easiest physics phd programs

20 Best Doctor of Physics Graduate Schools

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Updated: June 7, 2024 , Reading time: 35 minutes

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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. 

For the Inquisitive Type…

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.

Choose Your Discipline…

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.

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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 2023, physicists with a Ph.D. earned a median salary of close to $155,680 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.

Additional Resources:

• How to Become a Physicist
• What are the 5 Main Branches of Physics?
• Most Popular Doctorate Degree Programs

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.

100 Best Physics schools in the United States

Updated: February 29, 2024

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Below is a list of best universities in the United States ranked based on their research performance in Physics. A graph of 317M citations received by 9.3M academic papers made by 1,485 universities in the United States was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

For Physics

2. University of California - Berkeley

3. Stanford University

4. Harvard University

5. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

6. University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign

7. University of California - Los Angeles

8. Cornell University

9. Princeton University

10. University of Washington - Seattle

11. California Institute of Technology

12. Pennsylvania State University

13. University of Texas at Austin

14. University of Wisconsin - Madison

15. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

16. University of California-San Diego

17. Georgia Institute of Technology

18. University of Maryland - College Park

19. University of California - Santa Barbara

20. Columbia University

21. University of Pennsylvania

22. Johns Hopkins University

23. Ohio State University

24. Northwestern University

25. Yale University

26. Texas A&M University - College Station

27. Purdue University

28. University of Chicago

29. University of Florida

30. University of Arizona

31. University of California - Davis

32. University of Southern California

33. Rutgers University - New Brunswick

34. Carnegie Mellon University

35. University of Colorado Boulder

36. Iowa State University

37. Michigan State University

38. Arizona State University - Tempe

39. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

40. New York University

41. North Carolina State University at Raleigh

42. University of Utah

43. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

44. Duke University

45. University of Pittsburgh

46. University of California - Irvine

47. Boston University

48. University of Virginia

49. University of Rochester

50. Stony Brook University

51. University of California - San Francisco

52. Washington University in St Louis

53. Rice University

54. Case Western Reserve University

55. University of Massachusetts - Amherst

56. University of Tennessee - Knoxville

57. University of Delaware

58. Brown University

59. University of Iowa

60. Providence College

61. University of Illinois at Chicago

62. University of Notre Dame

63. University at Buffalo

64. Vanderbilt University

65. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

66. University of Connecticut

67. University of California - Riverside

68. Washington State University

69. Florida State University

70. University of Houston

71. University of California - Santa Cruz

72. University of Kentucky

73. University of Georgia

74. Colorado State University - Fort Collins

75. Emory University

76. Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

77. University of Central Florida

78. University of Cincinnati

79. Oregon State University

80. University of New Mexico

81. University of Missouri - Columbia

82. University of South Carolina - Columbia

83. University of Miami

84. University of Nebraska - Lincoln

85. Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science

86. Northeastern University

87. Wayne State University

88. Drexel University

89. Clemson University

90. Tufts University

91. Tulane University of Louisiana

92. University of South Florida

93. University of Oklahoma - Norman

94. University of Kansas

95. Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis

96. Syracuse University

97. University of Maryland, Baltimore

98. University of Alabama at Birmingham

99. Kansas State University

100. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

The best cities to study Physics in the United States based on the number of universities and their ranks are Cambridge , Berkeley , Stanford , and Ann Arbor .

Physics subfields in the United States

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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] .

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Admissions Information for Prospective Graduate Students

Thank you for considering the PhD program in Physics at MIT. Information regarding our graduate program and our application process can be found below and through the following webpages and other links on this page. If your questions are not answered after reviewing this information, please contact us at [email protected] .

Here are some links to pages relevant to prospective students:

• Material Required for a Complete Application , and information about When/How to Apply can be found below on this page.
• We have an FAQ which should help to answer many questions, and we provide Application Assistance from staff and students if you don’t find what you need in the FAQ.
• Additional Guidance about the application itself, along with examples, can be found on a separate page. The graduate application is available at https://apply.mit.edu/apply/ .
• General information about the graduate program and research areas in the physics department may also be of use.
• MSRP (MIT Summer Research Program) is designed to give underrepresented and underserved students access to an MIT research experience, pairing each student with a faculty member who will oversee the student conducting a research project at MIT.

Statement regarding admissions process during COVID Pandemic (Updated Summer 2023)

MIT has adopted the following principle: MIT’s admissions committees and offices for graduate and professional schools will take the significant disruptions of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 into account when reviewing students’ transcripts and other admissions materials as part of their regular practice of performing individualized, holistic reviews of each applicant.

In particular, as we review applications now and in the future, we will respect decisions regarding the adoption of Pass/No Record (or Credit/No Credit or Pass/Fail) and other grading options during the unprecedented period of COVID-19 disruptions, whether those decisions were made by institutions or by individual students. We also expect that the individual experiences of applicants will richly inform applications and, as such, they will be considered with the entirety of a student’s record.

Ultimately, even in these challenging times, our goal remains to form graduate student cohorts that are collectively excellent and composed of outstanding individuals who will challenge and support one another.

Questions or concerns about this statement should be directed to the Physics Department ( [email protected] ).

Applying to the MIT Department of Physics

We know that the application process can be time-consuming, stressful, and costly. We are committed to reducing these barriers and to helping all applicants receive a full and fair assessment by our faculty reviewers. Help is available from the Physics Graduate Admissions Office at [email protected] and additional assistance from current students is offered during the admissions season. Further details are described at the end of this page in our Assistance for Prospective Applicants section.

The list below describes the important elements of a complete application. Please reach out to us at [email protected] if you have a concern or logistical difficulty that could prevent you from providing your strongest application.

Required for a Complete Application

1. online application and application fee.

• MIT Graduate Admissions Online Graduate Application
• Application Fee: $90 NOTE: Applicants who feel that this fee may prevent them from applying should send a short email to [email protected] to describe their general reasons for requesting a waiver. We will follow up with information about how to apply for a formal ‘application fee waiver’. Additional documents may be required, so additional time will be necessary to process requests. Either the fee or a formal fee waiver is required with a submitted application.

2. University Transcript(s)

Unofficial transcripts are sufficient for our initial review, with final transcripts required as a condition of matriculation for successful applicants. Applicants should include a scan of their transcript(s) and, if a degree is in progress, should include a list of the class subjects being taken in the current semester. The GradApply portal will allow applicants to log back into the application after the deadline to add their Fall term grades when they are available.

Note: We will respect decisions regarding the adoption of Pass/No Record (or Credit/No Credit or Pass/Fail) and other grading options during the unprecedented period of COVID-19 disruptions, whether those decisions were made by institutions or by individual students.

3. Standardized Test Results

• GRE Tests : The Physics GRE (PGRE) is recommended but not required for graduate applications. All applications will be given full consideration with or without GRE scores.
• TOEFL or IELTS Test or a waiver is required for non-native English speakers. MIT’s TOEFL school code is 3514; the code for the Department of Physics is 76. IELTS does not require a code. Eligibility for TOEFL/IELTS waivers is in our FAQ section .
• Self-reported scores are sufficient for our initial application screening, with official scores required for admitted students as a condition of their offer. Applicants should attach a scanned copy of their test score report.

4. Letters of Recommendation

Letters should include any individual work applicants have done and/or areas where they have special strengths. It is possible to submit up to 6 total letters, but 3 are sufficient for a complete application and committee members may evaluate applications based on the first three letters that they read.

5. Statement of Objectives

Research is central to graduate study in physics. The Statement of Objectives/Purpose should include descriptions of research projects, aptitude and achievements as completely as possible. This important part of the application provides an opportunity to describe any interests, skills, and background relative to the research areas selected on the application form. Applicants should share anything that prepares them for graduate studies and describe their proudest achievements.

Additional Application Materials

• Research, Teaching, and Community Engagement – Any special background or achievement that prepares the applicant for Physics graduate studies at MIT. This may include research at their undergraduate school as part of their Bachelor or Master degree, or summer research at another program or school.  We also value our student’s contributions to their community on a variety of scales (from institutional to societal) and we encourage applicants to tell us about their teaching and community engagement activities.  The “experience” questions are intended to provide a CV-like listing of achievements, some of which may be elaborated on in the “Statement of Objectives” and/or the optional “Personal Statement”.
• Publications, Talks, and Merit Based Recognition – Recognition of success in research, academics, and outreach can take many forms, including publications, talks, honors, prizes, awards, fellowships, etc.  This may include current nominations for scholarships or papers submitted for publication.
• Optional Personal Statement – Members of our community come from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. We welcome any personal information that will help us to evaluate applications holistically and will provide context for the applicant’s academic achievements. This statement may include extenuating circumstances, significant challenges that were overcome, a non-traditional educational background, description of any advocacy or values work, or other information that may be relevant.
• Detailed instructions for each application section, and many examples , can be found on the “ Additional Guidance ” page.  The detailed instructions are lengthy, and are intended to be read only “as needed” while you work on your application (i.e., you don’t need to go read the whole thing before you start).

When/How to Apply

When : Applications can be submitted between September 15 and December 15 by 11:59pm EST for the following year.

How : The application is online at https://apply.mit.edu/apply/

Application Assistance

Faculty, students, and staff have collaborated to provide extensive guidance to prospective applicants to our graduate degree program. Resources include several department webpages to inform prospective applicants about our PhD degree requirements and to help applicants as they assemble and submit their materials. In addition to staff responses to emails, current graduate students will answer specific individual questions, give one admissions-related webinar, and provide a mentorship program for selected prospective applicants.

During the application season, prospective students may request additional information from current students about the admissions process, graduate student life, or department culture, either as a response to a specific individual email question or for more in-depth assistance. Applicants will benefit most from contacting us early in the process, when current students and staff will be available to respond to questions and mentor selected applicants. After mid-November, department staff will continue to field questions through the admission process.

Here are some resources for prospective applicants:

• Our website provides answers to many frequently-asked admissions questions .
• Admissions staff are available for questions at [email protected] .
• Current students collaborate with staff to answer specific questions emailed to [email protected] .
• PhysGAAP Webinars are designed to provide student perspectives on the application and admissions processes in an interactive format. This year’s webinar will take place on Wednesday, Nov 1st, 2023 from 10am to 12pm EDT. Sign up here: https://mit.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ah13eCcEh0cKW7I
• PhysGAAP Mentoring provides in-depth guidance through the application process.

Student-led Q&A Service

A team of our current graduate students is available to share their experience and perspectives in response to individual questions which may fall under any of the following categories:

• Coursework/research (e.g., How do I choose between two research areas and how do I find a potential research advisor?)
• Culture (e.g., What is it like to be a student of a particular identity at MIT?)
• Student life (e.g., What clubs or extracurriculars do graduate students at MIT take part in?)

To request a response from the current students, please send an email to [email protected] and indicate clearly in the subject line or first sentence that you would like your email forwarded to the PhysGAAP student team. Depending on the scope of your question, department staff will send your email to current students.

We encourage you to reach out as early as you can to maximize the benefit that this help can provide to you. While the admissions office staff will continue to field your questions throughout the admissions season, current students may not be available to respond to questions sent after November 15.

This student email resource is designed for individual basic questions. More in-depth guidance, especially about the application itself, will be available through the PhysGAAP Webinars and/or PhysGAAP Mentorship Program described below.

Student-led Webinar

A panel of our graduate students hosted a 2-hour long Zoom webinar in late October of 2022 to present information about the application and admissions processes, and to respond to questions on these topics. The webinar addressed general questions about preparing, completing, and submitting the application; what the Admissions Committee is looking for; and the general timeline for the admissions process.

Below is video from our latest webinar that took place on Wednesday, Nov 1st, 2023. Check back here in Fall 2024 for information on our next webinar.

Note: We have  compiled a document  containing supplementary material for previous PhysGAAP webinars.

Webinar Recordings

Past PhysGAAP Webinars

Please note that the two webinars below are from prior years and may contain outdated information about some topics, such as GRE requirements.

• October 2022
• December 2021
• September 2021

Mentorship for Prospective Applicants

In addition to the materials available through this website, answers to emails sent to the department, or from our graduate student webinars, we also offer one-on-one mentoring for students who desire more in-depth individual assistance. Prospective applicants may apply to the PhysGAAP Mentoring program,, which pairs prospective graduate school applicants with current graduate students who can assist them through the application process, provide feedback on their application materials and insight into graduate school and the MIT Physics Department.

We welcome interest in the PhysGAAP Mentorship program and mentorship applications are open to any prospective applicant. However, our capacity is limited, so we will give preferential consideration to PhysGAAP Mentorship applicants who would most benefit from the program and can demonstrate that they are a good fit.

PhysGAAP Mentoring may a good fit for you if you

• feel like you lack other resources to help you navigate the graduate school application process,
• find the other forms of assistance (online webinars, email at [email protected] ) insufficient to address your needs, and
• think you could benefit from one-on-one application mentorship.

PhysGAAP Mentoring may not be a good fit for you if you

• only have one or two questions that could be answered elsewhere (online webinars, email at [email protected] , or online FAQs), or
• feel like you already have sufficient resources to complete your application (e.g., the PhysGAAP webinars, access to other mentoring services or workshops)

Please note that:

• PhysGAAP Mentoring is only open to students who are planning to apply to graduate schools in Fall 2024 .
• Participation in PhysGAAP is not considered during admissions review. It helps applicants put forward their strongest materials, but does not guarantee admission into our graduate program.
• Any information you submit in the PhysGAAP Mentoring application will only be seen by the PhysGAAP team and your matched mentor.

Admissions/Application FAQs

Our Frequently Asked Questions provide further information about degree requirements, funding, educational background, application deadlines, English language proficiency, program duration, start dates and deferrals, and fee waiver requests.

The MOST Frequently Asked Question…

What is included in a strong graduate application for physics at mit.

Applications are assessed holistically and many variables are considered in the application review process. The following four main factors are required for a complete application.

• the applicant’s statement of objectives or purpose,
• transcripts of past grades,
• score reports of any required standardized tests,
• three letters of reference.

In addition, any past research experience, publications, awards, and honors are extremely helpful, particularly if they are in the area(s) of the applicant’s interest(s). Applicants may also include a personal statement in their application to provide context as the materials are assessed.

Applications are routed to admission committee members and other faculty readers using the “areas of interest” and any faculty names selected from the menu as well as based on the research interests included in the statement of objectives. Please select the areas of interest that best reflect your goals.

Instructions are available in the application itself , with further guidance on our Additional Guidance page. The Physics Admissions Office will respond to questions sent to [email protected] .

General Questions Regarding the PhD Program in Physics

Must i have a degree in physics in order to apply to this graduate program.

Our successful applicants generally hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, or have taken many Physics classes if they have majored in another discipline. The most common other majors are astronomy, engineering, mathematics, and chemistry. Bachelor of Science degrees may be 3-year or 4-year degrees, depending on the education structure of the country in which they are earned.

What are the requirements to complete a PhD?

The requirements for a PhD in Physics at MIT are the doctoral examination, a few required subject classes, and a research-based thesis. The doctoral examination consists of a written and an oral examination. The written component may be satisfied either by passing the 4 subject exams or by passing designated classes related to each topic with a qualifying grade; the oral exam will be given in a student’s chosen research area. The Physics Department also requires that each student take two classes in the field of specialization and two physics-related courses in fields outside the specialty. Research for the thesis is conducted throughout the student’s time in the program, culminating in a thesis defense and submission of the final thesis.

Can I take courses at other schools nearby?

Yes. Cross-registration is available at Harvard University and Wellesley College.

How many years does it take to complete the PhD requirements?

From 3 to 7 years, averaging 5.6 years.

How will I pay for my studies?

Our students are fully supported financially throughout the duration of their program, provided that they make satisfactory progress. Funding is provided from Fellowships (internal and external) and/or Assistantships (research and teaching) and covers tuition, health insurance, and a living stipend. Read more about funding .

Note: For more detailed information regarding the cost of attendance, including specific costs for tuition and fees, books and supplies, housing and food as well as transportation, please visit the Student Financial Services (SFS) website .

How many applications are submitted each year? How many students are accepted?

Although the number varies each year, the Department of Physics usually welcomes approximately 45 incoming graduate students each year. Last year we received more than 1,700 applications and extended fewer than 90 offers of admission.

What are the minimum grades and exam scores for admitted applicants?

There are no minimum standards for overall grade point averages/GPAs. Grades from physics and other related classes will be carefully assessed. Under a special COVID-19 policy, MIT will accept transcripts with a variety of grading conventions, including any special grading given during the COVID-19 pandemic. PGREs (Physics subject GRE) is not required for graduate applications but is recommended.

Our program is conducted in English and all applicants must demonstrate their English language proficiency. Non-native English speakers should review our policy carefully before waiving the TOEFL/IELTS requirements. We do not set a minimum requirement on TOEFL/IELTS scores; however, students who are admitted to our program typically score above the following values:

• IELTS – 7
• TOEFL (computer based) – 200
• TOEFL (iBT) – 100
• TOEFL (standard) – 600

The Application Process

When is the deadline for applying to the phd program in physics.

Applications for enrollment in the fall are due each year by 11:59pm EST on December 15 of the preceding year. There is no admission cycle for spring-term enrollment.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for me to take tests in person. Can I still apply?

PGRE (Physics subject GRE) is not required for graduate applications but is recommended. Non-native English speakers who are not eligible for a test waiver should include their results from either an in-person or online version of the TOEFL or IELTS test.

Does the Department of Physics provide waivers for the English language exam (TOEFL/IELTS)?

An English language exam (IELTS, TOEFL, TOEFL iBT, or the C2 Cambridge English Proficiency exam) is required of all applicants who are from a country in which English is not the primary language. Exceptions to this policy will be considered for candidates who, at the start of their graduate studies in 2025, will have been in the US or in a country whose official language is English for three years or longer and who will have received a degree from a college or university in a country where the language of education instruction is English. An interview via telephone, Zoom, or Skype may be arranged at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. More information on a possible English Language Waiver Decision (PDF).

Does the Department of Physics provide application fee waivers?

Although we do not want the MIT application fee to be a barrier to admission, we cannot provide application fee waivers to all who request one.  Under-resourced applicants, and applicants who have participated in the MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP), Converge, or another MIT program or an official MIT recruiting visit are eligible for a fee waiver from the MIT Office of Graduate Education (OGE). Please check MIT Graduate Diversity Programs for further details.  Departmentally, we have allotted a small number of waivers for applicants who have completed an application (including transcript uploads, and requests for letters of recommendation), but do not qualify for a waiver from the OGE. Fee waiver requests will be considered on a first-come-first-served basis, and not after December 1. Furthermore, applications lacking the paid fee or a fee waiver by 11:59pm EST on December 15 will not be reviewed or considered for admission. Please complete the  MIT Physics Departmental Fee Waiver Application Form  when you are ready to apply for a departmental waiver. Waivers are not awarded until the application is complete.

Can I arrange a visit to the Physics Department or a specific research area?

We are not currently hosting or meeting with outside visitors in person, nor are we facilitating visits to our classrooms. Current graduate students and prospective applicants should direct any questions by email to [email protected] .

Applicants are invited to send specific questions to the Physics Admissions Office and some questions may be forwarded to current students for further information. Admitted students will be invited to attend an in-person open house.

Can I receive an update on the status of my application?

Candidates can check on the status of their application at apply.mit.edu/apply at any time. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all items are sent.

When will I be notified of a final decision?

Applicants will be notified via email of decisions by the end of February. If you have not heard from us by March 1, please send email to [email protected] .

We do not provide results by phone.

Can admitted students start in a term other than the next Fall semester?

Applications submitted between September 15 and December 15 by 11:59pm EST are assessed for the following Fall semester. We do not provide a separate admission review cycle for the Spring semester. Individual research supervisors may invite incoming students to start their research during the summer term a few months earlier than their studies would normally begin. All other incoming students start their studies in late August for the Fall term.

Once admitted, applicants may request a one-year deferral to attend a specific academic program or for another approved reason, with single semester deferrals for the following Spring term granted only rarely.

The Top 50 Physics Programs in the World Today

Are you ready to discover your college program?

Physics Department Programs Today

There is no doubt that physics occupies a unique place amongst the sciences. The Nobel Prize in Physics is awarded before the others which is in keeping with the field’s role as the cornerstone of science. In its theoretical expressions it borders on pure mathematics and even philosophy as great thinkers contemplate worlds existing in-between dimensions and beyond our current space time continuum.

Physics departments receive incredible funding and resources. Studying physics affords its pupils a myriad of choices from government research, medical applications, industrial uses, astronomy, and the study of the outer fringes of humanities knowledge. Physicists steer our most ambitious projects, from the Mars rovers to the Hubble Space Telescope. Governments will expend massive resources in order to win prestige through success in physics, as America’s moon landings, the European CERN hadron collider, and the growing interest in a mission to Mars show.

Methodology

From the QS World University Rankings, we identified the 50 best programs in the latest University Rankings for Physics .

Taking the QS ranking as our point of departure, we set their ranking against the ranking for physics programs produced by AcademicInfluence.com . Using machine learning and search algorithms to characterize academic influence on the web, AcademicInfluence.com avoids the human bias that infects most academic rankings.

The rankings uncovered by AcademicInfluence.com are based on the influential faculty and alum publications, citations, and references associated with a school, degree programs, departments, or discipline. This ranking by influence approach elevates a school or degree program based on which members of its academic community are objectively influential in a given discipline.

By weighing both the QS Programmatic World Rankings and Academic Influence’s rankings, we not only created a unique ranking of the top 50 physics programs, but we reveal why each university physics program appears where it does.

Featured Online Schools

The 50 best physics programs, 1. massachusetts institute of technology (mit).

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Many consider MIT to be the world’s leading science school. Located near other leading institutions, such as Harvard, MIT enjoys many collaborative research opportunities. Since the school’s founding in 1861, students have been exploring the field of physics through hands-on learning experiences. Offering some of the best undergraduate physics programs in the U.S., MIT’s Department of Physics has seen four Nobel Prize recipients and seven Oersted Medal recipients since 1990.

The physics department prides itself on its outreach efforts to underrepresented minorities and first-generation college students through its Summer Research Program and Physics Bridge Program. Learners who participate in these initiatives emerge as stronger candidates for the school’s graduate physics programs. MIT’s physics department works with 16 affiliated labs and centers , such as:

• The Haystack Radio Observatory
• The Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory
• The Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research
• The Research Laboratory of Electronics
• The Plasma Science and Fusion Center

2. Harvard University

Harvard’s Department of Physics has offered some of the best undergraduate physics programs since 1642.

Harvard also hosts the Jefferson Laboratory, the oldest physics lab in the U.S. Members of the department have received recognition for work in high-pressure physics, the invention of the separated oscillatory fields method, and the development of new methods for nuclear magnetic precision measurements. In total, the department can claims 10 Nobel Prize recipients.

Harvard’s campus hosts eight research centers:

• The Center for Ultracold Atoms
• The Center for Nanoscale Systems
• The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
• The Institute for Theoretical Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
• The Laboratory for Particle Physics and Cosmology
• The Minerals Research Science and Engineering Center
• The Rowland Institute

In addition, the school’s faculty and students have developed research relationships with:

• The Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
• The Cornell Wilson Synchrotron Laboratory
• The Stanford Linear Accelerator Center
• The Lawrence Livermore National Lab
• The Soudan Mines in Northern Minnesota
• The National Institute of Standards and Technology

3. University of Cambridge

Cambridge, England

By 1642, the study of theoretical and mathematical physics was available at Cambridge. In 1874, the Cavendish Laboratory opened, fostering the school’s first explorations of applied physics with some of the best physics programs available at that time. Past contributors to Cambridge’s Department of Physics include Ernest Rutherford, the father of nuclear physics, and Niels Bohr, who studied the structure and function of the atom. The discovery of the neutron, the first splitting of the atom, and the discovery of antimatter are also attributable to Cambridge professors and students. A total of 20 Nobel Prize in Physics recipient are associated with the university. The Cambridge physics department has several ongoing research programs like the Centre for Scientific Computing Collaboration, the Winton Programme for the Physics of Sustainability, and the Centre for the Physics of Medicine.

4. Stanford University

Stanford, California

Stanford’s Physics Department was among the first to open after the university’s founding in 1891.

In 1934, Swiss physicist Felix Bloch began work at Stanford. He brought with him his theory of electron transport and ferromagnetism, the Bethe-Bloch equation, and his discovery of spin waves and Bloch walls. Recently, Stanford physicists played a key role in monitoring and analyzing the brightest gamma ray burst ever measured.

Offerings some of the best undergraduate physics programs in the U.S., the Stanford holds a record for three consecutive Nobel Prize recipients: Professor Robert Laughlin in 1998, Professor Steven Chu in 1997, and Professor Douglas Osheroff in 1996. A total of 18 Nobel Prize recipients associate with the school. Research centers affiliated with Stanford’s department of physics include:

• The Geballe Laboratory for Advanced Materials
• L. Ginzton Laboratory
• the Picosecond Free Electron Laser Center
• The W. W. Hansen Experimental Physics Laboratory
• The Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology
• The PULSE Institute for Ultrafast Energy Science
• The Institute for Materials and Energy Sciences
• The Institute for Theoretical Physics

5. University of California – Berkeley

Berkeley, California

Berkeley’s Department of Physics operates within the College of Letters and Science. Approximately one-third of the Nobel Prize recipients associated with Berkeley come from the physics department; these recipients include nine full-time faculty members and seven alumni. The numerous achievements of past and present department members include the invention of the cyclotron, the invention of the bubble chamber, and the discovery of the accelerating expansion of the universe.

Unlike many other physics Ph.D. programs, Berkeley does not require its doctoral students to participate in dissertation defenses; instead, these students must prove effective research skills to peers and faculty through other means. Available research topics cover the full range of theoretical and experimental physics , such as:

• Astrophysics and cosmology
• Molecular and Optical Physics
• Condensed Matter
• Elementary Particles and Fields
• Fusion and Plasma
• Low-temperature Physics

Berkeley’s Department of Physics maintains research partnerships with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the Space Sciences Laboratory, and the Molecular Design Institute. Students have access to a total of eight science libraries on campus; these libraries include the Physics-Astronomy Library.

6. (tie) University of Oxford

Oxford, England

Delivering a variety of physics master’s programs, Oxford’s Department of Physics falls under the Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences Division. Oxford’s physics departments is one of the largest physics department in the world and features more than 100 research groups and facilities, such as:

• The Accretion and Jet Physics Group
• The Beecroft Institute of Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology
• The Climate Dynamics Group
• The Earth Observation Data Group
• The MARS Project
• The Oxford Centre for High Energy Density Science

There have been five Nobel laureates who studied or worked at Oxford.

The most recent of these was Anthony J. Leggett, who earned a Nobel Prize in 2003 for his pioneering work on superfluidity. Much of the history and archived material of Oxford’s physics department can be found in the school’s Museum of the History of Science. The department has also donated material to the Science Museum in London.

6. (tie) California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, California

Unusually small for a world-class research institute, Caltech boasts a $2.5 billion endowment with plenty of funds for impressive laboratories and eminent professors in conjunction with small class sizes. This extends to the school’s physics department , housed within Caltech’s Division of Physics, Mathematics, and Astronomy. The department’s research centers and institutes include the Institute for Quantum Information and Matter, the Moore Center for Theoretical Cosmology and Physics, and the Walter Burke Institute for Theoretical Physics.

Involved in both undergraduate and graduate programs, topics explored by Caltech’s department of physics include experimental elementary particle physics, gravitational wave astronomy, observational astrophysics, and condensed-matter physics. Students and faculty involved with the school’s physics graduate programs often work closely with professors and learners focusing on other sciences, including planetary science, chemistry, and engineering.

8. Princeton University

Princeton, New Jersey

The history of the Department of Physics at Princeton dates to 1832 with the arrival of Professor Joseph Henry, an expert in natural philosophy. By the 1930s, the program expanded into researching nuclear physics under the direction of Milton G. White, at which point the university built a cyclotron in its Palmer Laboratory.

Over a dozen faculty members and students associated with Princeton have been awarded the Nobel Prize. These esteemed individuals have been a part of or credited with the discovery of the diffraction of electrons by crystals, the discovery of a new form of quantum fluid with fractionally charged excitations, and discoveries related to the structure of nucleons using electron scattering.

Princeton has a medical physics programs among its many offerings. It also maintains research relationships with various other departments at the school, including astrophysical sciences, mathematics, and molecular biology. The school also works with the Institute for Advanced Study, PRISM, PPPL, and the Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics.

9. Imperial College London

London, England, UK

The Department of Physics at Imperial College London dates back more than a century.

Nobel Prize winners, Fellows of the Royal Society, and many other prize-winning students and faculty call the department home. Today, it offers both undergraduate and graduate-level programs.

Graduate students can earn their master of science in one of eight areas, including optics and photonics, quantum fields and fundamental forces, plastic electronic materials, physics with nanophotonics, and quantum engineering. Full-time graduate students complete their coursework in a year; part-time students complete the same coursework over a two-year span. The school also offers 13 physics Ph.D. programs that explore areas such as astrophysics, condensed matter theory, high energy physics, and theoretical physics.

The physics department, one of the largest in the United Kingdom, recently grouped its primary areas of research into four major themes: fundamental physics; photon science; condensed matter physics; and space, plasma, and climate.

The department maintains an Industry Club to connect students to industries in their research areas. The club hosts an annual recruitment fair and a postgraduate research symposium to help connect students and employers while creating opportunities for research and development.

10. Columbia University

New York, New York

Delivering some of the best physics programs available, the graduate program Department of Physics at Columbia was formally created in 1892 and can claim association with 29 physics Nobel laureates. Michael Pupin, known for his work in X-rays and electromagnetism, served as a central figure in establishing the department. Additionally, the American Physical Society can trace its roots back to a meeting at Columbia in 1899.

On-campus facilities include:

• Columbia Astrophysics Lab
• The Microelectronics Sciences Laboratories
• Nevis Laboratories
• The CEPCR Cleanroom

Among the research centers and institutes on campus are the Center for Electron Transport in Molecular Nanostructures; the Institute for Strings, Cosmology, and Astroparticle Physics; and the Environmental Molecular Science Institute. Other departments associated with Columbia’s physics department include the Astronomy Department, the Electrical Engineering Department, and the Mathematics Department.

11. University of California – Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California

UCLA enjoys a reputation as one of the premier research schools in the California public system by offering some of the best undergraduate physics programs in the U.S. The faculty members of the school’s Physics and Astronomy Department are particularly respected, especially for their role in the development of the X-ray free-electron laser and the advancement of high-end scientific computing. Research facilities on the UCLA campus include:

• Plasma Science and Technology Institute
• The California Nanosystems Institute
• The Joint Institute for Regional Earth System Science and Engineering
• The Institute for Digital Research and Education
• The Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics
• The Center for Biological Physics

Student opportunities outside the classroom include, such as:

• physics Education Research Journal Club
• The Research Experience for Undergraduates program
• The UCLA Science Lab Teaching Club
• The Society of Physics Students

Instructional support is available to UCLA students includes facilities like the Science and Engineering Library, the Division of Physical Sciences Machine Shop, and Instrument Fabrication Facility.

12. University of Chicago

Chicago, Illinois

A.A. Michelson, one of the most notable American scientists of his time, began work at UChicago in 1893. Since then, members of the school’s Department of Physics have made several significant contributions to the field; the contributions include the application of mass spectrometers to determine nuclear constants, the discovery that the proton has an excited state, and the construction of the Fermi National Accelerator. A total of 29 recipients of the Nobel Prize in physics are connected with UChicago, which features a variety of physics master’s programs.

On-campus research centers and institutes at UChicago include:

• The Enrico Fermi Institute
• The James Franck Institute
• The Institute for Biophysical Dynamics
• The Computation Institute
• The Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics
• The Materials Research Science and Engineering Center
• The ASC Center for Astrophysical Thermonuclear Flashes
• The Institute for Molecular Engineering

13. Cornell University

Ithaca, New York

Cornell’s contributions to the field of physics have proved so important that a comprehensive history of the growth and achievements of the school’s Department of Physics was captured by the late Paul Hartman in his book titled The Cornell Physics Department . In particular, the department boasts acclaim for Nobel Prize-winning work in low-temperature physics and theoretical astrophysics.

Two major laboratories comprise most research in Ph.D. physics programs at Cornell: the Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics and the Laboratory for Elementary Particle Physics. The department also manages the Cornell Laboratory for Accelerator-based Sciences and Education. This facility stimulate interest in the sciences with its Xraise outreach program. Other affiliated institutions include:

• The Cornell Nanoscale Science and Technology Facility
• The Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source
• The Center for Materials Research
• The Kavli Institute

14. Yale University

New Haven, Connecticut

There have been at least eight Nobel laureates associated with the Department of Physics at Yale, including Raymond Davis Jr., David Lee, and Ernest Lawrence. Yale has several on-campus research centers on campus that cater to physics students; these centers include:

• The Yale Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics
• The Wright Laboratory
• The Center for Quantum Information Physics
• The Center for Microelectronic Materials and Structures
• The Institute for Nanoscience and Quantum Engineering
• The Sackler Institute

Yale’s physics department hosts three outreach programs: the Yale Physics Olympics allows teams of high school students to compete in performing basic physics experiments, Girls’ Science Investigations provides hands-on experience to encourage young women in physics and the sciences, and the APS Conference caters to undergraduate women in physics.

15. ETH Zürich

Zürich, Switzerland

Of the 21 Nobel laureates associated with ETH Zürich, eight have been students or faculty from the Department of Physics ; these include Heinrich Rohrer, Felix Bloch, and Albert Einstein. Rudolf Clausius, famous for his formulation of the second law of thermodynamics, was the first chair of the institute’s physics department.

Four institutes manage research within the physics department at ETH Zürich: the Institute for Quantum Electronics, the Institute for Theoretical Physics, the Laboratory for Solid-State Physics, and the Institute for Particle Physics and Astrophysics. Featuring some of the best physics programs in the country, the department conducts research in a wide variety of areas within the field, like innovative technologies, computational sciences , and supercomputing.

Scientific facilities affiliated with the department include:

• The European Organization for Nuclear Research
• The High-Energy Accelerator Research Organization
• The Paul Scherrer Institute

16. The University of Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

Kenjiro Yamakawa was the first Japanese professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Tokyo and in 1888 became the first member of the physics faculty to hold a doctorate. In 2002, the school’s professor Masatoshi Koshiba received the Nobel Prize in physics for using the Kamiokande detector to detect the first neutrinos from a supernova.

UTokyo’s physics department focuses primarily on astrophysics; the department is supported by the Institute for Cosmic Ray Research, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan. In addition, the school’s physics department also served as the birthplace of the study of biophysics in Japan.

The department traditionally celebrates the Newton Festival (which commemorates Isaac Newton) as an opportunity for professional and academic networking. More than 90% of undergraduate students in UTokyo’s physics department progress to the graduate school to undertake physics master’s programs or physics Ph.D. programs.

17. University of Toronto

Toronto, Ontario

The Department of Physics at U of T has 115 years of academic history. Sir John C. McLennan and John Tuzo Wilson both helped to shape the department’s foundations. As part of the school’s physics graduate programs, the department conducts research in three main areas: planetary physics, quantum optics and condensed matter physics, and subatomic physics. The research group on condensed matter physics features several strong research associations, including relationships with:

• Canadian Institute for Advanced Research
• The Experimental Nonlinear Physics Group
• The Center for Quantum Materials
• The Highly Efficient Applications of Thermoelectronics Research program

Other organizations affiliated with U of T’s physics department include:

• Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics
• The Institute for Aerospace Studies
• The Institute for Optical Sciences
• The Institute of Particle Physics

In addition, U of T runs the Museum of Scientific Instruments, which is managed by volunteer graduate students and faculty members.

18. (tie) University of California – Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, California

Dating back to only 1944, the Department of Physics at UCSB has earned an impressive amount of respect since its creation. The department’s current staff includes three Nobel Prize recipients and 16 members of the National Academies, and most its professors possess experience in theoretical or experimental physics and high-energy theoretical physics. Research organizations associated with UCSB’s physics department include:

• The California NanoSystems Institute
• The Center for Polymers and Organic Solids
• The Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering
• The Institute for Terahertz Science and Technology
• The WM Keck Observatory

For highly motivated and talented students, UCSB’s undergraduate physics program offers a joint degree with the university’s College of Creative Studies.

The university’s physics graduate programs include a Ph.D. in physics with an emphasis on astrophysics.

18. (tie) University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, Illinois

As early as 1870, Dean and Professor Stillman Robinson introduced the study of physics to the University of Illinois. Just two years later, the school’s Physics Laboratory started producing quality research as part of physics master’s programs and physics Ph.D. programs.

Since its inception, the university’s Department of Physics has been associated with 13 Nobel laureates, including John Bardeen, the only person to win two Nobel Prizes in physics. The various recipients have been recognized for their contributions to the theory of superconductors and superfluids, the invention of the separated oscillatory fields method, discoveries concerning the classification of elementary particles and their interactions, the discovery of the antiproton, and the determination of the magnetic moment of the electron.

Facilities on campus include:

• Physics Machine Shop
• The Physics Liquid Helium Facility
• The Physics Interaction Room
• The Virtual Physics and Astronomy Library

Departmental community outreach includes the physics van, a traveling science show for kids.

20. Technical University of Munich

Munich, Germany

Technical University Munich (Technische Universität München) offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in physics.

The Physics Department at TUM remains one of the largest and most well-regarded in Germany. Faculty members boast expertise in biophysics, nanotechnology, novel materials, cosmology, condensed matter physics, and nuclear physics. The department serves as home to several Nobel laureates, including Erwin Neher, Wolfgang Ketterle, Klaus von Klitzing, and Johann Deisenhofer. In addition to Nobel Prizes, scientists affiliated with the department received four Leibniz prizes and 17 grants from the European Research Council.

The department includes research groups that explore areas such as dark matter, the physics of synthetic biological systems, neutron scattering, functional materials, and biomedical physics. The school’s four research centers — including a center for nanotechnology and materials and the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Research Neutron Source — attract scholars and scientists from across the globe.

The school’s proximity to Munich — the country’s main location for research and technology industries — creates a smooth pathway between graduation and employment for students in the physics master’s program. Students in TUM’s physics department also enjoy access to nearby amenities such as Europe’s fastest supercomputer, a tandem accelerator, and research institutes such as the Max Planck Institutes.

21. University of Manchester

Manchester, England

The University of Manchester delivers some of the best undergraduate physics programs through its School of Physics and Astronomy . The distinguished Ernest Rutherford, who was employed by the university as a professor, is credited with the discovery of the atomic nucleus in 1910. There have been a total of 13 Nobel Prize recipients, including Rutherford, linked to Manchester. The most recent laureates associated with the school are professors Andre Geim and Sir Kostya Novoselov; they won the award for their work on graphene in 2010.

Research facilities at Manchester include the Jodrell Bank Observatory, which houses the famous Lovell Telescope, and the Photon Science Institute. Students and faculty also conduct multidisciplinary research in the Center for Nonlinear Dynamics, the Dalton Nuclear Institute, and the Mesoscience and Nanotechnology Center.

International facilities utilized by researchers involved with Manchester’s physics programs include the Hubble Space Telescope, XMM-Newton X-ray Telescope, the United Kingdom Infrared Telescope, the Diamond Light Source at RAL, the 88-Inch Cyclotron at the Lawrence-Berkeley Laboratory, and CERN in Geneva, Switzerland.

22. The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, Texas

John W. Mallet was the first Chairman of the Faculty when UT Austin opened in 1883; he was a professor of chemistry and physics. Currently the university’s Department of Physics faculty boasts three members of the National Academy of Science and one recipient of the Nobel Prize.

Featuring some of the best undergraduate physics programs in the U.S., UT Austin’s physics department manages seven organized research units and three research groups. Research facilities include a large-scale cryogenic laboratory, nuclear magnetic and electron paramagnetic resonance laboratories, and facilities for turbulent flow and nonlinear dynamic experiments. In addition, the department maintains an international partnership with the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Wurzburg in Wurzburg, Germany. Community outreach programs involved with UT Austin’s physics department include the Alice in Wonderland summer program and the traveling Physics Circus for K-12 schools.

23. École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne

Lausanne, Switzerland

The physics department at EPFL, based in Lausanne, Switzerland, boasts 40 full-time faculty members and 50 senior researchers.

At the doctoral level, around 150 students pursue their degrees in physics which creates a strong presence in the school’s research labs.

The physics section at EPFL offers some of the country’s best physics programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students earning their master of science (MS) in physics complete a four-month thesis project at a lab in the school’s Research Institutes of Physics, where many students publish their research in well-regarded publications. Graduate students can also earn their MS in nuclear engineering. At the bachelor’s level, students not only learn about the experimental and theoretical aspects of physics, but they also explore topics in the humanities to better understand the philosophical and real-world implications of the discipline.

The Institute of Physics at EPFL focuses on five areas of physics: physics for energy, particle and astrophysics, condensed matter physics, quantum science and technology, and biophysics and complex systems. The Institute’s labs boast various support systems, including a crystal growth/X-ray facility, mechanical and electronic workshops that assemble equipment necessary for research, and clean rooms for micro- and nano-fabrication.

24. University of Maryland

College Park, Maryland

The graduate programs available through UMD’s Department of Physics have been ranked 14th by U.S. News & World Report . Students completing physics graduate programs at UMD enjoy many excellent opportunities outside of the classroom, including participation in the school’s Graduate Resources for Advancing Diversity with Maryland Astronomy and Physics initiative. Other experiences open to students include the Society of Physics Students, the Women in Physics program, and the S-STEM program, which provides financial assistance and field experience to qualifying students. The S-STEM program receives its funding from the National Science Foundation.

UMD’s campus hosts 16 laboratories and research centers, including the Center for Scientific Computation and Mathematical Modeling, the Condensed Matter Theory Center, the Institute for Physical Science and Technology, the Joint Quantum Institute, the Physics Frontier Center, and the Joint Space-Science Institute.

25. Kyoto University

Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto University was founded in June 1897.

One year later, the school opened its Department of Physics . The department focuses on four research groups: condensed matter, particle physics, nuclear physics, and astrophysics. Research centers on campus at KyotoU include the Data Analysis Center for Geomagnetism and Space Magnetism and the Institute for Geothermal Sciences. The school also hosts two observatories: the Hida Observatory and the Kwasan Observatory. Both facilities focus on solar physics, cosmic plasma physics, and stellar physics.

Three notable figures associated with the physics department at KyotoU have won the Nobel Prize: in 1949, Hideki Yukawa received recognition for his prediction of the existence of mesons through theoretical work in nuclear forces; in 1965, Sin-Itiro Tomonaga was recognized for his work in quantum electrodynamics; in 2008, Makoto Kobayashi and Toshihide Maskawa were recognized for the discovery of the origin of broken symmetry and the prediction of three families of quarks in nature.

26. University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, Michigan

The University of Michigan serves students as one of the largest state schools in the country. In existence since the late 1800s, the school’s Physics Department ranks 13th in the United States according to U.S. News & World Report and offers some of the best physics programs available. Over the years, several renowned professors and researchers have worked within the department, including H. Richard Crane, David Dennison, Samuel A. Goudsmit, Otto Laporte, and George Uhlenbeck.

On U-M’s campus, the Demonstration Laboratory caters to faculty-requested experiments. An instrument/machine shop produces items for the Physics Department, while the electronics shop fabricates items for the high-energy physics research groups. Other research centers associated with the department include the Center for Ultrafast Optical Science and the Leinweber Center for Theoretical Physics. Students can choose to complete affiliated programs in space physics and complex systems. In addition, undergraduate physics students at U-M can work as a paid research assistant — part-time or full-time — during the summer.

27. Peking University

Beijing, China

Established in 1913, the School of Physics at Peking University in China harbors departments for physics, atmospheric and oceanic sciences, and astronomy. In physics, it offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Each year, the school accepts roughly 200 graduate students; 100 of these are in its physics master’s program and the other 100 are in its Ph.D. program. At the undergraduate level, roughly a third of all students continue on to earn their advanced degrees at top international institutions.

The School of Physics employs roughly 200 personnel, many of whom boast national distinctions. For instance, 15 faculty members identify as Academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. In 2018, Peking University professors Jian Wang and Xincheng Xie spearheaded research that ultimately discovered log-periodic quantum oscillation. The year before, a graduate of the school’s Ph.D. program received the Ph.D. prize from the International Astronomical Union; they were one of three graduates to receive the prize since its establishment.

The school boasts a strong collaborative research presence. After celebrating its 100th anniversary, it began hosting an annual lecture series that attracts scholars from around the world, cultivating dialogue in the physical sciences. Three of the school’s research groups receive sponsorship from the National Natural Science Foundation of China: QCD and Hadron Physics, Biological Networks, and Femtosecond Optical Physics and Mesoscopic Optics.

28. Sapienza University of Rome

Rome, Italy

Italy’s Sapienza University of Rome dates to the 1300s. More than 700 years later, Sapienza still stands in the heart of Italy’s capital. With more than 100,000 students, it is the country’s largest university. The school’s physics department is one of the largest and most active departments on campus.

Students can earn a three-year undergraduate degree in physics, a master’s in physics, or a doctoral degree in physics. The undergraduate degree, which explores physics, applied physics, and astrophysics, prepares students to enter physics graduate programs. The school offers two master’s programs, one in physics and one in astronomy and astrophysics. At the doctoral level, students can pursue a Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, or accelerator physics through the university’s Doctoral School in Astronomical, Chemical, Physical, Mathematics and Earth Sciences.

The department boasts one of the most active research bodies in the school, with more than 300 researchers and faculty members. The department’s research covers diverse areas including physics of matter, cybernetic electronics and informatics, medical physics, geophysics, and physics of the environment. It also engages in interdisciplinary subjects like physics and cultural heritage and history of physics. The department hosts facilities in conjunction with the Institute of Nuclear Physics, the National Research Council, the Italian Space Agency, and the National Institute of Physics of Matter.

29. Tsinghua University

Located in Beijing, China, Tsinghua University’s Department of Physics is one of the best physics programs in the country. Today, the school fosters international collaboration by sending its scholars to different countries and inviting many scholars from abroad to study in Beijing.

After its inception, the department experienced several disruptions because of war and politics. In the 1930s, the department briefly merged with departments at Peking University and Nankai University. During this time, the triumvirate of academic centers, known then as the Physics Department of Southwest Associated University, produced two Nobel Prize winners. The physics department at Tsinghua emerged as an autonomous entity in 1982. It is now a power within China’s academic system.

Today, the school boasts four research institutes that focus on:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• High Energy and Nuclear Physics
• Atomic, Molecular, and Optic Physics
• Astrophysics.

It also harbors seven interdisciplinary research centers that focus on research in nanophysics; quantum science and technology; and atomic, molecular, and nanoscience. Two laboratories, the State Key Laboratory of Low Dimensional Quantum Physics and the Virtual Laboratory for Material Design, aid in campus-based research.

30. LMU Munich

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) boasts a multi-century long history that reaches back to 1472. Since then, the school has grown to service more than 50,000 students and now hosts one of the largest physics departments in Germany, with some of the best physics graduate programs in the country. LMU’s Department of Physics can claim association with many notable figures, including Wilhelm Wien of Wien’s displacement law. In 2005, LMU professor Theodor Hänsch received a Nobel Prize for the development of laser-based precision spectroscopy.

The many excellent research laboratories and centers on LMU’s campus include the Arnold Sommerfeld Center for Theoretical Physics, the Center for NanoScience, and the Laboratory for Extreme Photonics. The school also hosts the Maier-Leibnitz Laboratory, a joint facility co-managed by the Technische Universität München.

31. National University of Singapore

National University of Singapore features a strong, research-intensive Department of Physics .

Physics research at NUS began in earnest in the 1990s when the country’s National Science and Technology Board launched a plan to spur research and development. The NUS used funds from this initiative to create the Center for Superconducting and Magnetic Materials, the Center for Quantum Technologies, a Surface Science Laboratory, and the Center for Advanced 2D Materials.

Today, the department focuses on eight major research areas:

• Graphene and 2D Materials
• Quantum Information
• Physics of Nanoscience
• Biological Physics
• Condensed Matter and Advanced Materials
• Physics of Nonlinear and Complex Systems
• Atomic Molecular Physics
• Particle Physics
• String Theory

In conjunction with these research interests, the school serves as home to centers like the Center for Quantum Technology and the Center for Ion Beam Application.

Students at NUS can earn their undergraduate degree in physics or enroll in postgraduate programs. Students can pursue a physics Ph.D. or master of science degree (MS) by way of research. Students less interested in research can pursue an MS in physics or applied physics by way of coursework.

32. Tokyo Institute of Technology

Housed within the School of Science, the Department of Physics at Tokyo Institute of Technology in Tokyo, Japan offers undergraduate and graduates degrees in physics. Undergrads can earn their bachelor of science in physics while graduate students can pursue a master of arts, master of science, doctor of science, or doctor of philosophy in physics. Undergraduate students and those in physics graduate programs enjoy access to critical research equipment, from small, tailor-made devices to accelerators.

Graduate students can participate in the school’s International Physics Leadership Program, which prepares them to navigate the global physics community. Students in the program travel abroad to attend conferences, present research, or participate in research at a foreign lab or university. Students also learn how to organize and host their own international physics conference. To further encourage international exchanges, the department regularly invites researchers to hold seminars dedicated to nanoscience and quantum physics.

The school boasts numerous research labs that explore multiple subjects. Some areas of research include subatomic physics, problems in cosmology, novel optical physics, and explosions in the distant universe. Researchers benefit from centers such as the Research Center for Low Temperature Physics and the Advanced Instrumentation Laboratory for Physics.

33. (tie) Lomonosov Moscow State University

Moscow, Russia

The Faculty of Physics at Lomonosov Moscow State University offers one of the best physics programs in Russia. The school harbors eight divisions: nuclear physics, geophysics, astronomy, solid-state physics, radiophysics, applied mathematics, experimental and theoretical physics, and complementary education. Students can also take courses in engineering physics and management of research and high technologies. To support interdisciplinary research, the school offers several research centers, including a Center for Hydrophysical Research, a Center for Computer Physics, and a Center for Information Tools and Technology.

Students can earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in physics. Graduate students can choose from one of 38 master’s programs. The programs cover diverse topics like:

• Low-temperature physics
• Plasma physics
• Physics of the atmosphere and near-Earth space
• Physics of the sea and land
• Physics of accelerators and radiation medicine
• Medical physics

Graduates of the Faculty of Physics lead important careers.

Eight Nobel Prize recipients either taught at or earned their degrees from the program. Additionally, 170 faculty members earned a state prize for scientific achievements, while another 38 received a Lenin prize. Research takes place at the school’s campus in Moscow, at the Russian Academy of Science, and at universities around the world.

33. (tie) University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland

In 1993, the University of Edinburgh merged its physics and astronomy departments to create its School of Physics and Astronomy . All the academic and research staff of the school belong to at least one of four institutes on campus: the Institute for Astronomy, the Institute for Condensed Matter and Complex Systems, the Institute for Particle and Nuclear Physics, or the Edinburgh Parallel Computing Centre.

In addition to offering some of the best physics programs, the school also hosts four multidisciplinary research centers:

• The Centre for Science at Extreme Conditions
• The Higgs Centre for Theoretical Physics
• The Tait Institute for Mathematical Physics
• The UK Centre for Astrobiology

Nobel laureates associated with the University of Edinburgh include:

• Peter Higgs in 2013, for his work in predicting the Higgs boson
• Igor Tamm in 1958, for the joint discovery and interpretation of the Cherenkov-Vavilov effect
• Sir Edward Appleton in 1947, for his contribution to the development of radar
• Charles Barkla in 1917, for his discovery of characteristic X-ray elements

35. École polytechnique

Paris, France

Located in the heart of Paris, École Polytechnique dates back more than 200 years to the Age of Enlightenment. Today, it serves as one of France’s most highly regarded institutions for science and engineering and attracts students from across the world. Many graduates and employees of the school lead meaningful careers. In 2018, former physics faculty member Gerard Mourou received a Nobel Prize for his work with laser pulses.

The Department of Physics serves a critical role within the larger institution, where its research informs advancements in technology and engineering. The department operates two laboratories in conjunction with the school’s chemistry and biology departments. It also carries out research at the École Polytechnique Research Center, where its primary interests involve:

• Condensed Matter, Materials, and Energy
• Nanoscience, Nanotechnology, Information, and Communications
• Optics, Lasers, and Plasmas
• The Physics of the Two Infinities

Students at École Polytechnique can earn a four-year degree in physics. During the fourth year, students can pursue a specialization either at École Polytechnique or abroad. This specialization may feed into a physics graduate program. Students also participate in a semester-long project or internship. Additionally, the school offers a two-year master’s in physics and applications program.

36. Seoul National University

Seoul, South Korea

Seoul National University dates to the late 1800s. In 1946, it officially became the first national university in Korea. Located in Seoul, South Korea, SNU boasts the largest campus in the city and operates 15 colleges, 11 professional schools, and a graduate school.

Its physics department , housed within the School of Natural Sciences, offers a four-year bachelor’s degree, a master of science in physics, and a doctoral degree in physics.

The department of physics and astronomy’s faculty comprises SNU professors, visiting professors, staff, students in the physics Ph.D. program, and researchers. Physics research groups within the department explore areas such as elementary particle physics, dark matter, string theory, condensed matter, and quantum field theory. SNU researchers involved in the Hadron physics lab work alongside scientists from the U.S. and Japan.

The department features new buildings and research centers, including two Centers for Excellence: (1) The Korea Neutrino Research Center and (2) the Research Center for Terahertz-Based BioApplication Systems.

37. Universität Heidelberg

Heidelberg, Germany

At Universität Heidelberg, an institute that dates to the 14th century, physics and astronomy share a home within the Department of Physics and Astronomy . Over the years, the department served as home to many notable figures in physics. Past Nobel Laureates Hans Jenson, Walther Bothe, and Philipp Lenard all taught in the department. The school’s Kirchoff Institute for Physics is named for the physicist Gustav Kirchoff, who spent more than two decades at Heidelberg.

Today, the department offers a bachelor of science in physics, a master of science in physics, and doctoral degrees. The bachelor’s program requires three semesters of coursework in which students can specialize in areas like medical physics, environmental physics, biophysics, computer science , mineralogy, economics, mathematics, and biology. After six semesters, students can continue on to the physics master’s program, which requires two additional years of study. The first year involves seminars and lectures while the following year involves an independent research project. Professors typically teach in English with some German.

Learners in the doctoral program can earn a specialization within either the department of physics or through one of its affiliated research schools. Graduate students can also specialize in one of the department’s research programs that focus on simulational methods in physics, high resolution and high rate detectors in nuclear and particle physics, or particle physics beyond the standard model.

38. Australian National University

Canberra, Australia

ANU’s Research School of Physics and Engineering lies within the university’s College of Science. The school features ten research departments, including the Atomic and Molecular Physics Laboratories, the Center for Plasmas and Fluids, and the Plasma Research Laboratory. ANU’s physics department functions as the largest university-based research and teaching department in the nation; it houses the country’s largest accelerator and the H1-NF National Stellarator Facility. The department also works with four ARC centers of Excellence and three Australian research networks.

Research facilities on the ANU campus include:

• 14UD Heavy Ion Accelerator
• The Australian Facility for Advanced Ion Implantation Research
• The H-1NF National Plasma Fusion Facility
• The National Laboratory for X-ray Micro Computed Tomography
• The Superconducting Linear Accelerator

In addition, the university’s physics department manages photonics minilabs as part of its physics educational outreach.

39. University College London

London, England

Located in the historic Bloomsbury district, University College of London boasts a strong Department of Physics and Astronomy . Three Nobel prize winners are affiliated with UCL, including Francis Crick, who helped discover the double-helix structure of DNA. Today, the physics department champions equality and diversity. It even received a Juno Champion Award, which recognized it as one of the best physics programs to address the under-representation of women in the field.

The department offers undergraduate programs, including a three-year bachelor of science in physics, astrophysics, and theoretical physics. Students can continue for another year to earn their master of science (MS) in physics, astrophysics, or theoretical physics. The department also offers several postgraduate programs such as its MS or postgraduate diploma in biological physics, quantum technologies, planetary science, and nanotechnology.

Doctoral students who pursue their Ph.D. in physics at UCL can join one of five research groups: high energy particle physics; biological physics; astrophysics and atmospheric physics; condensed matter and materials physics and biological physics; and atomic molecular, optical, and positron physics. Students interested in space science can also pursue a Ph.D. with the Mullard Space Science Laboratory.

40. National Taiwan University

Taipei, Taiwan

Renamed National Taiwan University in 1945, the school originally started under Japanese colonial administration in the late 1920s. Today, NTU boasts 11 colleges, 108 graduate institutes, and 54 departments. Its Department of Physics , established in 1946, serves as the oldest center for physics and physics research in the country. Today, it offers degrees at the undergraduate and graduate level. It also boasts nearly 100 academic awards. Students in the school’s physics graduate programs can earn their master’s or Ph.D. in physics, astrophysics, or applied physics.

The department features 11 labs, including a string theory group; a nanomagnetism lab; a superconductor and low-temperature electronics lab; a microscopic biophysics and biophotonics laboratory; an optoelectronics, medical physics, and biomedical engineering lab, and a cleanroom. The department also holds affiliations with the Graduate Institute of Astrophysics, the Graduate Institute of Applied Physics, the Center for Theoretical Sciences, and the Leung Center for Cosmology and Particle Astrophysics.

Students can also attend special seminars that draw visiting academics and researchers from all over the world. In 2018 alone, the school hosted scholars from Germany, China, Japan, Canada, Singapore, and the U.S. Additionally, the department hosts regular colloquiums.

41. Tohoku University

Sendai, Japan

Tohoku University hosts one of the oldest and largest physics departments in Japan. Founded in 1911, the school’s Department of Physics has been working with the university’s Research Center for Prediction of Earthquakes and Volcanic Eruptions since its establishment in 1997. Other research institutes affiliated with Tohoku University’s physics department include the Planetary Plasma and Atmospheric Research Center, the Research and Analytic Center for Giant Molecules, and the Museum of Natural History, which features over two million specimen samples.

Research-related institutions within the physics department at Tohoku University include the Center for Electron Photon Science, the Institute for Materials Research, the International Research Institute of Disaster Science, and the Cyclotron and Radioisotope Center. Associated institutions outside the university include the Japanese Atomic Energy Agency, NTT Basic Research Laboratories, and the National Institute for Environmental Studies.

42. (tie) Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

Karlsruhe, Germany

The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology originated in the 19th century as Karlsruhe University but legally emerged as KIT in 2009. Today, the school’s Department of Physics offers a bachelor of science and a master of science in physics, geophysics, and meteorology.

Undergraduates take courses in experimental and theoretical physics, mathematics, computer programming, and key skills such as patent law, English, or project management. To graduate, students first complete a thesis in which they solve an independent problem. Those earning their master’s in physics complete an internship component. The physics master’s program further investigates topics introduced in the bachelor’s program.

The department consists of nine institutes that each have a unique research focus. Examples of these institutes include applied physics, experimental particle physics, geophysics, meteorological and climate research, theoretical solid-state physics, and theory of condensed matter. Other KIT institutes associated with the physics department include the Institute of Nuclear Physics, the Institute of Nanotechnology, and the Laboratory for Electron Microscopy.

Research interests in the school’s physics department fall into three centers for excellence: The Cluster of Excellence “3D Matter Made to Order” (in collaboration with Heidelberg University), the KIT Center for Elementary Particle and Astroparticle Physics, and the Center for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction Technology.

43. Osaka University

Osaka, Japan

Osaka University dates to 1931. The school’s Department of Physics emerged at this time under the auspices of the school’s first president, the physicist H. Nagaoka. Since its establishment, the department has served as home to notable physicists and scholars such as H. Yagi, S. Kikuchi and the first Japanese Nobel laureate, H. Yukawa. In recent years, the school’s faculty boasted professors T. Nagamiya and J. Kanamori. Today, the department’s research focuses include nuclear physics, condensed matter physics, computational physics, and elementary particle physics. It also engages in interdisciplinary physics.

Undergraduates at Osaka University in Japan can earn a bachelor of science in physics. The four-year program lets students tailor their studies to meet their goals. At the graduate level, students can earn a master of science or Ph.D. in physics. The master’s degree requires two years of study while the doctoral degree requires three.

Students in the physics master’s program attend lectures and complete coursework with minimal research requirements, while doctoral candidates engage in more research. Each student joins a research group that aligns with his or her interests. Current research groups explore topics like interface physics and the theory of electrons in solids, particle, and nuclear reactions.

44. Nanyang Technological University

NTU emerged in 1991 as a teaching University. Nearly 30 years later, it boasts an enrollment of over 30,000. Located in western Singapore, the school’s campus features environmentally friendly buildings. The campus serves as home to the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, which contains the department of Physics and Applied Physics .

Physics and Applied Physics undergrads at NTU can earn their bachelor of science in physics. They can also minor in physics or concentrate in nanotechnology, semiconductor technology, or optical technology. The department also offers a medical physics program. During their final two semesters of study, undergrads complete a research project that culminates in a thesis, oral exam, and presentation. In lieu of the final project, students may complete a professional internship.

At the graduate level, NTU offers a master’s in physics and a four-year Ph.D. in physics. Both degrees require students to compose and defend a thesis. Doctoral candidates work with faculty members who boast expertise in photonics; soft matter physics; quantum information; spintronics; condensed-matter physics; biophysics; and atomic, molecularly, and optical physics. Students and researchers enjoy facilities and labs to support their research.

45. University of British Columbia

Vancouver, British Columbia

UBC in Vancouver, Canada boasts an active and collaborative physics program. The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers several physics degree options. Students can earn their bachelor of science in physics or pursue a combined major in physics and oceanography or physics and computer science. Students can also earn a bachelor of applied science in engineering physics. The department helps connect students to research, career, and volunteer opportunities.

At the graduate level, the school offers a master of science in physics, medical physics, and astronomy. It also offers a master of applied science in engineering physics. At the doctoral level, students can pursue a Ph.D. in physics or astronomy; the school even offers a medical physics program. Graduate students can participate in interdisciplinary programs such as Isotopes for Science and Medicine CREATE group, a program that bridges departments and explores the use of nuclear isotopes in medicine and science.

Researchers in the department work in areas like medical physics, condensed matter, particle and nuclear physics, and theoretical physics. Students in research groups enjoy access to several facilities and state-of-the-art equipment. The school’s campus hosts TRIUMPH, a particle and nuclear physics facility that houses the world’s largest cyclotron, a feature that attracts scientists from all over the world.

46. (tie) Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Carnegie Mellon University, a private research institution in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, began as a technical school in 1900. Today, it boasts seven schools and colleges, including the Mellon College of Science, which is home to the Department of Physics .

CMU’s physics department offers one of the best undergraduate physics programs in the U.S. Its relatively small faculty — around 35 professors and 10 staff members — results in a focused scope of research interests. The department prides itself on excellence in cosmology, biological physics, quantum electronics, and subatomic physics. The McWilliam’s Center for Cosmology supports research in computer science, astrophysics, and particle physics within the department and other branches of the university.

The department offers a bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. in physics. Students can also pursue a Ph.D. in applied physics in collaboration with CMU’s Data Storage System Center, the Materials Science and Engineering Department, the Robotics Institute, and the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department. To earn a master’s in physics, students must plan to pursue their Ph.D. — all doctoral candidates earn their master’s after their second year of study. Students who wish to earn only their master’s degree may do so, but without financial aid.

47. (tie) University of Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia

Founded in 1853, the University of Melbourne is one of Australia’s premier universities. Its curriculum, the Melbourne Model, stresses both depth and breadth of knowledge, and it prepares students to enter a global, interdisciplinary workforce.

Its School of Physics dates to the 1860s when the first physics lectures took place within the department of medicine. The School of Physics emerged in 1945. The school now offers degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Undergrads can earn their bachelor of science in philosophy. Graduate students can pursue a master of science and a Ph.D. or master of philosophy in physics. The physics master’s program blends coursework and a research project while the doctoral degrees primarily involve research. Students can also earn their graduate diploma in science or a graduate certificate in science.

The School of Physics’ six primary areas of research include, such as:

• Astrophysics
• Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
• Experimental Particle Physics
• Optical Physics
• Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics
• Theoretical Particle Physics

To facilitate research in these areas, the school participates in four Centers of Excellence dedicated to all-sky astrophysics, advanced molecular imaging, particle physics, and quantum computation and communication technology. Each center, funded through the Australian Research Council, encourages international collaboration.

47. (tie) Universität Hamburg

Hamburg, Germany

The earliest physics classes at Hamburg University in Hamburg, Germany, date to the early 1600s. However, today’s Hamburg University did not emerge until 1919. This same year, the State Physical Laboratory became the State Institute of Physics, an official entity of the school — launching its physics program in earnest. The school’s Department of Physics now offers programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. It also offers teacher training courses.

Students can pursue their bachelor of science degree in either physics or nanoscience. Students can choose to continue their studies in the school’s two-year physics master’s program, which offers degrees in the same areas as the bachelor’s program. Students pursuing their master’s spend a year focusing on subjects like laser physics and photonics, solid state and nanostructure physics, astronomy and astrophysics, and elementary particle and accelerator physics. The second year consists of research.

At the doctoral level, students can pursue whichever area of physics aligns with their interests and goals. Research groups within the department fall into three main areas of expertise: laser physics and photon science, solid-state physics and nanoscience, and particle physics and astrophysics. Doctoral students can also work with affiliated entities like the Max Planck Institute, which offers its own Ph.D. program.

49. (tie) Delft University of Technology

Delft, Netherlands

Delft University of Technology, based in Delft, Netherlands, offers research programs and a variety of research facilities. The school’s physics programs, from the bachelor’s to doctoral level, fall within the Faculty of Applied Sciences department.

Students can earn their bachelor of science in applied physics or double-major in applied physics and applied mathematics. All major courses take place in Dutch. At the master’s level, students can earn their master of science in applied physics at TU Delft. Those wanting to pursue a master’s in physics can do so through TU Delft’s partner program at Leiden University.

In the master’s program at TU Delft, students choose among one of five tracks: physics for energy, physics for fluids engineering, physics for health and life, physics for instrumentation, and physics for quantum devices and quantum computing. Each track provides students with the knowledge and experience necessary for applying physics in real-world settings. Master’s coursework takes place primarily in English.

Ph.D. candidates work in research groups within the Faculty of Applied Physics department. Research areas include imaging physics, radiation science and technology, bionanoscience, and quantum nanoscience. Earning a doctoral degree through TU Delft’s physics Ph.D. program typically takes four years, with an additional two years of postgraduate opportunities that culminate in a Professional Doctorate of Engineering.

50. (tie) University of Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Institute of Physics at University of Amsterdam boasts three research divisions: The Institute for High Energy Physics, the Institute for Theoretical Physics Amsterdam, and the Van der Waals-Zeeman Institute, which focuses on quantum gases and quantum information, soft matter, and hard condensed matter research. These institutes and the research they support play a central role in the school’s undergraduate, master’s, and physics Ph.D. programs.

At the undergraduate level, students can earn their bachelor of science in physics and astronomy through a joint program with UvA and Vrije University, another institution in Amsterdam. The bachelor of science in physics and astronomy takes place in Dutch. Students interested in a program that blends humanities and science can pursue a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in physics at Amsterdam University College in conjunction with UvA and VU. Courses are taught in English.

At the master’s level, students can pursue a master of science in physics and astronomy through UvA and VU. The combined programs allow students to take advantage of the established networks and facilities at both schools. The program takes place exclusively in English and culminates in a thesis project.

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

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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.

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The Best Physics Graduate Schools

By Eric Eng

As the world becomes increasingly dependent on technology, the demand for highly trained physicists grows. The journey to becoming one of these essential contributors to modern life usually navigates through a reputable physics graduate school. This article explores the factors that set certain graduate schools above others, surveys some of the top institutions in the world, delves into the curriculum and specializations, explores career prospects, and discusses necessary preparations for admission.

Understanding the Basics of Physics Graduate Schools

In a bid to produce top-notch physicists, graduate schools offer specifically designed programs that instill a deep understanding of the laws governing the universe. They provide students with an environment to conduct research, explore new ideas, and work on groundbreaking projects in various areas of physics.

Physics graduate schools are known for their rigorous academic programs that challenge students to think critically and push the boundaries of scientific knowledge. These programs often include advanced coursework in areas such as quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, and statistical mechanics. Students are encouraged to engage in independent research projects, collaborate with faculty members, and present their findings at conferences and symposiums.

Moreover, physics graduate schools understand the importance of practical experience in shaping a physicist’s career. Many schools offer internships and co-op programs that allow students to gain hands-on experience in research laboratories, industry settings, and government agencies. These opportunities not only enhance student’s understanding of physics but also provide valuable networking connections and potential job prospects.

What Makes a Physics Graduate School Stand Out?

An ideal physics graduate school is much more than a place of study. It is an ecosystem designed to stimulate the intellectual growth of its students. Stand-out schools often have top-rated professors and researchers in the field, state-of-the-art facilities to support complex research, a rigorous curriculum, and a tremendous support network of fellow students and alumni.

One of the key factors that sets a physics graduate school apart is its faculty. Renowned physicists who are leaders in their respective fields can provide students with invaluable mentorship and guidance. These professors often have extensive research experience and can offer unique perspectives on cutting-edge topics in physics.

In addition to faculty, the facilities and resources available at a physics graduate school play a crucial role in its distinction. State-of-the-art laboratories equipped with advanced experimental apparatus and computational tools allow students to conduct groundbreaking research. Access to high-performance computing clusters, particle accelerators, and laser systems enables students to explore complex phenomena and test theoretical models.

Furthermore, a strong support network of fellow students and alumni can greatly enhance the graduate school experience. Collaborative research projects, study groups, and scientific discussions foster a sense of community and provide opportunities for interdisciplinary learning. Alumni networks can also be instrumental in connecting students with job opportunities and industry contacts.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Physics Graduate School

Choosing a physics graduate school should not be a hasty decision. Multiple factors must be taken into account including academic reputation, faculty resources, research opportunities, location, financial aid availability, and the network and affiliations of the school.

Academic reputation is an important consideration as it reflects the quality of education and research output of a graduate school. Rankings, publications, and recognition in the scientific community can provide insights into the school’s standing.

Faculty resources encompass not only the expertise and research interests of the professors but also their accessibility and willingness to mentor students. It is crucial to evaluate the faculty-to-student ratio and the availability of research funding and grants.

Research opportunities are vital for aspiring physicists. Investigating the research areas and ongoing projects within a graduate school can help students align their interests with the available opportunities. Collaborative research with faculty members can lead to publications and contribute to a student’s academic and professional growth.

Location can also be a significant factor in choosing a physics graduate school. Proximity to research institutions, national laboratories, and industry hubs can provide students with additional resources and networking opportunities. Furthermore, considering factors such as climate, cost of living, and cultural amenities can contribute to a well-rounded graduate school experience.

Financial aid availability is another crucial aspect to consider. Graduate school can be financially demanding, and scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships can alleviate the burden of tuition fees and living expenses. It is important to research the financial aid options offered by the school and evaluate their feasibility.

Lastly, the network and affiliations of a physics graduate school can open doors to various career opportunities. Strong connections with tech companies, research organizations, and government agencies can provide students with internships, job placements, and collaborative projects. Investigating the alumni network and their career trajectories can provide insights into the school’s ability to foster successful careers in physics.

Exploring the Top-Ranked Physics Graduate Schools Globally

When it comes to pursuing a graduate degree in physics, there are several esteemed institutions around the globe that are acclaimed for their exceptional programs. These institutions not only provide students with extensive opportunities to excel in their chosen paths but also contribute to the field of physics meaningfully.

North American Physics Graduate Schools

North America is home to some of the most prestigious physics graduate schools in the world. Institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Stanford University consistently maintain high rankings in the physics field. These institutions house world-renowned faculty members who are experts in their respective areas of research. The comprehensive curriculum offered by these schools not only prepares the students academically but also helps them develop essential skills to become leaders in the physics community.

In addition to MIT and Stanford , other illustrious institutions in North America include Harvard University and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). These institutions boast impressive research credentials and provide students with unparalleled opportunities to engage in groundbreaking research projects.

European Physics Graduate Schools

Across the pond in Europe, there are several universities that uphold excellent reputations for their physics graduate programs. The University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and Imperial College London are among the top-ranked institutions in this region. These universities have a rich legacy in the field of physics and are known for their pioneering research facilities, which provide an enriching educational environment for students.

In addition to the aforementioned universities, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) and the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich are also noteworthy. These institutions are known for their pioneering research and equally outstanding academic programs, attracting students from all over the world.

Asian Physics Graduate Schools

In Asia, there are several universities that offer impressive physics programs. The University of Tokyo, the National University of Singapore, and Tsinghua University are among the top choices for aspiring physicists. These schools provide a synergistic blend of traditional theoretical studies and modern research facilities, setting students up for success in varied roles in the physics profession.

Moreover, many more institutions all over Asia stand as a testament to the global reach and demand for high-quality physics education. These institutions are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of physicists and contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge.

Whether you choose to pursue your physics graduate studies in North America, Europe, Asia, or any other part of the world, it is important to consider the unique offerings and strengths of each institution. By carefully researching and selecting the right graduate school, you can embark on an exciting journey towards becoming a successful physicist and making significant contributions to the field.

Curriculum and Specializations in Physics Graduate Schools

To prepare students adequately for the diverse and complex realm of physics, graduate schools adopt comprehensive curriculums often allowing for lots of specialization.

Physics graduate programs offer a wide range of courses designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in their chosen field. These programs are carefully crafted to provide a solid foundation in physics while also allowing students to explore their specific interests and passions.

Common Courses in Physics Graduate Programs

Common courses you will encounter in a physics graduate program include quantum mechanics, statistical physics, classical mechanics, and electrodynamics. These core courses aim to give students a solid foundation in Physics.

Quantum mechanics, a fundamental course in any physics program, explores the behavior of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic levels. It delves into the fascinating world of quantum phenomena, challenging students to think beyond classical physics and embrace the principles that govern the microscopic realm.

Statistical physics, on the other hand, focuses on understanding the behavior of large collections of particles. This course introduces students to concepts such as entropy, temperature, and phase transitions, providing them with the tools to analyze complex systems and predict their macroscopic properties.

Classical mechanics, a cornerstone of physics, examines the motion of objects under the influence of forces. It covers topics such as Newton’s laws of motion, conservation laws, and the principles of energy and momentum. This course lays the groundwork for understanding the behavior of objects in our everyday world.

Electrodynamics, another essential course, explores the fundamental principles of electricity and magnetism. Students delve into topics such as Maxwell’s equations, electromagnetic waves, and the behavior of charged particles in electric and magnetic fields. This course forms the basis for understanding a wide range of phenomena, from the behavior of light to the functioning of electronic devices.

Although the core curriculum will vary from one institution to another, these fundamentals provide the groundwork necessary for a career in Physics.

Emerging Specializations in Physics

The field of Physics is broadening with advancements in technology and our understanding of the universe. As such, some of the emerging specializations include condensed matter physics, astrophysics, biophysics, and particle physics.

Condensed matter physics focuses on the properties and behavior of materials in their solid and liquid states. It explores phenomena such as superconductivity, magnetism, and the behavior of electrons in solids. This specialization is crucial for advancements in technology, as it provides insights into the development of new materials and devices.

Astrophysics, on the other hand, delves into the study of celestial objects and the physical processes that govern the universe. It explores topics such as stellar evolution, cosmology, and the behavior of galaxies. This specialization allows students to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos and contribute to our understanding of the universe.

Biophysics combines the principles of physics and biology to study biological systems. It investigates phenomena such as protein folding, DNA structure, and the mechanics of cells. This interdisciplinary field offers unique insights into the fundamental processes of life and has applications in areas such as medicine and biotechnology.

Particle physics, also known as high-energy physics, focuses on the study of fundamental particles and their interactions. It explores topics such as the Standard Model, particle accelerators, and the search for new particles. This specialization allows students to delve into the fundamental building blocks of the universe and contribute to groundbreaking research and discoveries.

These specializations allow students to delve deeper into a chosen area in physics and often lead to opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking research and discoveries. Graduates of these specialized programs are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of their respective fields and make significant contributions to the advancement of knowledge in physics.

Career Prospects After Physics Graduate School

Completing a graduate program in physics opens the door to a myriad of career opportunities, not just in the field of education or research.

Academia and Research Opportunities

Many physics graduates find positions in universities or research institutes where they can contribute to the pool of knowledge, explore their theories, and participate in world-changing research projects.

Academia also opens the door to a career in teaching where you get the opportunity to guide and inspire the next generation of physicists.

Industry and Corporate Roles for Physics Graduates

Beyond academia, physics graduates find fulfilling roles in a variety of industries such as telecommunications, electronics, healthcare, aerospace, and energy. Companies in these sectors value the problem-solving skills, numeracy, and analytical thinking that physics graduates bring to the table.

Furthermore, there are opportunities in policy making, scientific journalism, and even finance, demonstrating just how versatile a physics graduate degree can be.

Preparing for Admission into Physics Graduate Schools

Competitive as these physics programs may be, there are things you can do to help ensure that your application stands out.

Essential Prerequisites for Physics Graduate Programs

A strong academic record in physics and other related science subjects is mandatory. Moreover, performance in standard tests like the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is often a significant determinant of your suitability for the program.

Previous research experience is another aspect that admission panels value. It is often reflective of your ability to engage with the rigorous and innovative nature of graduate-level physics programs.

Tips for a Successful Application

Start by thoroughly researching potential graduate schools, and comparing their courses, faculty, facilities, and location. Tailor your application to each institution, highlighting your academic prowess, and research experience, and expressing your career ambitions in a well-structured personal statement.

Securing strong recommendation letters from persons who can speak to your abilities and dedication to physics is advantageous. Coupled with diligently prepared application materials, you stand a much higher chance of securing a spot in your chosen physics graduate school.

The journey to becoming a trained physicist is undoubtedly demanding and rigorously intellectual. Still, with the right school and the right preparation, it is a path ripe with potential and opportunities. The world is eagerly waiting for the next generation of physicists, and perhaps you could be among them.

Want to assess your chances of admission? Take our FREE chances calculator today!

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PhD Program

A PhD degree in Physics is awarded in recognition of significant and novel research contributions, extending the boundaries of our knowledge of the physical universe. Selected applicants are admitted to the PhD program of the UW Department of Physics, not to a specific research group, and are encouraged to explore research opportunities throughout the Department.

Degree Requirements

Typical timeline, advising and mentoring, satisfactory progress, financial support, more information.

Applicants to the doctoral program are expected to have a strong undergraduate preparation in physics, including courses in electromagnetism, classical and quantum mechanics, statistical physics, optics, and mathematical methods of physics. Further study in condensed matter, atomic, and particle and nuclear physics is desirable. Limited deficiencies in core areas may be permissible, but may delay degree completion by as much as a year and are are expected to remedied during the first year of graduate study.

The Graduate Admissions Committee reviews all submitted applications and takes a holistic approach considering all aspects presented in the application materials. Application materials include:

• Resume or curriculum vitae, describing your current position or activities, educational and professional experience, and any honors awarded, special skills, publications or research presentations.
• Statement of purpose, one page describing your academic purpose and goals.
• Personal history statement (optional, two pages max), describing how your personal experiences and background (including family, cultural, or economic aspects) have influenced your intellectual development and interests.
• Three letters of recommendation: submit email addresses for your recommenders at least one month ahead of deadline to allow them sufficient time to respond.
• Transcripts (unofficial), from all prior relevant undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Admitted applicants must provide official transcripts.
• English language proficiency is required for graduate study at the University of Washington. Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency. The various options are specified at: https://grad.uw.edu/policies/3-2-graduate-school-english-language-proficiency-requirements/ Official test scores must be sent by ETS directly to the University of Washington (institution code 4854) and be received within two years of the test date.

For additional information see the UW Graduate School Home Page , Understanding the Application Process , and Memo 15 regarding teaching assistant eligibility for non-native English speakers.

The GRE Subject Test in Physics (P-GRE) is optional in our admissions process, and typically plays a relatively minor role.  Our admissions system is holistic, as we use all available information to evaluate each application. If you have taken the P-GRE and feel that providing your score will help address specific gaps or otherwise materially strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit your scores. We emphasize that every application will be given full consideration, regardless of whether or not scores are submitted.

Applications are accepted annually for autumn quarter admissions (only), and must be submitted online. Admission deadline: DECEMBER 15, 2024.

Department standards

Course requirements.

Students must plan a program of study in consultation with their faculty advisor (either first year advisor or later research advisor). To establish adequate breadth and depth of knowledge in the field, PhD students are required to pass a set of core courses, take appropriate advanced courses and special topics offerings related to their research area, attend relevant research seminars as well as the weekly department colloquium, and take at least two additional courses in Physics outside their area of speciality. Seeking broad knowledge in areas of physics outside your own research area is encouraged.

The required core courses are:

In addition, all students holding a teaching assistantship (TA) must complete Phys 501 / 502 / 503 , Tutorials in Teaching Physics.

Regularly offered courses which may, depending on research area and with the approval of the graduate program coordinator, be used to satisfy breadth requirements, include:

• Phys 506 Numerical Methods
• Phys 555 Cosmology & Particle Astrophysics
• Phys 507 Group Theory
• Phys 557 High Energy Physics
• Phys 511 Topics in Contemporary Physics
• Phys 560 Nuclear Theory
• Phys 520 Quantum Information
• Phys 564 General Relativity
• Phys 550 Atomic Physics
• Phys 567 Condensed Matter Physics
• Phys 554 Nuclear Astrophysics
• Phys 570 Quantum Field Theory

Graduate exams

Master's Review:   In addition to passing all core courses, adequate mastery of core material must be demonstrated by passing the Master's Review. This is composed of four Master's Review Exams (MREs) which serve as the final exams in Phys 524 (SM), Phys 514 (EM), Phys 518 (QM), and Phys 505 (CM). The standard for passing each MRE is demonstrated understanding and ability to solve multi-step problems; this judgment is independent of the overall course grade. Acceptable performance on each MRE is expected, but substantial engagement in research allows modestly sub-par performance on one exam to be waived. Students who pass the Master's Review are eligible to receive a Master's degree, provided the Graduate School course credit and grade point average requirements have also been satisfied.

General Exam:   Adequate mastery of material in one's area of research, together with demonstrated progress in research and a viable plan to complete a PhD dissertation, is assessed in the General Exam. This is taken after completing all course requirements, passing the Master's Review, and becoming well established in research. The General Exam consists of an oral presentation followed by an in-depth question period with one's dissertation committee.

Final Oral Exam:   Adequate completion of a PhD dissertation is assessed in the Final Oral, which is a public exam on one's completed dissertation research. The requirement of surmounting a final public oral exam is an ancient tradition for successful completion of a PhD degree.

Graduate school requirements

Common requirements for all doctoral degrees are given in the Graduate School Degree Requirements and Doctoral Degree Policies and Procedures pages. A summary of the key items, accurate as of late 2020, is as follows:

• A minimum of 90 completed credits, of which at least 60 must be completed at the University of Washington. A Master's degree from the UW or another institution in physics, or approved related field of study, may substitute for 30 credits of enrollment.
• At least 18 credits of UW course work at the 500 level completed prior to the General Examination.
• At least 18 numerically graded UW credits of 500 level courses and approved 400 level courses, completed prior to the General Examination.
• At least 60 credits completed prior to scheduling the General Examination. A Master's degree from the UW or another institution may substitute for 30 of these credits.
• A minimum of 27 dissertation (or Physics 800) credits, spread out over a period of at least three quarters, must be completed. At least one of those three quarters must come after passing the General Exam. Except for summer quarters, students are limited to a maximum of 10 dissertation credits per quarter.
• A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 must be maintained.
• The General Examination must be successfully completed.
• A thesis dissertation approved by the reading committee and submitted and accepted by the Graduate School.
• The Final Examination must be successfully completed. At least four members of the supervisory committee, including chair and graduate school representative, must be present.
• Registration as a full- or part-time graduate student at the University must be maintained, specifically including the quarter in which the examinations are completed and the quarter in which the degree is conferred. (Part-time means registered for at least 2 credits, but less than 10.)
• All work for the doctoral degree must be completed within ten years. This includes any time spend on leave, as well as time devoted to a Master's degree from the UW or elsewhere (if used to substitute for credits of enrollment).
• Pass the required core courses: Phys 513 , 517 , 524 & 528 autumn quarter, Phys 514 , 518 & 525 winter quarter, and Phys 515 , 519 & 505 spring quarter. When deemed appropriate, with approval of their faculty advisor and graduate program coordinator, students may elect to defer Phys 525 , 515 and/or 519 to the second year in order to take more credits of Phys 600 .
• Sign up for and complete one credit of Phys 600 with a faculty member of choice during winter and spring quarters.
• Pass the Master's Review by the end of spring quarter or, after demonstrating substantial research engagement, by the end of the summer.
• Work to identify one's research area and faculty research advisor. This begins with learning about diverse research areas in Phys 528 in the autumn, followed by Phys 600 independent study with selected faculty members during winter, spring, and summer.
• Pass the Master's Review (if not already done) by taking any deferred core courses or retaking MREs as needed. The Master's Review must be passed before the start of the third year.
• Settle in and become fully established with one's research group and advisor, possibly after doing independent study with multiple faculty members. Switching research areas during the first two years is not uncommon.
• Complete all required courses. Take breadth courses and more advanced graduate courses appropriate for one's area of research.
• Perform research.
• Establish a Supervisory Committee within one year after finding a compatible research advisor who agrees to supervise your dissertation work.
• Take breadth and special topics courses as appropriate.
• Take your General Exam in the third or fourth year of your graduate studies.
• Register for Phys 800 (Doctoral Thesis Research) instead of Phys 600 in the quarters during and after your general exam.
• Take special topics courses as appropriate.
• Perform research. When completion of a substantial body of research is is sight, and with concurrence of your faculty advisor, start writing a thesis dissertation.
• Establish a dissertation reading committee well in advance of scheduling the Final Examination.
• Schedule your Final Examination and submit your PhD dissertation draft to your reading committee at least several weeks before your Final Exam.
• Take your Final Oral Examination.
• After passing your Final Exam, submit your PhD dissertation, as approved by your reading committee, to the Graduate School, normally before the end of the same quarter.

This typical timeline for competing the PhD applies to students entering the program with a solid undergraduate preparation, as described above under Admissions. Variant scenarios are possible with approval of the Graduate Program coordinator. Two such scenarios are the following:

• Students entering with insufficient undergraduate preparation often require more time. It is important to identify this early, and not feel that this reflects on innate abilities or future success. Discussion with one's faculty advisor, during orientation or shortly thereafter, may lead to deferring one or more of the first year required courses and corresponding Master's Review Exams. It can also involve taking selected 300 or 400 level undergraduate physics courses before taking the first year graduate level courses. This must be approved by the Graduate Program coordinator, but should not delay efforts to find a suitable research advisor. The final Master's Review decision still takes place no later than the start of the 3rd year and research engagement is an important component in this decision.
• Entering PhD students with advanced standing, for example with a prior Master's degree in Physics or transferring from another institution after completing one or more years in a Physics PhD program, may often graduate after 3 or 4 years in our program. After discussion with your faculty advisor and with approval of the Graduate Program coordinator, selected required classes may be waived (but typically not the corresponding Master's Review Exams), and credit from other institutions transferred.
• Each entering PhD student is assigned a first year faculty advisor, with whom they meet regularly to discuss course selection, general progress, and advice on research opportunities. The role of a student's primary faculty advisor switches to their research advisor after they become well established in research. Once their doctoral supervisory committee is formed, the entire committee, including a designated faculty mentor (other than the research advisor) is available to provide advice and mentoring.
• The department also has a peer mentoring program, in which first-year students are paired with more senior students who have volunteered as mentors. Peer mentors maintain contact with their first-year mentees throughout the year and aim to ease the transition to graduate study by sharing their experiences and providing support and advice. Quarterly "teas" are held to which all peer mentors and mentees are invited.
• While academic advising is primarily concerned with activities and requirements necessary to make progress toward a degree, mentoring focuses on the human relationships, commitments, and resources that can help a student find success and fulfillment in academic and professional pursuits. While research advisors play an essential role in graduate study, the department considers it inportant for every student to also have available additional individuals who take on an explicit mentoring role.
• Students are expected to meet regularly, at a minimum quarterly, with their faculty advisors (either first year advisor or research advisor).
• Starting in the winter of their first year, students are expected to be enrolled in Phys 600 .
• Every spring all students, together with their advisors, are required to complete an annual activities report.
• The doctoral supervisory committee needs to be established at least by the end of the fourth year.
• The General Exam is expected to take place during the third or fourth year.
• Students and their advisors are expected to aim for not more than 6 years between entry into the Physics PhD program and completion of the PhD. In recent years the median time is close to 6 years.

Absence of satisfactory progress can lead to a hierarchy of actions, as detailed in the Graduate School Memo 16: Academic Performance and Progress , and may jeopardize funding as a teaching assistant.

The Department aims to provide financial support for all full-time PhD students making satisfactory progress, and has been successful in doing so for many years. Most students are supported via a mix teaching assistantships (TAs) and research assistantships (RAs), although there are also various scholarships, fellowships, and awards that provide financial support. Teaching and research assistanships provide a stipend, a tuition waiver, and health insurance benefits. TAs are employed by the University to assist faculty in their teaching activities. Students from non-English-speaking countries must pass English proficiency requirements . RAs are employed by the Department to assist faculty with specified research projects, and are funded through research grants held by faculty members.

Most first-year students are provided full TA support during their first academic year as part of their admission offer. Support beyond the second year is typically in the form of an RA or a TA/RA combination. It is the responsibility of the student to find a research advisor and secure RA support. Students accepting TA or RA positions are required to register as full-time graduate students (a minimum of 10 credits during the academic year, and 2 credits in summer quarter) and devote 20 hours per week to their assistantship duties. Both TAs and RAs are classified as Academic Student Employees (ASE) . These positions are governed by a contract between the UW and the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), and its Local Union 4121 (UAW).

Physics PhD students are paid at the "Assistant" level (Teaching Assistant or Research Assistant) upon entry to the program. Students receive a promotion to "Associate I" (Predoctoral Teaching Associate I or Predoctoral Research Associate I) after passing the Master's Review, and a further promotion to "Associate II" (Predoctoral Teaching Associate II or Predoctoral Research Associate II) after passing their General Examination. (Summer quarter courses, and summer quarter TA employment, runs one month shorter than during the academic year. To compendate, summer quarter TA salaries are increased proportionately.)

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PhD Program

Graduate student guide -- updated for 2024-25, 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 examination, also called “prelims”, is designed to ensure that students have a solid foundation in undergraduate physics to prepare them for graduate research. The exam is made up of four sections.  Each section is administered twice a year, at the start of each semester.  

For a longer description of the preliminary exam, please visit Preliminary Exam page

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 (also 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.

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• Science Education and Careers

Easiest Physics PhD fields to get into in the US?

• Thread starter Jose Diaz
• Start date Dec 27, 2021
• Tags Fields Phd Physics Physics phd
• Dec 27, 2021
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You don't want those ! And if you do, you don't deserve them ! ##\ ##  

A PF Universe

A pf asteroid.

Vanadium 50 said: I agree. The entire question seems misguided.

• Dec 28, 2021

A PF Mountain

Jose Diaz said: Hello, I am ready to apply to grad schools and would like to have a few insurance schools just in case. What are the easiest physics fields (biophysics,nuclear physics...etc) to get into a PhD for? Regards,

BvU said: You don't want those ! And if you do, you don't deserve them !

Jose Diaz said: What are the easiest physics fields (biophysics,nuclear physics...etc) to get into a PhD for?

• Take stock of your academic profile, i.e. GPA, Physics GRE scores, research experience, awards, etc. A site like physicsgre.com can help to give a relative reference of where you stand against other candidates.
• Establish your specific interests and goals. This can take a lot of personal reflection. And it doesn't mean you have to close doors, but if you keep things too general, i.e. "I want to get in anywhere" it's quite possible you won't like where you end up.
• Talk to your academic advisor. Usually this person will have a good idea of what programs are reasonable for you to apply to based on where other students from your program have gone.
• Try to get some statistics on things like median GPA of accepted students.
• Try to get an idea of how many students they are expecting to offer admission to, and what groups they are offering admission for.
• Figure out how well the program aligns with your personal interests and goals.
• Remember in most cases admission is a competitive process. Roughly speaking, M candidates apply for N < M spaces. Candidates are ranked and the top N are offered admission. If you have a program that's really trying to expand its condensed matter group for this year and they're looking at taking in 20 students, then those who express an interest in that field are more likely to be offered admission than those expressing an interest in say plasma physics where there's really only one position available and that's contingent on the applicant coming in with external funding.
• Dec 29, 2021

A PF Organism

Are you asking which subfields of Physics research are the most active and therefore accept the greatest number of graduate students?  

gwnorth said: Are you asking which subfields of Physics research are the most active and therefore accept the greatest number of graduate students?

• Jan 3, 2022

timelike observer

Possibly useful: https://gradschoolshopper.com/ When I first applied for grad school, I visited some institutions that accepted many grad students [apparently because they needed teaching assistants]. However, support for future years was not guaranteed... one needed to quickly find an advisor for support or compete for the few available teaching assistantships. So, acceptance can get one in the door... but more (possibly much more) work is needed to stay. So, I think it is important to see how many grad students are supported by the various research specialties in each institution. Unfortunately, it seems, these days, https://gradschoolshopper.com/ doesn't carry this information like the paper-version of the (AIP)book, " Graduate Programs in Physics, Astronomy, and Related Fields " did. Also possibly useful: https://www.aapt.org/Resources/schchoice.cfm https://gradschoolshopper.com/grad-school-resources.html update: this may be useful https://www.aip.org/sites/default/files/statistics/rosters/phyrost20.2.pdf although there isn't a breakdown according to research specialties.  

One of the problems with gradschoolshopper is that the schools listed pay to be so the "top" programs (Harvard, MIT, Stanford etc.) aren't there because they don't need the additional advertisement. From the listings however the broad categories with the greatest number of programs appear to be in the areas of Condensed Matter Physics, Atomic/Molecular/Optical Physics, Astrophysics, and Biophysics. I actually find USNEWS to be a better resource. You can disregard the rankings if you want, but it allows you to narrow down schools based on broad area of study and you can further refine your search based on location if that's a factor that's important to you.  

gwnorth said: One of the problems with gradschoolshopper is that the schools listed pay to be so the "top" programs (Harvard, MIT, Stanford etc.) aren't there because they don't need the additional advertisement. From the listings however the broad categories with the greatest number of programs appear to be in the areas of Condensed Matter Physics, Atomic/Molecular/Optical Physics, Astrophysics, and Biophysics. I actually find USNEWS to be a better resource. You can disregard the rankings if you want, but it allows you to narrow down schools based on broad area of study and you can further refine your search based on location if that's a factor that's important to you.

• Jan 4, 2022

robphy said: This thread isn’t really about rankings. It’s about “fit”, hopefully supported by data.If one is interested in rankings like USNews (which has its share of funny business, e.g. https://www.insidehighered.com/admissions/article/2019/07/29/reed-students-challenge-us-news-formula ), one might be interested in old “Gourman Reports” https://www.worldcat.org/title/gour...5228050/editions?referer=di&editionsView=true .

gwnorth said: One of the problems with gradschoolshopper is that the schools listed pay to be so the "top" programs (Harvard, MIT, Stanford etc.) aren't there because they don't need the additional advertisement.

• https://gradschoolshopper.com/ is "presented by the AIP American Institute of Physics"
• Schools can pay to effectively advertise their programs ( https://gradschoolshopper.com/advertise )
• [ bolding mine] https://gradschoolshopper.com/about.html says "GSS features several hundred graduate programs in the physical sciences and engineering. Many have elevated themselves above the rest by creating profiles that feature a wealth of information valuable to both prospective students and academic departments, including information on degrees offered, tuition costs, acceptance rates, admissions deadlines, financial aid, degree requirements, department and faculty research specialties, department culture, and special equipment, facilities or programs."
• A search for "physics" in geographic area "Stanford, California" ( https://gradschoolshopper.com/stanford/k:physics ) yields an entry for Stanford University that is not-" claim" ed. Similarly, "physics" near "Cambridge, Massachusetts" ( https://gradschoolshopper.com/cambridge/k:physics ) yields unclaimed entries for Harvard and MIT. An example of a school that was claimed is https://gradschoolshopper.com/browse/the-university-of-chicago-department-of-physics.html
• All of the schools (claimed or unclaimed) have various specialties associated with them, and will appear in a search for a particular specialty ... with the claimed entries appearing first, followed by the unclaimed ones. That is,... Harvard, MIT, Stanford will show up in searches, but will be at the bottom since they did not pay to be featured.
• Jan 5, 2022

I should clarify that when I said that the "top programs aren't there" what I meant is that no actual information regarding their programs is provided. If you want to know which specific fields of study they offer, you have to do further investigation beyond that site since they haven't paid to create "profiles that feature a wealth of information valuable to...prospective students". From that perspective you can get more details from USNEWS' site. I did a program searches on Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, and Princeton and nothing came up.  

• Jan 6, 2022

robphy said: so... one can see, for each graduate program in physics in the United States, the distribution of faculty, graduate students, and degrees-granted in the various research specialties. So, one can compare such data from various graduate programs.

CrysPhys said: But that information by itself is not sufficient to determine what field is easiest to get into (which is the OP's underlying question).

• Jan 7, 2022

I don't think the OP is going to be able to find a concise source of information that provides total number of students enrolled by subfield. The closest they may get is the number of programs offered. It may at least give an indication of which specific fields of research are the most popular (or at least get the most funding). As a side note I personally don't think this is the best way of going about choosing what programs to apply to.  

gwnorth said: I don't think the OP is going to be able to find a concise source of information that provides total number of students enrolled by subfield. The closest they may get is the number of programs offered. It may at least give an indication of which specific fields of research are the most popular (or at least get the most funding). As a side note I personally don't think this is the best way of going about choosing what programs to apply to.

Hi everyone. It's worth noting that @Jose Diaz (the OP) has not responded at all to this thread (in fact, the OP has only a total of 9 posts in total here on PF) since December 29. I'm wondering if this discussion has run its course and that we should close this thread.  

Good call. Any objections?  

Enough advice given; go ahead; give a few more hours or maybe up to 1 day.  

My summary: (1) The OP's question cannot be answered based on publically available info alone. (2) A student who will succeed in a Physics PhD program would not ask the question in the first place.  

• Jan 8, 2022

CrysPhys said: My summary: (1) The OP's question cannot be answered based on publically available info alone. (2) A student who will succeed in a Physics PhD program would not ask the question in the first place.

symbolipoint said: Enough advice given; go ahead; give a few more hours or maybe up to 1 day.

Jose Diaz said: Lol be mad I have the highest grades of all students in the class in EM1,EM2, QM1,QM2,CM1,Stat MEch and a bunch of math classes. If you dm me your phone number I can send you the proof. Cry with your mediocre IQ. LOL. Edit: I am in a top 20 Undergrad Institution.

Yeah, this thread is done and the OP's account is under review. Update -- OP is on a 10-day vacation from PF, and has been reminded to be civil in discussions at PF (and to appreciate the efforts of other users who have been trying to help him).  

Related to Easiest Physics PhD fields to get into in the US?

1. what makes a physics phd field "easiest" to get into in the us.

There are a few factors that determine the ease of getting into a physics PhD program in the US. These include the specific research interests of the program's faculty, the competitiveness of the program, and the funding and resources available for graduate students.

2. Are there any specific subfields of physics that are considered easier to get into?

There is no one specific subfield that can be considered universally easier to get into for a physics PhD program. However, some subfields may have more open spots or funding available, making it easier to get accepted into a program in that particular area.

3. Is it easier to get into a physics PhD program if I have a specific undergraduate degree?

While having a relevant undergraduate degree can certainly strengthen your application, it is not a guarantee of acceptance into a physics PhD program. What matters most is your aptitude and interest in the specific research areas of the program, as well as your academic achievements and research experience.

4. Are there any specific schools or regions in the US that have easier physics PhD programs?

It is difficult to pinpoint specific schools or regions that have easier physics PhD programs, as the competitiveness of programs can vary greatly even within the same region. It is important to research and target programs that align with your research interests and strengths.

5. Can I increase my chances of getting into an "easier" physics PhD program by taking certain courses or exams?

Taking relevant courses and exams, such as the GRE Physics Subject Test, can certainly strengthen your application and demonstrate your knowledge and skills in physics. However, ultimately, the most important factor in getting accepted into a physics PhD program is your research experience and potential for success in the program.

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• Insights   Addition of Velocities (Velocity Composition) in Special Relativity
• Insights   Schrödinger’s Cat and the Qbit
• Insights   The Slinky Drop Experiment Analysed

2024 Best Physics Master's Degree Schools

Choosing a great physics school for your master's degree, a great overall school, early-career earnings, other factors we consider, one size does not fit all, best schools for master’s students to study physics in the united states, 19 top schools for a master's in physics.

Physics master's degree recipients from University of Arizona earn a boost of around $37,478 above the average income of physics majors.

Students who graduate with their master's from the physics program state that they receive average early career earnings of $89,777.

Rest of the Top Best Physics Master's Degree Schools

Additional noteworthy schools.

Physics by Region

Other Rankings

Best associate degrees in physics, best doctorate 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, rankings in majors related to physics, physics focus areas.

Majors Similar to Physics

Notes and References

Popular reports, compare your school options.

• The Student Experience
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Contact the physics and astronomy department.

Learn more about the physics and astronomy department.

Application Requirements

All application materials must be submitted directly through the online application system. We do not accept paper application materials. Official transcripts should not be sent to the Guarini School office during the application process.

Application Fee

• GRE subject required.

English Language Proficiency 

• Language proficiency test scores are required for non-US citizens, with the exception of those who are earning or have earned a degree from institutions in the US or Canada, or whose primary language of instruction at their non-US institution was English.
• We accept TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo 
• The ETS code for the Guarini School is 3351

Personal Statements

• 2 required personal statement prompts.

Recommendation Letters

• 3 required, up to 4 accepted.

Transcripts

• Your most recent unofficial transcripts should be uploaded as part of your application. Official transcripts are not needed during the application process.

Program Supplement

Indicate your areas of interest:

• Astrophysics and Cosmology Observation
• Astrophysics and Cosmology Theory
• High Energy Theory
• Plasma and Space Physics Experiment
• Plasma and Space Physics Theory
• Quantum and Condensed Matter Experiment
• Quantum and Condensed Matter Theory

Select up to three faculty members that you are in contact with or are particularly interested in working with.

Learn more about the physics and astronomy faculty.

Questions About the Admissions Process

Admissions information can be found here.

Physics and Astronomy Department Website

Application Deadline: December 15, 2024

Degree Offered: PhD

Preparing Future Physicists

Higher education physics departments

Resources to help department leaders build inclusive, resilient physics programs that can weather change and prepare the next generation of physicists.

Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Alliance

A welcoming community working to transform physics by enacting strategies to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.

APS Bridge Program

The APS Bridge Program addresses diversity gaps by providing pathways to graduate school for students from underrepresented groups.

Effective Practices for Physics Programs (EP3)

The EP3 Guide, created through partnership between APS and the American Association of Physics Teachers, contains actionable practices and resources to support a thriving physics department.

A partnership of APS and the American Association of Physics Teachers, working together to address the national shortage of physics teachers.

Faculty Teaching Institute (FTI)

This partnership between APS, the American Association of Physics Teachers, and the American Astronomical Society is a professional development program for physics and astronomy faculty focused on effective and inclusive teaching practices.

Inclusive Graduate Education Network (IGEN)

Dramatically increasing the number of physical science doctoral degrees earned by Black, Latino, and Indigenous students.

Get the Facts Out

Explore rewarding careers as a high school physics teacher.

Mentoring programs

K-12 and undergraduate education.

APS provides engaging learning resources as well as networking opportunities for K-12 teachers and undergraduate educators.

Virtual classroom visits

Physicists To-Go connects scientists and educators to bring the wonders of physics to K-12 and college classrooms worldwide.

PhysicsQuest: Lesson plans and experiments

Introduce students to basic physics concepts through fun classroom experiments.

STEP UP: Curricula and community

A worldwide community of teachers, researchers, and professional societies working to inspire young women to pursue physics in college.

PhysPort: Teaching resources

PhysPort is a website from our partner the American Association of Physics Teachers that provides research-based resources for teaching physics.

Physics education statistics

Conference for Graduate Women and Gender Minorities in Physics

Fostering professional development and leadership opportunities in physics for graduate and postdoc women and gender minorities.

Conferences for Undergraduate Women and Gender Minorities in Physics

These conferences empower physics undergraduate women and gender minorities to explore career and education opportunities.

EPIC Report

The EPIC report and PIPELINE project detail new approaches to teaching innovation and entrepreneurship in physics.

Join your Society

If you embrace scientific discovery, truth and integrity, partnership, inclusion, and lifelong curiosity, this is your professional home.

PhD Program

Accelerate progress.

Adapting to rapid change requires unwavering conviction. And that goes double for creating it. Make a global impact and leave the world a better place than you found it. A PhD can get you there.

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World-class research.

Cultivate new possibilities in computer engineering, engineering physics and microelectronics.

Mentoring, from Day One

An early introduction to research with a team that’s dedicated to your success.

Interdisciplinary Environment

Cross-disciplinary approaches foster innovation. Experience our unique learning and research ecosystems.

Comprehensive Mentorship & Support

Comprehensive mentoring is a cornerstone of the Duke ECE PhD experience. Once admitted, we help you assemble your Advising Team. Your team will include your research adviser, your departmental adviser, the director of graduate studies, a five-member dissertation committee, and the department chair.

Additional High-Value Resources

• Conference and travel support
• Grant supported traineeship programs
• Graduate certificate programs in tissue engineering, nanoscience and photonics

Certificates & Training Programs

Certificate in photonics.

Offered through the Duke Fitzpatrick Institute of Photonics

Certificate in Nanoscience

Offered through the Duke Graduate School

AI for Understanding and Designing Materials

Traineeship for the Advancement of Surgical Technology

Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering

The information below is a summary of the formal degree requirements for the PhD in ECE.

Requirements Overview

• Complete approved courses for PhD degree
• Complete  Responsible Conduct of Research  (RCR) training
• Complete the Qualifying Examination (QE)
• Establish and meet with a Supervisory Committee
• Complete the Preliminary Examination
• Complete two Teaching Assistantship assignments
• Prepare and defend a dissertation [ dissertation guidelines ]
• Complete the  Final Examination

For students  matriculating with a bachelor’s degree , a minimum of 10 courses are required, as follows:

• Six graduate-level courses in ECE (500-level or higher)
• Two approved graduate-level technical electives (500-level or higher, technical in nature, and chosen to provide a coherent program of study)
• Two approved electives (chosen to provide a coherent program of study)

For students  matriculating with a master’s degree from another institution , a minimum of five (5) courses are required, as follows:

• Three graduate-level courses in ECE (500-level or higher)
• One approved graduate-level technical elective (500-level or higher, technical in nature, and chosen to provide a coherent program of study)
• One approved elective (chosen to provide a coherent program of study)

A program of study detailing the planned/completed coursework must be approved at the Qualifying Exam (bring to exam with advisor’s signature) and Preliminary Exam stages of the PhD.

Access the  ECE PhD Program of Study

Important Notes:

• Courses must be worth 3 (or more) graduate semester hours
• Courses must be graded (Credit/No Credit or audited courses may not count toward the Program of Study)
• ECE 899 Independent Study can be used to satisfy only the Approved Elective requirement
• Undergraduate Courses (numbered 499 or lower) require DGS and Graduate School permission for enrollment and may have special restrictions
• Overall Program of Study must indicate adequate breadth, including some courses distinctly outside student’s main curricular area and research topic
• Course selection must be formally approved by a student’s adviser and the DGS through the submission and approval of a Program of Study (Qualifying Exam committee approves the first draft version as part of the exam process)
• Student must maintain a 3.0 GPA in order to remain in good standing and to graduate

Qualifying Examination

The purpose of the Qualifying Exam is to assess the potential to succeed in the PhD program by having students demonstrate:

• Reading and deeply understanding three selected papers in the field
• Understanding the strengths and shortcomings of the three papers
• Understanding why the particular problem space defined by the three papers is important
• Generating sound research ideas based on the strengths and shortcomings of the three papers
• Writing and presenting information supporting the points above

Qualifying Exam Details

• Qualifying Exam Guidelines
• QE Student Procedural Guidelines (step-by-step how-to document)
• QE Details Approval/Submission Form

Supervisory Committee

The supervisory committee is formed in preparation for the preliminary examination and must consist of at least five members (including the student’s advisor), at least three of which must be graduate ECE faculty members.

In addition, as required by The Graduate School, at least one (1) member of the committee must be from either another department or a clearly separate field of study within the Duke ECE Department. Committees are proposed using the  Committee Approval Form .

Note:  While the Graduate School’s Committee Approval Form lists a minimum of four (4) committee members, the ECE Department requires five (5) committee members.

Teaching Assistantship

All PhD students must complete two semesters of a Teaching Assistantship (TA) prior to graduation. We provide training before you enter an undergraduate classroom for the first time.

The student is expected to complete this requirement sometime during his or her third through the eighth semester. Teaching Assistantships will be assigned by the DGS based on the background and interests of the student and the current department needs.

Teaching Assistantships are expected to require 10 hours per week on average and may involve such activities as organizing and leading discussion sections, grading homework and quizzes, assisting in the development of course materials, supervising laboratory sessions and so forth.

TA training information »

Preliminary Examination

The preliminary examination, which must be completed by the end of academic year three, consists of (1) a written dissertation research proposal and 2) an oral presentation and defense of this proposal to an approved five-member faculty committee.

The written dissertation research proposal should consist of a 10-page (maximum) report plus appendices providing additional supporting information as well as an anticipated timeline for completion of all PhD degree requirements.

The oral presentation, approximately 45 minutes with extra time allotted for questions posed by the committee throughout and after the presentation, should reflect the contents of the report.

• Preliminary Exam Description
• Preliminary Exam Student Procedural Guidelines
• Graduate School PhD Committee Approval Form
• Preliminary Exam Details Form
• Preliminary Exam Outcome Form
• Preliminary Exam Rubric

Final Examination

The student must follow the Graduate School’s guidelines for submitting the dissertation and scheduling the Final Examination, including submitting the departmental defense announcement to the ECE Graduate Office and uploading the dissertation at least two weeks prior to the defense.

• Final Exam Student Procedural Guidelines
• Graduate School Guide for Electronic Submission of Theses and Dissertations
• Graduate School PhD Committee Change Form
• Final Exam Details Form
• Departmental Defense Announcement

Note:  Details concerning important dates and deadlines, filing of intention to graduate, committee approval, and additional details may be found in the  Graduate Bulletin .

PhD Contacts

Angela Chanh, M.Ed.

Assistant Director of Graduate Studies

Michael E. Gehm

Director of Graduate Studies, Professor of ECE

Kevyn Light

Senior Program Coordinator

Graduate Program Coordinator

New Ph.D. programs welcome students this fall

Rit now offers doctoral programs in cognitive science and physics.

Scott Hamilton

RIT is beginning two new doctoral programs in cognitive science and physics. Both programs offer diverse research opportunities, including soft matter physics research.

Sophia Caruana was seeking an interdisciplinary doctoral program where she could pursue her interests in data ethics, AI, and human-centered computing. Kaitlin Boedigheimer was interested in exploring possible research opportunities in soft-matter physics. 

Both of them found their niche within two of RIT’s newest Ph.D. programs: cognitive science and physics.

The cognitive science Ph.D. program is jointly delivered by faculty experts from six colleges within the university: College of Liberal Arts ; College of Science ; Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences ; Kate Gleason College of Engineering ; College of Engineering Technology ; and National Technical Institute for the Deaf . The physics Ph.D . is offered by the College of Science .

An interdisciplinary approach to cognitive science

RIT’s cognitive science Ph.D. program provides an interdisciplinary study of the human mind that combines insights from psychology, computer science, linguistics, neuroscience, augmented reality, and philosophy. Students will gain the skills and abilities needed to analyze data, grasp complex concepts, and interpret and communicate concepts for a wider audience.

Matt Dye , professor and director of the cognitive science program and NTID’s Sensory, Perceptual, and Cognitive Ecology (SPACE) Center , explains that the joint offering between the six colleges is a unique asset for graduate students.

“Cognitive science itself is inherently interdisciplinary. It requires this kind of marriage of liberal arts, engineering, and technical thinking,” said Dye. “One of the advantages we have at RIT is that students can learn from experts from across six different colleges, so they can acquire a range of skills and abilities that they might not get at other universities.”

The multidisciplinary approach means students from all undergraduate backgrounds can apply for the program, provided it matches their academic and career interests. Four students were accepted into the program this year.

Sophia Caruana said she has a deep interest in interdisciplinary research and education, which made RIT’s cognitive science doctoral program a perfect fit for her. Here, she presents a previous research project, “How faculty and students at Nazareth University perceive and use chat bots.”

Caruana, from Rochester, N.Y., graduated this past May from Nazareth University with a bachelor’s degree in ethical data science and minors in psychology, philosophy, and math. When she made the decision to pursue her Ph.D., she wanted to find an interdisciplinary program that would work well with her current expertise.

In 2023, she met with Professor Cecilia Alm , who would become her Ph.D. faculty advisor at RIT, to learn more about Alm’s Computational Linguistics and Speech Processing (CLASP) lab . That meeting was the final push Caruana needed to apply to RIT.

“Professor Alm explained that my role in her lab as a cognitive science student would focus on using biologically-inspired systems to model human emotions with artificial intelligence. The questions surrounding that are really intriguing, and something I was already thinking about with my own research,” said Caruana. “I think the work in the CLASP lab is going to be monumental for ethical, human-centered AI, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it.”

Steadily growing opportunities in physics

Boedigheimer earned her bachelor’s degree in physics from University of Minnesota – Twin Cities and her master’s degree in physics from University of Minnesota – Duluth. But she realized there were more job opportunities in her field for Ph.D’s. Once she heard about RIT Professor Shima Parsa ’s soft matter research at a colloquium, her interest in RIT was piqued. After she visited the campus in March, she was convinced.

Kaitlin Boedigheimer believes she’ll have better job prospects with a Ph.D. in physics. She will be researching the filtration methods of nanoplastics to expand her interest in soft matter physics.

“The state-of-the-art technology here really impressed me,” said Boedigheimer.

She is one of seven students in the first class of physics Ph.D. students at RIT. The program offers a wide array of research areas including atomic/molecular/optical physics, multi-messenger astrophysics, photonics and the next quantum revolution, and physics for sustainable/renewable energy. Boedigheimer will be focusing on the filtration methods of nanoplastics, working closely with Parsa.

The new physics program had nearly 120 applicants in its first year. The recently announced National Science Foundation Research Traineeship Program (NRT) gives RIT the resources to grow the program by a few students each year in the future.

“Since the NRT is a highly prestigious fellowship, this allows us to actively recruit the very best and brightest graduate students into our new Ph.D. program,” said Seth Hubbard , program director and professor in the School of Physics and Astronomy.

These two new programs bring RIT’s total doctoral programs to 15. RIT’s other programs include astrophysical sciences and technology , biomedical and chemical engineering , business administration , color science , computing and information sciences electrical and computer engineering , imaging science , mechanical and industrial engineering , microsystems engineering , and sustainability .

RIT’s priority in building doctoral research programs is integral to the university’s future. These programs attract top-tier faculty who generate research funding and support teams of graduate student researchers. In turn, the faculty and research opportunities recruit Ph.D. students to the university.

More information is available on the cognitive science doctoral program website , or by emailing Matt Dye at [email protected] .

Go to the physics Ph.D. program website for more information.

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See the Top 11 Global Universities for Physics

U.S. News & World Report

August 18, 2024, 8:00 PM

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Discover the best schools for physics research.

A physics degree can lead to a career in engineering, computer or information systems, data analysis, teaching and more. Some physicists have become astronauts and Nobel Prize winners, and many have contributed to world-changing technological and scientific advances. Here are the top 15 Best Global Universities for Physics, as ranked by U.S. News based on academic research performance in that subject area.

15. University of Science & Technology of China, CAS

Location: Hefei, Anhui, China

Best Global Universities overall rank: 82 (tie)

Fact: Among the research labs that the University of Science & Technology of China, CAS operates are the National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, the Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale and the State Key Laboratory of Fire Science.

14. Université Paris Saclay

Location: Saint-Aubin, France

Best Global Universities overall rank: 76 (tie)

Fact: The physics department at the Université Paris Saclay boasts two research laboratories: the Quantum and Molecular Photonics Laboratory and the Aimé Cotton Laboratory.

13. University of Oxford

Location: Oxford, England, United Kingdom

Best Global Universities overall rank: 4

Fact: Every year, about 10 members of the University of Oxford physics department win national or international prizes for their research.

12. University of Cambridge

Location: Cambridge, England, United Kingdom

Best Global Universities overall rank: 6

Fact: The University of Cambridge physics department has collaborative research programs focused on nuclear energy, computational radiotherapy, the physics of sustainability and semiconductor physics, and quantum information, according to the school’s website.

11. Peking University

Location: Beijing, China

Best Global Universities overall rank: 31

Fact: Peking University’s research institutes and departments include theoretical physics, condensed matter and material physics, modern optics, heavy ion physics and astronomy, according to the school’s website.

10. Columbia University

Location: New York, New York, U.S.

Best Global Universities overall rank: 9

Fact: The physics department at Columbia University claims more than 10 Nobel Prize winners since 1944, including several whose work was done at the school.

9. Princeton University

Location: Princeton, New Jersey, U.S.

Best Global Universities overall rank: 18

Fact: Princeton University offers a fully funded one-year predoctoral fellowship for aspiring physics scholars from underrepresented populations, and the fellowship includes an admission offer to the physics Ph.D. program.

8. University of Tokyo

Location: Tokyo, Japan

Best Global Universities overall rank: 84

Fact: Focus areas of University of Tokyo physics researchers include nuclear physics, particle physics, condensed matter physics and biophysics, according to the school’s website.

7. Tsinghua University

Best Global Universities overall rank: 16

Fact: Tsinghua University’s physics faculty includes 10 members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Their research concentrates on numerous areas of physics, including high energy astrophysics, particle physics and quantum field theory, and superconductivity study and application.

6. University of Chicago

Location: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.

Best Global Universities overall rank: 25

Fact: NASA named its Parker Solar Probe spacecraft, which traveled to the sun, after the late University of Chicago Professor Emeritus Eugene Parker, who is known for his research on the star.

5. California Institute of Technology

Location: Pasadena, California, U.S.

Best Global Universities overall rank: 23

Fact: Undergraduates at the California Institute of Technology can major in physics or applied physics, which has more of an emphasis on developing new technologies, according to the school’s website.

4. Stanford University

Location: Stanford, California, U.S.

Best Global Universities overall rank: 3

Fact: Stanford University operates the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy science lab. The lab is home to a two-mile particle accelerator that generates the world’s brightest X-rays, according to the SLAC website.

3. University of California Berkeley

Location: Berkeley, California, U.S.

Best Global Universities overall rank: 5

Fact: Reinhard Genzel — a professor emeritus of physics and astronomy at University of California Berkeley — was a co-recipient of the 2020 Nobel Prize in physics, acknowledged for the discovery of a “supermassive compact object” in the middle of the Milky Way.

2. Harvard University

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.

Best Global Universities overall rank: 1

Fact: Among Harvard University’s numerous physics-related research centers are the Black Hole Initiative, the Center for the Fundamental Laws of Nature, the Center for Ultracold Atoms and the Center for Nanoscale Systems, according to the university’s website.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Best Global Universities overall rank: 2

Fact: Graduate physics researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology can conduct research within a dozen branches of physics, including astrophysics theory, high energy and particle theory, and quantum information science, according to the university’s website.

Here are the top 15 global universities for physics.

More from U.S. News

Consider Language When Picking an International University

6 Steps to Take Before Studying Abroad

What Can You Do With a Physics Degree?

See the Top 11 Global Universities for Physics originally appeared on usnews.com

Update 08/19/24: This article was published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information.

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Your roadmap to PhD success: freshman year advice for aspiring researchers

By JOHN CINTRON | August 19, 2024

COURTESY OF JOHN CINTRON

Cintron sitting at his workspace on the 9th floor lab, part of the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research at the Broad Institute.

First off, welcome to the Nest! As a freshman, you’re probably not even sure what you want to pursue yet or you might simply be feeling overwhelmed by all the possibilities you can take with your life and career path. As someone who’s tried it all — Pre-Med, Economics, Consulting, Marketing, Filmmaking, Engineering and much more — I can safely say that acquiring a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is the end goal that I intend to achieve.

To apply for a doctorate program, you need to maintain excellent grades and demonstrate your ability to manage a rigorous course load with other extracurricular and leadership activities. However, joining a lab (wet: manipulating liquids, biological matter and chemicals or dry: computational, physics and engineering) and beginning to work on actual research at university is arguably the most important thing you can do as a pre-PhD, pre-MD-PhD or even pre-med freshman. This will not be your average Chemistry lab experience as it will allow you opportunities to partake in independent research.

Independent research has been my greatest academic passion for as long as I can remember, from winning high school science fairs to participating in various forms of undergraduate research. As an undergraduate, I am motivated to pursue independent research in order to gain as much exposure and training as possible before beginning a Ph.D. program. I am interested in working in a research lab at Hopkins, not only because of how renowned the institution is for research, but also to make the most of my college education. 

Here’s what you need to do to get into a research lab as a freshman. Be ready to scour the internet; look around at all of the research labs Hopkins offers. Find what you think suits your current interests. Look into ForagerOne , an online platform designed specifically to connect undergraduate students with Faculty conducting research. You can look into department websites as well for faculty research profiles.You already made it here, which was the hardest part! Hopkins, being the nation’s oldest and best-funded research university, allows you access to labs that conduct cutting-edge research in their respective fields, so there is no shortage of opportunities.

​​Once you find a lab that resonates with you, reach out to the principal investigator (PI) of that lab by using your Hopkins email. Cold emails truly work best, as long as you keep it concise and make it known that you’re willing to commit to the research. You’ll end up meeting the PI or a post-doctoral researcher in the lab, which is where you can each lay out your expectations to one another (in terms of research, time commitment, recommendations, etc.) and see if the lab is a good fit for you. You’re going to want to start this process sooner rather than later!

Even if you end up realizing you don’t have a passion for or enjoy the lab you’re in as a freshman, that’s perfectly normal; you simply need experience. Many students switch labs for sophomore year and beyond!

Additionally, a research experience at Hopkins can be helpful to secure your dream summer research experience. My research experiences at Hopkins allowed me to realize my passion for working in the lab, even in the midst of my busy class schedule. I realized being a part of a summer research experience would allow me to put a 100% focus on my research and cultivate my interests further. 

You will not only be able to gain practical skills from your lab, but you can also ask for a letter of recommendation from your supervisor. Most REU programs value your letter of recommendation the most, so you need to make good impressions as a student researcher in your lab as early as possible, since applications have due dates around January/February.

This past summer, I was given the amazing opportunity to conduct research in the field of Neuroimmunology at the Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard as a participant in the Broad Summer Research Program. I gained so many useful skills from this REU, including improving my scientific writing, quickly learning extensive information about my specific field of research, creating an engaging research poster and delivering effective scientific presentations. 

REUs allow you to use your summer to conduct meaningful research and expand your network. The wide array of skills I gained from participating in an REU will allow me to more thoroughly engage and contribute ideas in my research lab back at Hopkins!

Again, good luck as you begin your academic journey, and welcome to the Nest!

John Cintron is a sophomore from Fort Myers, Fla. majoring in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. He is a News Writer for The News-Letter.

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UC Davis Graduate Studies

Grad Studies Announces the Recipients of the 2024 Graduate Program Advising and Mentoring Award

27 faculty across the university recognized for their commitment to grad students.

• by Grad News
• August 22, 2024

Commitment. Passion . Empathy . These descriptors were just a few of the plaudits the winners of the 2024 Graduate Program Advising and Mentoring Award received in their nomination letters. 

“[This professor’s] mentorship is always the perfect balance of pushing you to your full capacity, while also supporting at a level that fosters independence, creativity and self-ownership.”

“[This professor] combines a deep sense of empathy with a steely commitment to student development.”

“[This professor’s] mentorship has not only enriched my academic experience but has also instilled in me a deep sense of confidence and passion for my field of study.”

Among the 27 faculty members who won this year’s award, five were from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, five were from the College of Biological Sciences, seven were from the College of Engineering, eight were from the College of Letters and Sciences, and two were from the School of Veterinary Medicine. 

As one of many Graduate Studies initiatives dedicated to showcasing and promoting positive advising and mentoring experiences within graduate education at UC Davis, this award recognizes faculty members for their outstanding contributions to the graduate student experience. Jean-Pierre Delplanque, vice provost and dean of Graduate Studies, expressed his deep appreciation for this year’s winners and their role.

“Effective advising and quality mentorship are crucial components of graduate student success and well-being,” he said. “That’s why these components are central to our UC Davis Graduate Studies strategic plan , and it’s why I’m so grateful to this group for giving their time and talents to our graduate students.”

Here are the 2024 winners by college/school

College of agricultural and environmental sciences       .

• Mary Horne                      Pharmacology & Toxicology Graduate Group
• Mark Lubell                       Environmental Policy and Management
• Elizabeth Maga                 Animal Biology Graduate Group
• Maria Marco                    Food Science Graduate Group
• Alyson Mitchell                Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry

College of Biological Sciences

• Titus Brown                    Integrative Genetics and Genomics
• Eamonn Dickson            Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology Graduate Group
• Bruce Draper                  Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology
• John Gray                       Neuroscience
• Igor Vorobyov                Biophysics

College of Engineering  

• Audrey Fan                                       Biomedical Engineering
• Boris Jeremic                                    Civil & Environmental Engineering
• Harishankar Manikantan                   Chemical Engineering
• Julian Panetta                                   Computer Science
• Cindy Rubio-Gonzalez                       Computer Science
• Kari Watkins                                      Transportation Technology and Policy
• Weijian Yang                                      Electrical and Computer Engineering 

College of Letters and Science 

• Drew Cingel                       Communication
• Davide Donadio                  Chemistry and Chemical Biology
• Liz Miller                             English
• Emilija Pantic                       Physics and Astronomy
• Katie Peterson                     Creative Writing
• Anne Schilling                     Mathematics
• Juan Tellez                          Political Science
• Michael Yonan                     Art History

School of Veterinary Medicine

• Lisa Miller                        Integrative Pathobiology
• William (Bill) Murphy     Immunology Graduate Group

More about the award                                 

To be considered for this award, graduate programs nominated faculty members who displayed outstanding excellence in advising and mentoring of their graduate students. As part of the nomination process, these Graduate programs highlighted faculty for their service to the program, commitment to advising and mentoring, and positive impact on graduate students and colleagues. This was an optional recognition program and graduate programs participated at will. The award recipients received a letter of recognition from the Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies that can be included in merit and promotion files or to document their service for grant applications or organizations.

For more information on Graduate Studies' mentoring resources, awards, and programs, visit the mentoring website .

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