• Physicists and Astronomers join our department because of the collaborative opportunities, interdisciplinary research labs, academic reputation, and beautiful surroundings - among other benefits. 
  • A graduate degree from the program provides a strong foundation for a rewarding career in physics, astronomy, and a myriad diverse fields of industry and finance to which physicists and astronomers contribute
  • They offer doctoral degrees in Physics, and give the option to follow tracks in Astronomy and Astrophysics, Biophysics, and Physics Education Research
  • College physics - intermediate level Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism, Statistical Mechanics, and Quantum Mechanics - will be especially important in determining your preparation for graduate studies.
  • The Ph.D. program of study does not include refresher material and applicants are expected to have completed some advanced physics courses.
  • If your ultimate goal is earning a Ph.D. , please apply directly to the Ph.D. program, there is no need to first apply for a Master's degree.
  • First-year graduate students complete two rigorous academic courses during their first semester which are then used to assess their program readiness via the Comprehensive Exam.
  • You'll also enroll in Faculty Research Opportunity where you'll hear from our current researchers so you can make an informed decision about your research path.
  • This is not to say you have to wait until Fall semester to learn about research opportunities. Newly admitted students are encouraged to email research groups about journal clubs and sitting in on research group meetings.
  • Students pursuing a thesis degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) must pass a final oral examination, the thesis defense, based on a written dissertation. The defense typically consists of a public lecture, followed by a closed-door oral examination by the Supervisory Committee. It is expected that the thesis defense be passed by the end of the sixth year.