Doctor of Philosophy: Typically a total of 5-6 years are needed to complete the Ph.D. degree for a student who enters the program with a bachelor’s degree. This time is approximately equally divided between course work and dissertation research. A dissertation presenting the results of an original investigation in a specialized area of physics is an essential feature of the program and must be completed and defended successfully. Requirements also include passing the comprehensive examination, which must be passed by the end of the third year of study for students who enter the Ph.D. program with a bachelor’s in physics or by the end of the second year for students entering with a master’s in physics.