123 ,

SAT Range : 1500-1570 ,

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL •

• • Rating 3.81 out of 5   1,297 reviews

Sophomore: Starting out at this university was not easy for me since I had to face many challenges on my own, away from family and friends I had back home. However, I had adjusted to the quarter system and found my place at the college. UChicago academics have impressed me, even with the required core classes. The professors I have met so far all appear to be enthusiastic about their specific fields, and they can be especially helpful outside of class. Given that our campus is located within a neighborhood, there are plenty of community activities and restaurants that students can hang out at, such as a Mexican-Korean restaurant called Seoul Taco. There are multiple dormitory buildings on campus, and the southern one is especially convenient as it has a dining hall, gym, and a small store all in one general place. There are also plenty of clubs, called RSOs, ranging from many types of activities like boxing or Japanese drum practice (Taiko). I would like more transportation options to explore. ... Read 1,297 reviews

Net price $36,991

#9 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

CHICAGO, IL ,

1297 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says Starting out at this university was not easy for me since I had to face many challenges on my own, away from family and friends I had back home. However, I had adjusted to the quarter system and... .

Read 1297 reviews.

Net Price : $36,991 ,

Harvey Mudd College

Claremont, CA •

• • Rating 3.77 out of 5   154 reviews

Other: I'm an incoming freshman! I was accepted to the Class of 2028 and I'll likely be studying either engineering or math+compsci. I attended Admitted Student Day 2 weeks ago on campus and the current students as well as the professors are extremely kind, humble, knowledgeable, and always willing to help. ... Read 154 reviews

Acceptance rate 13%

Net price $39,850

SAT range 1480-1560

#10 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

CLAREMONT, CA ,

154 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Other says I'm an incoming freshman! I was accepted to the Class of 2028 and I'll likely be studying either engineering or math+compsci. I attended Admitted Student Day 2 weeks ago on campus and the current... .

Read 154 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 13% ,

Net Price : $39,850 ,

SAT Range : 1480-1560 ,

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY •

• • Rating 3.79 out of 5   2,080 reviews

Alum: Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Cornell University. I was within the Policy Analysis and Management Department. Our courses were rigorous, but our professors encouraged collaboration with our peers through group papers, presentation, and problem sets. In addition, my peers were often happy and excited to work together. Outside of the PAM department, I was heavily involved with the Einhorn Center for Community-Engagement. Through my role at the Center, I really learned how to integrate community-engagement within my classes and professional work. I found that Cornell had many opportunities for students to engage with the Greater Ithaca community. ... Read 2,080 reviews

Net price $26,060

SAT range 1470-1570

#11 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

ITHACA, NY ,

2080 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Cornell University. I was within the Policy Analysis and Management Department. Our courses were rigorous, but our professors encouraged collaboration with... .

Read 2080 reviews.

Net Price : $26,060 ,

SAT Range : 1470-1570 ,

Dartmouth College

Hanover, NH •

• • Rating 3.88 out of 5   746 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at Dartmouth has been great so far. The education is high quality and so are the professors. There are great opportunities for practical work and research. And the student body and campus life is lively and welcoming. The university is not perfect and the frat culture is very big here, but it is a wonderful place to be. ... Read 746 reviews

Net price $19,208

#12 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

HANOVER, NH ,

746 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says My experience at Dartmouth has been great so far. The education is high quality and so are the professors. There are great opportunities for practical work and research. And the student body and... .

Read 746 reviews.

Net Price : $19,208 ,

• Sponsored Find Student Loan Options
• 4 Ways to Pay for College
• 2024 Best Colleges for Chemistry

University of California - Berkeley

Berkeley, CA •

• • Rating 3.72 out of 5   4,487 reviews

Junior: Attending UC Berkeley has been an amazing experience. The university provides a wide range of resources for students, from state-of-the-art research facilities to extensive libraries and diverse student organizations catering to almost every interest. The professors are not only knowledgeable but also genuinely invested in their student's success, offering valuable mentorship and opportunities for academic and professional growth. However, some areas could be improved. While the campus is diverse, more initiatives are needed to foster a more inclusive environment, particularly in terms of support and representation for underrepresented groups. Additionally, the bureaucracy can sometimes be overwhelming, making it difficult for students to navigate administrative processes efficiently. More streamlined systems and increased support for student mental health and well-being would significantly enhance the overall experience. ... Read 4,487 reviews

Acceptance rate 11%

Net price $19,257

#13 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

BERKELEY, CA ,

4487 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says Attending UC Berkeley has been an amazing experience. The university provides a wide range of resources for students, from state-of-the-art research facilities to extensive libraries and diverse... However, some areas could be improved. While the campus is diverse, more initiatives are needed to foster a more inclusive environment, particularly in terms of support and representation for... .

Read 4487 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 11% ,

Net Price : $19,257 ,

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA •

• • Rating 3.71 out of 5   1,483 reviews

Freshman: Carnegie Mellon University suits those who believe in working hard, working hard, and playing hard occasionally. The academics are demanding and challenging, which ultimately creates dedicated, disciplined students, or burnout. Many people require some kind of passion to be here, as it takes passion to get through the intense workload. On the surface, the social life at CMU seems pretty dead. However, after actively looking for clubs, organizations, and student groups, I found there are a lot of opportunities to be part of communities that are passionate and welcoming. I also love that CMU is very invested in their student's success: it is easy to get help from academic advisors, pursue research positions, and take interesting opportunities to get your education outside the classroom. Overall, I am very proud and happy that I came here :). ... Read 1,483 reviews

Net price $33,499

#14 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

PITTSBURGH, PA ,

1483 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Carnegie Mellon University suits those who believe in working hard, working hard, and playing hard occasionally. The academics are demanding and challenging, which ultimately creates dedicated,... .

Read 1483 reviews.

Net Price : $33,499 ,

University of California - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA •

• • Rating 3.98 out of 5   5,588 reviews

Alum: As with any college, the experience is what you make of it. UCLA just presents a lot of diversity in terms of the experiences that you can have. You can get your party fix in on Thursdays at frat row, kickbacks through cultural or professional organizations, or even a warehouse rave in the Arts District. Academically, there are plenty of opportunities for research and internships. It can be difficult to get into certain classes until you are in your 3rd or 4th year, though. Living on campus is really helpful for finding friends and the food is definitely a blow-out compared to other schools I've visited. Only downside is that housing in general is expensive due to the area, so you'll likely be sharing a room and living on a budget! ... Read 5,588 reviews

Net price $16,999

#15 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

5588 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says As with any college, the experience is what you make of it. UCLA just presents a lot of diversity in terms of the experiences that you can have. You can get your party fix in on Thursdays at frat... .

Read 5588 reviews.

Net Price : $16,999 ,

Brown University

Providence, RI •

• • Rating 3.84 out of 5   1,082 reviews

Junior: My experience has been absolutely incredible. As everyone says, the open curriculum really makes a world of difference as it allows you to choose your own path and not be hampered by requirements that you might never need or have little to no interest in. I am an athlete and have had great experience with athletics and academics because Brown is really good about accommodating student-athletes when it comes to game and practice schedules. ... Read 1,082 reviews

Net price $26,723

#16 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

PROVIDENCE, RI ,

1082 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says My experience has been absolutely incredible. As everyone says, the open curriculum really makes a world of difference as it allows you to choose your own path and not be hampered by requirements... .

Read 1082 reviews.

Net Price : $26,723 ,

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI •

• • Rating 3.96 out of 5   4,718 reviews

Sophomore: The University of Michigan takes a lot of pride in calling itself the best university in the world, but while finishing up my sophomore year I could not agree more. There is such a healthy balance between challenging courses that make students competitive prospects in their next step in life and opportunities to destress and enjoy the "best years of our lives", from watching our football team win the national championship to simply receiving free treats around campus from staff. From my personal experience, I cannot offer any suggestions for change for this amazing university! I have met some of the most kindhearted and motivated people in friends and professors while here and I cannot imagine attending another college. ... Read 4,718 reviews

Acceptance rate 18%

Net price $19,318

SAT range 1350-1530

#17 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

ANN ARBOR, MI ,

4718 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says The University of Michigan takes a lot of pride in calling itself the best university in the world, but while finishing up my sophomore year I could not agree more. There is such a healthy balance... .

Read 4718 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 18% ,

Net Price : $19,318 ,

SAT Range : 1350-1530 ,

Georgetown University

Washington, DC •

• • Rating 3.8 out of 5   1,277 reviews

Freshman: Amazing campus, beautiful area surrounding campus with lots of connections to history! GU boasts a strong reputation for academic rigor and excellence across various disciplines, including law, business, international relations, and public policy. Situated in Washington, D.C., Georgetown benefits from its proximity to numerous government agencies, international organizations, and cultural institutions, offering unparalleled opportunities for internships, research, and networking. I love the diverse and inclusive community, attracting students and faculty worldwide. Diversity enriches the cross-cultural understanding. Georgetown has a vast and influential alumni network, providing students with valuable connections and opportunities for mentorship and career advancement. Rooted in its Jesuit tradition, Georgetown emphasizes the importance of ethical leadership and service to others, instilling in students a sense of responsibility and commitment to making a positive impact on society. ... Read 1,277 reviews

Acceptance rate 12%

Net price $35,566

SAT range 1410-1560

#18 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

WASHINGTON, DC ,

1277 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Amazing campus, beautiful area surrounding campus with lots of connections to history! GU boasts a strong reputation for academic rigor and excellence across various disciplines, including law,... .

Read 1277 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 12% ,

Net Price : $35,566 ,

SAT Range : 1410-1560 ,

University of Washington

Seattle, WA •

• • Rating 3.79 out of 5   4,680 reviews

Graduate Student: The University of Washington offers a vibrant school life characterized by a welcoming atmosphere and warm-hearted professors who genuinely care about their students' success. Interactions with classmates are often pleasant and enriching, fostering a sense of community. However, safety concerns linger as an area needing improvement. While the campus exudes warmth and inclusivity, addressing safety issues would further enhance the overall experience, ensuring students can focus on their studies without worry. Despite this aspect, the university's positive attributes, from its supportive faculty to its friendly student body, create a conducive environment for academic and personal growth. ... Read 4,680 reviews

Acceptance rate 48%

Net price $10,603

#19 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

SEATTLE, WA ,

4680 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says The University of Washington offers a vibrant school life characterized by a welcoming atmosphere and warm-hearted professors who genuinely care about their students' success. Interactions with... .

Read 4680 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 48% ,

Net Price : $10,603 ,

University of Texas - Austin

Austin, TX •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   6,774 reviews

Freshman: I love that UT has a sense of community, especially in the sporting department. Being able to witness school spirit is an aspect I love about this school. I also enjoy the vast number of majors and programs, as well as student organizations that are available for all to join. However, I’ve had a slightly difficult time realizing that because UT is so large, it’s extremely easy to sink into the cracks, and figuring your own stuff out is essential. No one is going to hold your hand through course registration or career decisions, but I think- despite the inconvenience- it teaches students how to be an adult much more effectively than a gentler approach. Overall, I love UT and Austin and can’t recommend it enough! ... Read 6,774 reviews

Acceptance rate 31%

Net price $17,434

SAT range 1230-1500

#20 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

AUSTIN, TX ,

6774 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I love that UT has a sense of community, especially in the sporting department. Being able to witness school spirit is an aspect I love about this school. I also enjoy the vast number of majors and... .

Read 6774 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 31% ,

Net Price : $17,434 ,

SAT Range : 1230-1500 ,

Pomona College

• • Rating 4.23 out of 5   423 reviews

Junior: After three challenging, exciting, and transformational years at Pomona, I feel that I can confidently say that I wouldn't want to have studied anywhere else, and I'm already mourning that I'll have to leave this place after next year. Pomona maintains a truly unique culture among elite higher education. Students here are bright and academically top-notch, sure, but, more importantly, they are genuinely curious about the world, open-minded, and passionate about knowledge and justice. I have been challenged academically and personally, and grown more than I could have imagined as a result. The school has its problems, of course: for one, the administration is opaque and unresponsive to student needs. But the dedicated faculty, laidback California atmosphere, and student body more than make up for them. If you are given the opportunity to study here, seriously consider it: you will grow as a student and as a person. ... Read 423 reviews

Net price $19,962

#21 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

423 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says After three challenging, exciting, and transformational years at Pomona, I feel that I can confidently say that I wouldn't want to have studied anywhere else, and I'm already mourning that I'll have... .

Read 423 reviews.

Net Price : $19,962 ,

Columbia University

New York, NY •

• • Rating 3.82 out of 5   1,366 reviews

Alum: As a biochemistry student at Columbia University, my experience was extraordinary. The Core Curriculum was a highlight, exposing me to literature, philosophy, art history, and music. This interdisciplinary approach enriched my understanding and fostered critical thinking and analytical writing skills. Beyond academics, I loved engaging with the community through Peer Health Exchange (now S-HEAL), where I educated high school students on health and wellness. This experience enhanced my communication skills and deepened my commitment to public health. Writing for The Spectator allowed me to make scientific concepts accessible, improving my ability to articulate ideas clearly. Additionally, Columbia’s vibrant arts scene, from Miller Theatre performances to Wallach Art Gallery exhibitions, provided a rich cultural balance to my studies. Overall, Columbia offered a holistic education, blending rigorous science, arts, and community involvement, preparing me well for the future. ... Read 1,366 reviews

Net price $22,058

#22 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

NEW YORK, NY ,

1366 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says As a biochemistry student at Columbia University, my experience was extraordinary. The Core Curriculum was a highlight, exposing me to literature, philosophy, art history, and music. This... Beyond academics, I loved engaging with the community through Peer Health Exchange (now S-HEAL), where I educated high school students on health and wellness. This experience enhanced my... Writing for The Spectator allowed me to make scientific concepts accessible, improving my ability to articulate ideas clearly. Additionally, Columbia’s vibrant arts scene, from Miller Theatre... Overall, Columbia offered a holistic education, blending rigorous science, arts, and community involvement, preparing me well for the future. .

Read 1366 reviews.

Net Price : $22,058 ,

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN •

• • Rating 3.97 out of 5   1,430 reviews

Freshman: Notre Dame has a community of students who are driven both spiritually and academically to be their best selves. Over my time at UND, all students are united towards a common goal of being educated in both their hearts and minds to serve others in the world. For example, there are two students who really impacted my life named Caroline and Liam who changed my perspective on the idea of vocation and living out your life in service of God through your life. Vocation is about using your gifts to change the world and the University of Notre Dame helps cultivate students to be young men and women who do just that. ... Read 1,430 reviews

Net price $28,474

SAT range 1450-1550

#23 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

NOTRE DAME, IN ,

1430 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Notre Dame has a community of students who are driven both spiritually and academically to be their best selves. Over my time at UND, all students are united towards a common goal of being educated... .

Read 1430 reviews.

Net Price : $28,474 ,

SAT Range : 1450-1550 ,

Duke University

Durham, NC •

• • Rating 3.93 out of 5   1,208 reviews

Junior: Duke is an amazing place to go to college! I have loved every minute here as CS major -- the classes are challenging, professors are engaging and available, the campus is beautiful, and the people are incredibly smart and down-to-earth. I chose Duke over some other great schools and I can't recommend it enough! ... Read 1,208 reviews

Net price $23,694

#24 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

DURHAM, NC ,

1208 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says Duke is an amazing place to go to college! I have loved every minute here as CS major -- the classes are challenging, professors are engaging and available, the campus is beautiful, and the people... .

Read 1208 reviews.

Net Price : $23,694 ,

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD •

• • Rating 3.68 out of 5   1,408 reviews

Alum: Overall, my undergraduate experience at Johns Hopkins was great. The academics were challenging without being destructive to student mental health and there were always numerous clubs, involvement opportunities, and events on campus to attend in my free time. It was easy to find research opportunities at the hospital and in general, the professors were very supportive. I do wish that I had seen more of JHU's involvement in local communities and would love to see the college work to give back more to local communities in the future. ... Read 1,408 reviews

Net price $24,034

SAT range 1520-1570

#25 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

BALTIMORE, MD ,

1408 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Overall, my undergraduate experience at Johns Hopkins was great. The academics were challenging without being destructive to student mental health and there were always numerous clubs, involvement... .

Read 1408 reviews.

Net Price : $24,034 ,

SAT Range : 1520-1570 ,

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA

• • Rating 3.77 out of 5   4,014

Union College - New York

SCHENECTADY, NY

• • Rating 3.7 out of 5   627

Skidmore College

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY

• • Rating 3.74 out of 5   669

Showing results 1 through 25 of 960

Quick references

Find A Degree

The 5 Best Doctor of Physics (Ph.D. Physics) Degree Programs: Salary and Info

Phd program rankings.

• Fully Funded PhDs in Education
• Doctor of Nursing Education
• Ph.D.: No Application Fees
• No-GRE Online Ph.D. in Psychology
• No-GRE Online Ph.D. Programs
• Fast Online Doctoral (Ph.D. and Ed.D.)
• The Most Affordable Online DBA
• Doctorate in Public Policy/Administration
• Doctor of ABA
• Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
• Doctorate in Marketing
• ALL Ph.D. Degree Program Rankings

Career Guides

• Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
• Aerospace Engineering
• Behavioral Health (D.B.H.)
• Chemical Engineering (PhD CE)
• Chemistry (D.Chem.)
• Clinical Nutrition (D.C.N.)
• Speech-Language Pathology (CScD)
• Criminology (D.Crim.)
• Economics (DEc)
• Health Science (D.H.S./D.H.Sci)
• Library Science (D.L.S.)
• Molecular Biology (Phd Mol Biol)
• Occupational Safety and Health (D.O.S.H.)
• Physics (Ph.D. Physics)
• ALL PhD Career Guides

Valuable Resources

• Best Laptops for Ph.D. Students
• Gift Ideas for Ph.D. Students
• Burnout & Chronic Stress
• The Key to Free Grad School
• Ph.D. Guide for International and Domestic Students
• Habits Of Highly Effective Leaders
• Online Doctorate Reputation
• Journals for Ph.D. Students
• Earning a PhD
• Write a Perfect Essay Like a PhD
• Master’s Degree As a Bridge To Ph.D.
• Self-Funding Your PhD
• Importance of Accreditation
• Online Ph.D. Support Groups
• Getting Accepted to an Online Ph.D.
• Common Fears of Ph.D. Students
• Habits of Successful People
• US Doctoral Degrees
• ALL VALUABLE RESOURCES

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why earn a Doctorate Degree?
• What are the Ph.D. Admission Requirements?
• How Much Does a Ph.D. Cost?
• How many years will it take for me to achieve my doctorate degree online?
• Do online doctorate degree programs require campus visits?
• Ph.D. vs. Doctorate
• ALL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
• Highest-Paying Doctoral Degrees
• Famous Ph.D. Theses In History
• Struggles Only a Ph.D. Student Would Understand
• Ph.D. Requiring Residencies
• The World’s Richest Doctors
• Academic Conferences
• Most Popular PhD Degrees
• ALL Ph.D. Highlights

The study of Physics is responsible for the theories and discoveries that have led to the exploration and development of microwave appliances, transistor radios, computers, and communications systems. Physicists study how forms of energy and matter interact as well as study the origin of the universe.

Moreover, they perform experiments and design equipment using lasers, electron microscopes, and particle accelerators. They explore the fundamental properties and principles that govern matter, space, time, and energy. Indeed, being a physicist leads you to the vast beauty and mysteries of the universe.

If you are interested in furthering your education with a Ph.D. in Physics, it can be quite challenging because most courses require on-campus laboratory activities or exercises. There are quite a few educational institutions that offer a hybrid learning format for students who are interested in enrolling in a Ph.D. Physics degree program.

Also, some schools or universities allow students to take up the set of coursework through online learning at their convenience and flexibility. However, their on-campus presence is required, especially when they need to complete activities.

What schools offer a Doctor of Philosophy in Physics degree?

The following schools offer a Ph.D. in Physics degree program with the opportunity to take online courses at the discretion of the university while taking up on-campus laboratory activities: Ohio University in Athen, Ohio, Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan, University of Colorado-Colorado Springs , University of California-Berkeley, and Clark University .

Are you inspired by the works and discoveries of Albert Einstein? Ever wondered if Stephen Hawking’s multiverse theories are true? Never give up on your dreams to earn a Ph.D. in Physics, and who knows it’ll be the road to mankind’s amazing new discoveries.

Best Doctor of Physics

Ohio university.

Program Standouts:

The Department of Physics & Astronomy at Ohio University offers a top Doctor of Philosophy degree program. The program combines coursework with the completion of a scholarly piece of research that is original in content and presented as a dissertation. Research activities in the Department include:

• astrophysics,
• condensed matter and surface sciences,
• nuclear and particle physics
• and biophysics.

Campus Location: Athens, Ohio

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Admission Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Recommended coursework
• Transcripts
• Letters of Recommendation
• Resume or CV
• Statement of Purpose

Course Sample:

• Thermal Physics
• Electricity and Magnetism 2
• Mathematical Methods in Physics
• Electronic Device Physics

Degree Outcomes: Graduates in Physics are prepared to teach at a university or college level as well as pursue a career in industry or government.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PHD IN PHYSICS FROM OHIO UNIVERSITY

Michigan technological university.

The Department of Physics at Michigan Technological University is looking for “highly motivated, inquisitive students with undergraduate majors in physics, materials science, mathematics, or engineering, who possess a strong interest in research.”

Students in the Ph.D. program in Physics prepare for a career in research and development, industry, or academia. With state-of-the-art lab facilities and many opportunities for original research, Michigan Technological University is a dream university for those who love the subject of Physics.

Campus Location: Houghton, Michigan

• Student Statements
• Official Transcripts
• Admissions Tests
• Writing Sample
• Previous Degrees
• Classical Mechanics
• Electrodynamics I
• Mathematical Physics

Degree Outcomes: Graduates with an advanced degree in physics from Michigan Technological University work in academia, industry, and government laboratories.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PHD IN PHYSICS FROM MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

University of colorado – colorado springs.

The University of Colorado – Colorado Springs offers one of the top Physics PhD programs in the country. Graduate students in the PhD program are involved in active research and have ample opportunity for study which puts them at the forefront of physics

Campus Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, mathematics, physics or equivalents
• Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.00
• Transcript of all previous graduate and undergraduate work
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Goal statement
• Interests that fit with the department’s research directions
• Theoretical Mechanics
• Quantum Mechanics
• Nonlinear Physics
• Modern Optics

Degree Outcomes: Students who graduate from the Ph.D. program in Physics at the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs will be equipped to work as:

• Physicists,
• Physics Teachers,
• or in other related careers at the very top of their field.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PHD IN PHYSICS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO – COLORADO SPRINGS

University of california berkeley.

The Ph.D. program in Physics at the University of California Berkeley is unquestionably one of the best in the nation. Currently ranked by ‘U.S. News and World Report’ as #3 in the nation, UC Berkeley’s Physics program is one of the very best Physics programs in the world.

Campus Location: Berkeley, California

Accreditation: Western Association Schools and Colleges Commission on Colleges

• Evidence of English Language Proficiency
• Other Doctoral Degree Requirements
• Classical Electromagnetism
• Equilibrium Statistical Physics

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PHD IN PHYSICS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY

Clark university.

The Ph.D. program in Physics at Clark University is experimental and theoretical in design. Emphasized in the program are condensed matter physics, biophysics, and active learning – with research starting in the first semester of the program.

The small size of the program at Clark, along with the access that students have to equipment is unique and builds an independent and collaborative work/study environment.

Campus Location: Worcester, Massachusetts

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

• Application form and fee
• Personal Statement
• Academic Transcripts
• Test Scores

Areas of study include:

• Active matter
• Soft matter
• Soft robots
• Physics of thin structures
• Organic superconductivity
• Novel magnetic materials

Degree Outcomes: Doctoral alumni from Clark University are “well-prepared to obtain fulfilling positions in:

• government,
• research, and more.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PHD IN PHYSICS FROM CLARK UNIVERSITY

What does a physicist do.

Physicists are scientists who study and experiment with motion and gravity, the properties of gases, the structure of matter, different types of energy, and the relationship between energy and matter. They study the fundamental forces and laws of the universe.

Other physicists apply their learning of physics to several forms of matter, such as electrical equipment, missiles, laser beams, medicine, computer development, and many other things related to physics.

Physics is a very broad study of science. With this being said, many physicists specialize in a specific branch, such as a nuclear physicist who mainly studies the nature and structure of atomic nuclei and their interaction with space and matter. Their work has paved the way for the discovery of active components that help the medical field in the diagnosis and treatment of several illnesses.

Astrophysicists deal with the study of the universe, while medical physicists work in healthcare and use their knowledge to develop new medical equipment, technologies, and radiation-based treatments for patients.

Additionally, atomic or optical physicists study the nature and structure of atoms, electrons, molecules, and light that will eventually lead them to the discovery of new materials or technology.

Also, they create scientific theories and methodologies that explain the force of gravity, the formation of sub-atomic particles, and many other principles governing the natural world.

They conduct several scientific experiments and studies to discover the properties of energy and matter and other scientific theoretical discoveries. Physicists write scientific papers that will be published in journals. Also, they present research work at lectures and scientific conferences.

What sort of accreditation should I look for in a school?

The last thing you would want to happen is to waste time and money on a degree that future employers won’t take seriously. With this in mind, you should make sure that your chosen school or university has proper accreditation before you enroll.

Accreditation indicates that your chosen school or university is maintaining a reputable standard as well as continuing to improve and make advancements within its field.

While you don’t necessarily need a program-specific accreditation to earn your physics degree, there are program-specific recognitions if you are hoping to use your Ph.D. Physics degree to become a licensed Professional Engineer.

The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, commonly known as ABET, is a non-governmental accrediting agency for programs in applied and natural science, engineering technology, computing, and engineering.

Therefore, choosing an ABET-accredited educational institution is your first choice if you have plans to become a licensed Professional Engineer. It will be an essential credential as you seek employment in a competitive job market.

Lastly, make sure that your Ph.D. in Physics degree program is offered by an institution that is regionally accredited by accrediting agencies, such as:

• The Higher Learning Commission,
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges,
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges,
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges,
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education,
• and Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

What type of degree do I need to pursue research or educate others in physics?

Physicists need a Ph.D. for professional careers in academia and research. Thus, a doctorate-level degree in Physics would qualify to teach in most accredited schools or universities.

Typically, a Ph.D. in Physics degree program requires four to seven years of study. It is the most highly reputable degree in the Physics field. Moreover, those who pursue research work for the university or school have a Ph.D. in Physics. These researchers write scientific papers and research work or dissertations and publish their work as a contribution to the academic field.

What kind of career and salary can I expect from my Ph.D. in Physics?

A Ph.D. in Physics degree program can be the key to several rewarding professional career pathways in physical and social sciences. The four main areas in which Ph.D. in Physics graduates can find employment are:

• colleges and universities,
• and laboratories.

There are numerous careers related to the Physics world such as:

• geoscientists,
• biochemists and biophysicists,
• mathematicians and statisticians,
• materials engineer,
• computer and information research scientists,
• nuclear engineers,
• and teachers.

Those with Ph.D. in Physics tend to compete for permanent research positions since the marketplace for the Physics field is usually strong. Despite the competition, they can apply in applied research, development, and other related technical areas.

The median wage for physicists is $139,220 per year. $63,390 is the lowest earning for a physicist, while $181,5100 is the highest earnings per year.

The top industries for physicists include ambulatory healthcare services ($212,880), scientific research and development ($167,590), the federal government ($129,240), and educational institutions ($87,620).

Most physicists work full-time in well-lighted laboratories and classrooms, while others work outdoors. Besides, some work in hospitals or factories, as well as some of them are in academia, where they teach in the classroom while preparing lesson plans, conducting research and writing for the remainder of their workweek.

How long does it take to earn a Doctorate in Physics?

The amount of time required to earn a doctorate in physics varies depending on the program and the student’s background. Generally, it can take anywhere from 4-7 years to complete a doctorate in physics.

Skip to content

School of Physics

College of sciences, search form, college of sciences announces new minors, ph.d. program and curriculum additions.

This fall, the College of Sciences will debut three new minors, a new Ph.D. program, and a new “4+1” B.S./M.S. degree program. 

The announcement follows curriculum updates for the 2023-24 academic year, including the launch of the Minor in the Science of Mental Health and Well-Being in the School of Psychology and the creation of three new bachelor of science degrees in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. 

“We are excited to announce these additions to the College’s portfolio of academic opportunities for our students,” says David M. Collard , senior associate dean in the College of Sciences and professor in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry . “The updates reflect our College’s growth and respond to our students’ interest in pursuing advanced study.”

The additions for the 2024-2025 academic year include: 

“4+1” B.S./M.S. Degree Program

The College offers several options for undergraduate students to earn both a bachelor of science degree and a master of science degree as a part of a “4+1” program. Students may apply to the B.S./M.S Degree Program after being at Georgia Tech for about one year. This allows them to tailor their undergraduate and graduate academic requirements to complete both degrees in a timely manner. 

Computing and Cognition Minor 

The Minor in Computation and Cognition is a highly interdisciplinary program that combines advanced computational training with the study of human cognition. Students will learn about the computational mechanisms underlying human cognition and use computational methods to better understand human cognition. Established by the School of Psychology in collaboration with the College of Computing and with support from the Schools of Physics and Mathematics , the minor is open to all students starting this fall.

There are several new courses in the School of Psychology supporting this minor, including PSYC 4690 (Sensation and Perception: A Computational Perspective) and PSYC/PHYS 4745 (Physics of Cognition). These two classes are offered as special topics this fall but will have permanent course numbers in Spring 2025. More new courses in computation and cognition are planned for the next year and beyond.  

Neuroscience and Neurotechnology Ph.D. Program, Neuroscience Minor

The new Ph.D. and minor offerings build on the recently launched Neuro Next Initiative in Research and the Undergraduate Program in Neuroscience , respectively. 

The new Neuroscience and Neurotechnology Ph.D. Program is a joint effort across the Colleges of Science, Computing and Engineering. It is focused on educating students to advance the field of neuroscience through an interdisciplinary approach, with scientists and engineers of diverse backgrounds — ultimately integrating neuroscience research and technological development to study all levels of nervous system function. The program expects to enroll its first graduate students in Fall 2025.

Approved by the Board of Regents in 2017, the interdisciplinary B.S. in Neuroscience degree enrolled more than 400 undergraduate students in 2022, and has been the fastest growing undergraduate major at Georgia Tech. The Minor in Neuroscience is set to become available during the 2024-25 academic year.  

Quantum Sciences and Technology Minor

In response to the explosion of research, development, investment, and hiring in quantum information science taking place across academia, national labs, and private industry, the School of Physics is now hosting a new Minor in Quantum Sciences . 

Available starting this fall, the program is open to all students, regardless of major, who are interested in learning more about quantum information theory, applications of quantum information to measurement, quantum materials, quantum computation, quantum algorithms, quantum communication, or any other quantum science related topics. The coursework includes basic training in quantum mechanics and quantum information, and a choice of quantum-related electives in physics, math, chemistry, computer science, and electrical engineering. 

The minor was established by the School of Physics in partnership with the School of Mathematics and the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry in addition to the Colleges of Computing and Engineering.

Related Media

A view of Tech Tower from Crosland Tower. Photo: Georgia Tech

For More Information Contact

Writer: Lindsay C. Vidal

Related Links

• Georgia Tech to Offer Ph.D. in Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, New Minor
• School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences to Offer Three New Undergraduate Degrees — Including Interdisciplinary Environmental Science Major
• New Minor in the Science of Mental Health and Well-Being Launches in the School of Psychology

Georgia Tech Resources

• Offices & Departments
• News Center
• Campus Calendar
• Special Events
• Institute Communications

Visitor Resources

• Campus Visits
• Directions to Campus
• Visitor Parking Information
• GTvisitor Wireless Network Information
• Georgia Tech Global Learning Center
• Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center
• Barnes & Noble at Georgia Tech
• Ferst Center for the Arts
• Robert C. Williams Paper Museum

Georgia Institute of Technology North Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30332 Phone: 404-894-2000

Georgia Institute of Technology North Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30332 404.894.2000

• Emergency Information
• Enable Accessibility
• Legal & Privacy Information
• Human Trafficking Notice
• Title IX/Sexual Misconduct
• Hazing Public Disclosures
• Accessibility
• Accountability
• Accreditation

© Georgia Institute of Technology

Electrical Engineering PhD

The Electrical Engineering PhD program studies systems that sense, analyze, and interact with the world. You will learn how this practice is based on fundamental science and mathematics, creating opportunities for both theoretical and experimental research. Electrical engineers invent devices for sensing and actuation, designing physical substrates for computation, creating algorithms for analysis and control, and expanding the theory of information processing. You will get to choose from a wide range of research areas such as circuits and VLSI, computer engineering and architecture, robotics and control, and signal processing.

Electrical engineers at SEAS are pursuing work on integrated circuits for cellular biotechnology, millimeter-scale robots, and the optimization of smart power groups. Examples of projects current and past students have worked on include developing methods to trace methane emissions and improving models for hurricane predictions.

APPLY NOW >

PhD in Electrical Engineering Degree

Harvard School of Engineering offers a  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)  degree in Engineering Sciences: Electrical Engineering , conferred through the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS). Prospective students apply through the Harvard Griffin GSAS. In the online application, select  “Engineering and Applied Sciences” as your program choice and select " PhD Engineering Sciences: Electrical Engineering ​."

The Electrical Engineering program does not offer an independent Masters Degree.

Electrical Engineering PhD Career Paths

Graduates of the program have gone on to a range of careers in industry in companies such as Tesla, Microsoft HoloLens, and IBM. Others have positions in academia at the University of Maryland, University of Michigan, and University of Colorado.

Admissions & Academic Requirements

Prospective students apply through the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS). In the online application, select  “Engineering and Applied Sciences” as your program choice and select "PhD Engineering Sciences: Electrical Engineering​." Please review the  admissions requirements and other information  before applying. Our website also provides  admissions guidance ,   program-specific requirements , and a  PhD program academic timeline .

Academic Background

Applicants typically have bachelor’s degrees in the natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, or engineering. In the application for admission, select “Engineering and Applied Sciences” as your degree program choice and your degree and area of interest from the “Area of Study“ drop-down. PhD applicants must complete the Supplemental SEAS Application Form as part of the online application process.

Standardized Tests

GRE General: Not Accepted

Electrical Engineering Faculty & Research Areas

View a list of our electrical engineering  faculty  and electrical engineering  affiliated research areas , Please note that faculty members listed as “Affiliates" or "Lecturers" cannot serve as the primary research advisor.  

Electrical Engineering Centers & Initiatives

View a list of the research  centers & initiatives  at SEAS and the  electrical engineering faculty engagement with these entities .

Graduate Student Clubs

Graduate student clubs and organizations bring students together to share topics of mutual interest. These clubs often serve as an important adjunct to course work by sponsoring social events and lectures. Graduate student clubs are supported by the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin School of Arts and Sciences. Explore the list of active clubs and organizations .

Funding and Scholarship

Learn more about financial support for PhD students.

• How to Apply

Learn more about how to apply  or review frequently asked questions for prospective graduate students.

In Electrical Engineering

• Undergraduate Engineering at Harvard
• Concentration Requirements
• How to Declare
• Who are my Advisors?
• Sophomore Forum
• ABET Information
• Senior Thesis
• Research for Course Credit (ES 91R)
• AB/SM Information
• Peer Concentration Advisors (PCA) Program
• Student Organizations
• PhD Timeline
• PhD Model Program (Course Guidelines)
• Qualifying Exam
• Committee Meetings
• Committee on Higher Degrees
• Research Interest Comparison
• Collaborations
• Cross-Harvard Engagement
• Seminar Series
• Clubs & Organizations
• Centers & Initiatives
• Alumni Stories

RIT graduate pursues Ph.D. across time zones

Nastaran Nagshineh, center, defended her Ph.D. thesis at RIT in April. Faculty from RIT’s Rochester and Dubai campuses served on her thesis committee and include, from left to right, Kathleen Lamkin-Kennard, Steven Weinstein, Nathaniel Barlow, and David Kofke (a professor at the University at Buffalo). Mohamed Samaha participated remotely and appears on the video screen behind the group and alongside Nagshineh’s picture.

Nastaran Nagshineh is one of the first Ph.D. candidates to bridge RIT’s Rochester and Dubai campuses. Her accomplishment creates a path for future students at the university’s international campuses.

Nagshineh completed her Ph.D. in mathematical modeling while working full time as a mathematics lecturer at RIT Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, teaching as many as five classes a semester. She described her Ph.D. journey as “an exercise in perseverance” due to competing demands and long days. Rochester is eight hours behind Dubai, and the time difference meant many late-night classes and meetings.

“I saw this collaboration as an opportunity, rather than as a challenge, because my primary adviser, Dr. Steven Weinstein (RIT professor of chemical engineering), and my co-adviser, Dr. Mohamed Samaha (RIT Dubai associate professor of mechanical engineering), both have the same area of research interest,” she said. “They both worked toward my success.”

Nagshineh is one of 67 RIT Ph.D. students who defended their thesis this academic year and who will earn their doctorate. RIT awarded 63 Ph.D. degrees in 2023.

In 2020-2021, RIT’s Graduate School met and surpassed the university’s goal of conferring 50 Ph.D. degrees during an academic year. That number will continue to grow as students cycle through the seven new Ph.D. programs that RIT has added since 2017, said Diane Slusarski , dean of RIT’s Graduate School.

Meeting these goals puts RIT on a path toward achieving an “R1,” or research-intensive designation, from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning. RIT is currently ranked as an R2 institution . Many factors go into changing a university’s status, including research investment and maintaining a three-year average of 70 Ph.D. degrees awarded per year, according to Slusarski.

“We have met the goals of the strategic plan, and now we look forward to contributing to the research innovation in the future,” Slusarski said. “We want to help the new programs thrive and win national research awards.”

RIT’s emphasis on high-level research is seen in Nagshineh’s Ph.D. work. She applies mathematical modeling to the field of fluid dynamics. Her research has been published in top-tier journals and has gained notice, said Weinstein, her thesis adviser.

Weinstein describes Nagshineh’s accomplishments as “a testament to a fantastic work ethic and commitment” and is inspirational to younger students at Rochester and Dubai.

“The collaboration between RIT Dubai/Rochester has continued,” he said. “Another paper was submitted a few weeks ago with Mohamed Samaha and Nate Barlow (RIT associate professor in the School of Mathematics and Statistics) as co-authors, as well as Cade Reinberger, a younger Ph.D. student in my research group.”

Mathematical modeling is one of RIT’s newer Ph.D. degree programs, and Nagshineh is among its earliest graduates. The program has doubled in size since it began accepting students in 2017, Slusarski said. This past fall, the mathematical modeling program had 35 students, with two graduating this year.

Altogether, RIT has 13 Ph.D. degree programs currently enrolling 438 students, with computing and information sciences accounting for the largest with 117 students. RIT’s other Ph.D. programs include astrophysical sciences and technology , biomedical and chemical engineering , business administration , color science , electrical and computer engineering, imaging science , mechanical and industrial engineering , microsystems engineering , and sustainability .

New programs in cognitive science and physics will launch in the fall.

The growth in RIT graduate education—with more than 3,000 master’s and doctoral students—reflects a demographic change in the student population, Slusarski said. “We have a higher percentage of women in the graduate programs than we have for RIT undergraduate programs.”

RIT’s graduate programs enroll 42 percent women, according to Christie Leone , assistant dean for the Graduate School.

Nagshineh, who also holds an MS in electrical engineering from RIT Dubai, welcomes her role as a mentor to other women students on both campuses.

“As a young woman in an Arabic country, the power of women is often underestimated and undervalued, and I hope to serve as a role model to female students, especially those that question their path,” Nagshineh said.

She plans to continue in her career as a professor and a researcher. “I would like to pursue a research program where I can advise my own students and teach them more deeply.”

Recommended News

May 17, 2024

Top Teacher: Minnetonka sign language teacher Dr. Tracy Ivy   

KMSP-TV selects Tracy Ivy '09 (secondary education for students who are deaf or hard of hearing) as a Top Teacher.

May 16, 2024

Kim Shearer’s passion for planning spans five decades at RIT

Kim Shearer's journey at RIT, marked by strategic planning and dedication, led to pivotal roles in shaping the university's computing college, spearheading expansions, fostering diversity, and leaving behind unique touches like binary code lights and cryptic messages within the campus architecture.

May 15, 2024

RIT student-faculty developed video game ‘That Damn Goat’ now available for purchase on Nintendo Switch console

A video game created by RIT students and faculty has reached a long-awaited milestone. That Damn Goat , developed and published through RIT’s MAGIC Spell Studios, is now available for purchase on the popular Nintendo Switch gaming console.

RIT researchers expect a rise in deepfake use in political campaigns   

Spectrum News interviews Christopher Schwartz, research scientist in the Department of Cybersecurity, and Kelly Wu, computing and information sciences Ph.D. student, about generating and detecting artificial intelligence deepfakes.

Ohio State nav bar

Ohio state navigation bar.

• BuckeyeLink
• Search Ohio State

PhD Exam and Thesis Info for Final Semester

Information for completing your degree can be found at completing your degree    (see also completing degree requirements in the graduate school handbook.), please also review on the graduate school's web site  final semester procedures, please contact the physics graduate studies office (prof. jon pelz, kris dunlap, crystal moloney) with any questions., timeline for finishing phd.

When       

Who and What to do

Before final semester

Student: Check your earned credit hours and verify that you will have 80 credit hours when you complete your final semester.  Discuss with Advisor when to schedule PhD exam. You must be enrolled for the term you will finish your degree.

Faculty Advisor: Discuss with student expectations for written thesis (eg., scope) and any possible ODS accommodations.

Before start of term and no later than 2nd Friday after a term starts  see graduation calendar:

Student: Submit " Application to Graduate" on gradforms.osu.edu

Faculty Advisor: Approve "Application to Graduate" form to approve student's intent to schedule oral exam and submit thesis before end of the term.

Graduate Studies Office: Review degree requirements and approve "Application to Graduate" form.

First Week of Term

Student: Set and confirm PhD Oral Exam date with advisor and your other 3 committee members.

Check Graduate School's Graduation Calendar for mid semester deadlines for scheduling defense to participate in graduation for the current term.

Student:   Please check the Graduate School's graduation calendar to know the defense due date for the current term if you are planning to participate in the current semester's graduation. For Autumn it is in the 14th week around November 22nd, just before Thanksgiving. Spring it is in the 14th week around mid-April. For Summer it is in the 11th week around mid-July.

When you schedule your defense AFTER the mid semester deadlines, you will automatically roll over to the End of Semester option for graduation processing during the NEXT term and your degree is conferred at next semester's graduation. 

At least 3 weeks before date of PhD Oral Exam

Student:  Schedule room in Physics Research Building and submit  “Application for Final Exam”  form on gradforms.osu.edu to officially register with the Graduate School to schedule the date of your PhD Oral Exam.

Send advisor and committee members your thesis draft.

Faculty Advisor and Committee members:  Approve  “Application for Final Exam”  form   via gradforms.osu.edu no later than 14 days before exam date.  Read thesis draft before date of examination.

No later than 14 days before PhD Oral Exam date

Student:  Monitor your approvals for your  “Application for Final Exam”  form on gradforms.osu.edu on the history tab. Status Pending means department approvals needed.  Pending-GS means all department approvals received and pending Graduate School approval. Pending GS will be the status on your form until a few days before your oral defense date.  Contact Kris Dunlap or Crystal Moloney for assistance in reserving a large conference room in Physics Research Building. The exam location will be needed to complete the  "Application for Final Exam"  form.

Faculty Advisor and Committee members: Approve “Application for Final Exam” form via gradforms.osu.edu no later than 14 days before exam date.

Student:  undergo dissertation format check by/at the Graduate School. See    https://gradsch.osu.edu/format-review-and-submission  for more information.  Starting November 2020, students will need to send an e-mail, including their full name and University ID number, to  [email protected]  to request the format check. The Graduate School will respond by sending the student a link via which they may upload their document for review.

Approximately 7 days before PhD Oral Exam date

Student: Per email from Graduate School Graduation Services office, deliver copy of dissertation to Graduate Faculty Representative.

Student: Check logistics of exam including room, projector, *zoom or other video application for any members participating remotely.  * (See PDF for using Zoom for oral defense.)

Day of PhD Oral Exam

Student:  Deliver your defense. (Total exam period including deliberation by committee is at most 2 hours.)

Faculty Advisor and Committee members:  Within 24 hours, record approval on gradforms.osu.edu "Report on Final Examination" form

Day After PhD Oral Exam

Before deadline to submit final dissertation (link to calendar TBD)

Student:  Create new registrion for  Ohio Link here .  You must use your name.#@buckeyemail.osu.edu as your email address as no other email will work.  After receiving a password via email, you can reset your password and log in to your account. 

Advisor : Review final written thesis and enter approval on  "Report on Written Report"  form on gradforms.osu.edu.

Deadline 8 AM for last business day of current semester graduation OR the End of Semester (EOS) option.  (see calendar above)

Student:   To upload your thesis on  OhioLink  according to the associated deadlines for current semester graduation or End of Semester (EOS) options, from their right menu select Electronic Thesis Dissertation Center (ETD) and you lang on their search page for dissertaions. At the top right of the page, click "Submit your Thesis or Dissertation" text and then "Go to ETD Submission Site" link on that page and that finally takes you to the login page.    Please note that multiple parts, such as the abstract, must be uploaded individually and checked for formatting. Also, you must enter your committee names, key words for search results, and select information about copyright and publication which will take 15-45 min if you check all your information.

After you complete you complete your Oral Exam and submit your final thesis, the Physics Graduate Studies Program Coordinator will submit your termination in Workday.  

Student:   After you complete your defense and your final written thesis submission the Physics Graduate Studies Program Coordinator will submit your termination in Workday. You will receive a full paycheck for December on 12/31, 1/2 a paycheck for May posted on May 31 if finish in the Spring, and 1/2 a paycheck for August if finish in Summer term.  No steps need to be taken by you other than ensuring your final payment is received.  

If transferring to Post Doc or Research Staff position at OSU, your transfer process must start 6 Weeks before the start of the next term.

International students on F1 visas should contact & check website for Office of International Affairs (OIA)  about filing for your OPT. OPT processing can take up to 3 months. 

• Guidelines for Written Thesis
• Guidelines for Oral Exam

Guidelines for written thesis:

        Formatting guidelines:  See  https://gradsch.osu.edu/format-review-and-submission for more information.  Starting November 2020, students will need to send an e-mail, including their full name and University ID number, to  [email protected]  to request the format check. The Graduate School will respond by sending the student a link via which they may upload their document for review.

        Thesis content/structure: Student should discuss scope of thesis in advance with advisor and possibly the advisory committee. Thesis is on your original work but the scope may reflect norms in the subfield of physics and/or special details for individual research groups. 

        3 weeks before Exam:  Send the draft of your written thesis to your advisor and committee.  This draft should include the entire chapters of your thesis but could be missing some final edits, formatting or final figures. 

        After Oral Exam:  Make revisions to written thesis as specified by committee and submit to advisor for final approval. 

        Upload final thesis to OhioLink:    See last the 2nd to last row in table above

Guidelines for oral exam (including the public portion vs. committee & student only):

          Logistics of exam:   Contact Kris Dunlap or Crystal Moloney for assistance in reserving a large conference room in the Physics Research Building. The exam location will be needed to complete the "Application for Final Exam" form. Room should include an accessible chalk or white board & you should plan to bring your own chalk or white board markers and eraser. Room should include accessible electrical outlets for laptop and projector.  If your research group does not have a projector, you can reserve one from the Physics Front Desk.  See below for Zoom or other video conference technology for exam. Plan for exam to last 2 hours and request to book your room for a 1/2 hour before your exam start time to allow for set up.

• If the written or oral exam must be postponed for any reason OR if there is a change of committee member due to an emergency,  the student MUST NOT start the exam until he/she/they has filed a  "Committee and Examination Petition" form  on  gradforms.osu.edu . BEFORE starting the oral exam . this form needs immediate online approval by the  Advisor and a member of the Physics Graduate Studies office before the form will reach the Graduate School for their final approval.  The   Graduate School’s Office of Graduation Services will update the  “Report on Final Examination” and the "Report on Final Document" forms in order to change out the faculty member's name to allow the exam to be valid. Please also contact the Physics Graduate Studies office to alert them of the issue so that they can facilitate the petition to notify the Graduate School that one is pending their immediate review .  Usually the exam can proceed within 5 to 10 minutes of the notification to the Graduate School so the delay is usually minimal.

           Public part of the exam:   The public portion shall be at most 45 minutes, during which the candidate makes an oral presentation, typically using slides shared from his/her computer. Per Physics custom, questions by the committee during the presentation are allowed, and questions by guests are allowed at the discretion of the committee.  At the end of the presentation or by the 45-minute mark, whichever is earlier, all guests will be dismissed and the closed portion of the exam will continue.

          Closed part of the exam:   Committee members are each guaranteed roughly 15 minutes for questions during the private portion, but they can defer some of their time to other committee members. Per Physics custom, any committee member can follow up on questions initiated by another member.  

          Zoom based exam:  See current Graduate School guidelines for details of how video conferencing is allowed. The following amendments of the above guidelines apply for Zoom exams.

• Committee members should identify and iterate logistical questions or special issues by email and/or zoom in advance of the exam.
• Exam should be completed in two hours unless there are technical problems (e.g., zoom or internet goes out for one or more committee members for a few minutes), in which case it can be extended within reason (up to 30-45 minutes).
• The exam shall be conducted by CarmenZoom. The committee chair (usually the main advisor) is responsible for setting up and hosting the zoom meeting. The time allocated should begin at least 15 minutes before the start of the exam and allow 3 hours in total duration in case of delays. (The start may be 30 minutes before the exam because scheduledmeeting start times for CarmenZoom are spaced at 30-minute intervals unless adjusted by hand.)
• The candidate should connect to the zoom meeting and try out screen sharing at least 15 minutes before the start of the exam. The committee should join 5-10 minutes in advance to allow for introductions and to try out zoom logistics.  
• For the public portion a zoom link will be sent in advance to invited guests (the link should not be generally broadcast).  At the end of the presentation or by the 45-minute mark, whichever is earlier, all guests will be dismissed (the host must ensure they have exited) and the closed portion of the exam will continue.
• A whiteboard can be shared on zoom (it is an option when you share your screen and works with a mouse or your finder on a touchpad) if needed to answer questions. Another solution that allows the candidate to write answers is to connect to the zoom meeting independently with a cellphone using the Zoom app and propping the phone so the camera shows a piece of paper for writing equations or drawing pictures. Whatever solution is used, it should be tested in advance of the defense.
• During the committee deliberation the candidate must exit from the exam or be sent to a Zoom breakout room but should remain in contact by email or messaging so he/she can rejoin the exam at short notice.

• Class of 2024

Max Hartley ’24: Enthusiastic quantum thermodynamics researcher

Published: May 17, 2024

By: Sarah Hansen, M.S. '15

Maxfield Hartley ’24, physics, is an “exceptionally talented student with a truly inquisitive mind,” according to his mentor, Associate Professor Sebastian Deffner . Max’s undergraduate research applying thermodynamic principles to music bends the mind, but leaves one wanting to know more—and his enthusiasm is contagious. Later this summer, Max is headed to an interdisciplinary and international doctoral program at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology in Okinawa, Japan.

Q: How did you connect with your mentor, physics professor Sebastian Deffner?

A: I took his thermodynamics class. It was one of the most interesting classes I’ve taken. I had been told that it was the hardest class in the physics major, and I just asked a ton of questions. Sometimes after class, I would have more questions, so I would follow him to his office and then to the dining hall—that was just how many questions I had. Over lunch, we’d talk about physics, or we’d talk about careers—because at this point I wasn’t really sure I wanted to be a physicist.

One of the things that made me feel more comfortable doing this was that in the second week of the semester he asked me to come to his office after class. And I was like, “Oh no. What have I done? He’s going to give me a talking to.” Which made what happened even more surprising. I sat down across from him and he said, “Max, you’re a very talented student.” And I said, “Thank you!” And he said, “No, it’s not a compliment, just an observation,” in the most German way you can possibly imagine. 

It meant a lot. So even though I wasn’t necessarily awash in my own self-generated confidence, having him say that made me think, “Well, maybe he’s right. Maybe there’s something to this.” So I felt more confident after that. It was a big moment for me.

Then, I officially joined Dr. Deffner’s research group and got started on a really interesting project.

Q: Tell me about the project. 

A: It’s essentially a data analysis project, where we apply an analysis that is usually reserved for physical particle trajectories to musical melodies. In the same way that the particle trajectory is a series of positions, we think of a melody as a series of pitches.

Our central quantity is the entropy , which increases in an irreversible physical process. Irreversible means that it is vanishingly unlikely for the process to happen in reverse. In our analysis of music, we are interested in seeing if the “musical entropy” that we calculate increases over time, indicating irreversibility or directionality in music.

In general, I have always been interested in creating objectively defined quantities that can be used to analyze why music sounds the way it does to us. The possibility of creating a modern music theory which borrows ideas from thermodynamics is very cool to me. Then, we would be able to describe certain sounds as “hotter,” “colder,” “higher energy,” or “more entropic.” We could also go the other way, thinking of certain thermodynamic processes as more “consonant” or “dissonant.” 

From our results so far, it looks like overall music does have some level of irreversible directionality that is similar to what we see in thermodynamics. We’re running some additional analyses now, such as controlling for the music’s key signature and comparing the results from music in different genres, and then we plan to submit our findings to a physics journal. 

Q: How has Deffner supported you and your growth as a researcher?

A: Dr. Deffner has pushed me to have experiences in the physics department I might not have otherwise had. For example, he recruited me to volunteer with the Science Olympiad held for high school students at UMBC, and that experience was quite rewarding and fun. Dr. Deffner also answers all of the random physics questions I come up with, and he has assigned his postdoc, Emery Doucet , to help me with my project. I’ve had many useful conversations with Emery, and his generous guidance has helped me understand a lot better how to organize and scope a research project.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who’s uncertain about their major?

A: First, it’s hard to make big decisions. That’s what I struggle with. So I actually came into UMBC undeclared. I knew I wanted to do something in STEM, and I took as many classes as I could that would apply to all of the majors related to my wide-ranging interests. 

I was considering computer science or computer engineering, and in my sophomore year, I sat down with my mom and told her I needed to decide what I wanted to do. I looked at physics, and everything— from the introductory courses to the 400-level classes—looked really cool. And I thought, well, that’s a good sign. Decision-making is still something I find difficult, though. Ask me about that one when I’m older!

My best advice for getting inspired is to knock on people’s doors and talk to them! Find a professor who’s studying something you think you’d possibly be interested in and have a conversation. Most professors will be quite happy to do this. Also, ask a lot of questions in class! It’s difficult, because the more questions you ask, the more chances you have to come off as a fool, but my advice is to embrace the experience of coming off as a fool. Over time it won’t bother you as much. Also, a majority of the time you’ll actually ask a question that somebody else was wondering about.

Q: Now that you’ve chosen physics, what would you say drives your passion for it?

A: First, I find thermodynamics in general interesting because it is more of an approach to physics than simply a branch of physics. In thermodynamics, we’re modeling a system about which we only have macroscopic information. The actual microscopic dynamics of the many molecules in a glass of water are incredibly complicated, but we cannot directly observe them, and we don’t actually care all that much.

Instead, we model properties we can observe, like heat and work, and we can still learn a lot about the glass of water. We dump everything we don’t know about what’s happening at the microscopic level into one variable, which we call the entropy. This act of encoding our ignorance in one variable, and developing a coherent theory around the quantities which we can measure, is very appealing to me.

Second, I believe that using this type of thinking, thermodynamic thinking, is one of—if not the most—powerful tools in our quest to really understand what’s going on in the quantum world. What I mean by “really understand” is to answer questions such as: Why do quantum systems behave differently when we are measuring them? What precisely constitutes a measurement for that matter? Why do the weird quantum properties go away when we assemble many quantum objects (i.e. atoms) into a larger non-quantum object (i.e. my desk)? 

Why do I think that thermodynamic thinking in particular is well suited to this? Well, it gets back to the ignorance aspect. Quantum mechanics is built on uncertainty: Certain quantities cannot be known precisely at the same time, and measuring a quantum system always changes the system in a very noticeable way. In these aspects, quantum theory is full of things we cannot know, and this is just begging to be treated through a phenomenological, thermodynamic lens. 

Q: What’s next for you?

A: I looked at a lot of grad schools, and I found one that stood out among the rest: the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology in Okinawa, Japan. I was accepted and will be leaving for Japan in August. The Institute seems amazing for several reasons. Most importantly, the people there are studying very interesting things, including a research group focusing on thermodynamics and quantum systems and another on information theory and space time. They’re ultimately trying to figure out quantum gravity, which is sort of the big thing in physics today, and they’re doing it through information theory.

One of the very unique things about the institute is that they don’t have academic departments. They only have research groups—they call them units—and they’re encouraged to work together. They try to break down the walls and just be a community of people learning stuff. In the buildings, they put people of different disciplines next to each other, so there’s lots of opportunities for interaction and collaboration.

I’ve never been to Asia at all, but I’ve always wanted to go to Japan. The entire program is taught in English, and it’s very international. You have students from different countries, with only a few graduate students there from each. They even provide housing and cover students’ travel to Japan. I’m super excited to start this next chapter and see where it leads me. 

Related Posts

In gratitude.

Thirsty in paradise: Water crises are a growing problem across the Caribbean islands

Meet a Retriever—Ron Pettie ’82, retired police officer and true Retriever Believer

Want more umbc news, get top stories delivered to your inbox..

Sign up for our weekly UMBC Top Stories email :

Share a story idea and learn more about the news team.

Search UMBC Search

• Accreditation
• Consumer Information
• Equal Opportunity
• Privacy PDF Download
• Web Accessibility

Search UMBC.edu

Engineering Physics

• Undergraduate Program

Introduction to the Major

The Engineering Science (ES) program is a multi-departmental and interdisciplinary undergraduate program that encompasses closely-related areas of the physical sciences, mathematics and engineering. Students in the ES program acquire knowledge of engineering methods and can pursue their interests in areas of natural science, as well as advanced study in engineering, science, or mathematics. Students choose one of four majors: energy engineering, engineering mathematics and statistics, engineering physics, or environmental engineering science. A minor in energy engineering is also offered .

“ The classes across a variety of departments have allowed me to take a very interdisciplinary approach to engineering. And the great community within this major has taught me how to work with a team .” -  T.G. Mekenzi Roberts, Energy Engineering Science, Class of 2020

ES Major Options 

Energy Engineering interweaves the fundamentals of classical and modern physics, chemistry, and mathematics with energy engineering applications.

Engineering Mathematics and Statistics is the s tudy of pure and applied mathematics as essential components of modern engineering. 

Engineering Physics interweaves classical and modern physics, chemistry, and mathematics with their engineering applications.

Environmental Engineering pairs engineering fundamentals with courses in the environmental and natural sciences.

Amplify Your Major

Get involved with a student group such as Society of Engineering Sciences .

Apply to GLOBE Ambassadors , a learning and travel program for Engineering students .

Pursue a research opportunity for Engineering students .

• Enrich your studies with a minor in Energy and Resources or Sustainability .
• Four-Year Student Timeline

Explore Your Major

Meet with your ESS advisor to discuss your academic plans .

Familiarize yourself with ma jor and college requirements .

Talk to an ES advisor about department programs and research opportunities .

Enroll in ENGIN 98: The Insider's Guide to Berkeley Engineering .

Connect and Build Community

Take advantage of tutoring and workshops for Engineering students .

Find academic support at the Student Learning Center and Center for Access to Engineering Excellence .

Find student opportunities in the ESS newsletter and new student podcast .

Discover Your Passions

Browse research taking place in Engineering centers, institutes, and labs .

Attend the Undergraduate Research and Scholarships Fair in October .

Discover new interests in a Freshman Seminar or student-run DeCal course .

Broaden your perspective by attending Newton Series or View from the Top lectures .

Engage Locally and Globally

Attend the Calapalooza student activities fair and get involved with a student organization .

Find service opportunities through the Public Service Center .

Connect with other students during Engineers Week .

Reflect and Plan Your Future

Visit Berkeley Career Engagement and the Career Counseling Library .

Sign up for Handshake and CareerMail .

Explore career resources on the Engineering website .

• Attend an ESS workshop to create a resume and LinkedIn page .

Second Year

Talk to ESS peer advisors about life in the major .

Meet with your ESS advisor to discuss your academic progress .

Complete lower division prerequisites and start planning your upper division courses .

• Plan now if considering a double major , simultaneous degree , minor , or study abroad .

Join an Engineering student group such as Society of Engineering Sciences .

Get to know Engineering professors and graduate student instructors during their office hours .

Find study space and resources in the Kresge Engineering Library .

Consider pursuing a research opportunity for Engineering and ES students .

Apply to a REU research program. Check Berkeley Lab and UCSF for more research options .

Check out design and maker opportunities at the Jacobs Institute .

Work with a community organization in an American Cultures Engaged Scholarship course such as ENGIN 157AC .

Mentor local youth with Pioneers in Engineering, Berkeley Engineers and Mentors , or Engineering for Kids .

Discuss career options and goals with a Career Educator .

Explore career opportunities through a winter externship and informational interviews .

Learn about graduate and professional school .

• Pursue an internship and attend an internship career fair .

Focus on upper division requirements and electives .

Continue meeting with your ESS advisor to review your academic progress .

Submit paperwork for a double major, simultaneous degree, minor, or study abroad .

Give back by becoming an ESS peer advisor .

Join the Berkeley Engineering group on LinkedIn .

Explore student groups outside of Engineering, and deepen your involvement with an Engineering student group .

Explore your mission and impact as an Engineer through the LeaderShape Institute .

Consider the Sutardja Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Technology or a summer abroad through the European Innovation Academy .

Apply for a research opportunity if you haven’t done so already .

Take your engineering skills international through Engineers Without Borders .

Consider a Berkeley Global Internship such as the Engineering Internship in Toronto .

Experience life at another UC or college on a visitor and exchange program .

• Planning a summer internship abroad? Apply for travel funding from GLOBE Scholars .

Attend career and graduate school fairs such as the STEM Career & Internship Fair .

Discuss graduate school options with advisors and professors .

Sign up for a ESS career workshop , networking dinner , or career conference .

• Make an advising appointment in ESS and explore options such as 5th year MS, MEng, and PhD .

Fourth Year

Meet with your ESS advisor to do an official degree check and plan for your final year .

Complete any “bucket list” courses and remaining major, college, and campus requirements .

Join a professional association such as the Association of Energy Engineers or American Physical Society .

Continue attending tutoring and workshops, and reading the weekly ESS newsletter .

Connect with alumni groups and leverage your network as you prepare to graduate .

Teach your own DeCal course .

Consider being an instructor for ENGIN 98 .

Continue to pursue your interests through a fellowship or gap year after graduation .

• Choose your post-baccalaureate plans based upon your intended mission and impact as an Engineer .

Serve as a student representative on a college committee .

Hone your leadership skills with the Peter E. Haas Public Service Leaders program .

Explore service opportunities after graduation, such as Peace Corps , Teach for America , or U.S. Department of State .

Ask professors and graduate student instructors for recommendation letters .

Utilize job board tools in your job search.  Meet employers at Employer Info Sessions and On-Campus Recruiting .

Attend the job offer negotiation workshop in ESS .

• Apply to jobs, graduate school, and other opportunities .

What Can I Do With My Major?

Graduates in Engineering Science gain a broad foundation for graduate studies in theoretical branches of engineering, as well as in mathematics, and are prepared for careers in specific sectors of industry or business, such as green technology, solar engineering, and environmental firms to name a few.

Jobs and Employers

Data Engineer, Capital One

Data Scientist, Barclays Capital 

Engineer, Northrop Grumman

Hybrid Calibration Engineer, General Motors

Project Coordinator, Climate Corps

Software Engineer, Primus Power

Project Engineer, New Energy Equity 

Research Assistant, California Institute of Technology

Graduate Programs

Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, PhD

Atomic/Molecular Physics, PhD

Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering, Masters

Engineering, Masters

Materials Engineering, PhD

Physics, PhD

Examples gathered from the First Destination Survey of recent Berkeley graduates .

Connect With Us

Come to Berkeley’s annual Open House in April for information sessions, campus tours, special talks, and more .

Golden Bear Orientation

Join your peers in the campus-wide UC Berkeley orientation program for all new students .

Attend program events with students, staff, and faculty. Visit engineeringscience.berkeley.edu for news and updates .

Visit Engineering Student Services in 230 Bechtel  for advising on academic difficulty, change of major/double majors/simultaneous degrees, withdrawal/readmission, degree completion, education abroad, academic progress, and petitions and exceptions. See engineering.berkeley.edu/students/advising-counseling/ .

Contact the ES Undergraduate Advisor at [email protected] about registration, departmental policy, and campus resources. Meet with an ES Faculty Advisor about coursework, careers in ES, graduate school, letters of recommendation, and summer internships. See engineeringscience.berkeley.edu/faculty/

How to Use this Map

Use this map to help plan and guide your experience at UC Berkeley, including academic, co-curricular, and discovery opportunities. Everyone’s Berkeley experience is different and activities in this map are suggestions. Always consult with your advisors whenever possible for new opportunities and updates.

• What Can I Do with My Major?

Download the PDF Print Version