PhD in Physics

The physics doctorate prepares students to design and carry out independent research that adds something new to the field. Areas of study extend to astronomy, quantum science, nuclear physics, plus both theoretical and computational work. Each student collaborates closely with faculty specialists on a subject of personal interest. Along the way, they give talks at professional meetings and place papers in scholarly journals. Instruments and facilities on campus include laser spectroscopy equipment, X-ray diffraction tools, powerful computing clusters and a laboratory for characterizing materials. Graduates are ready for research positions at universities, national laboratories and companies. The degree is delivered on campus, so students work side by side with mentors and have direct access to the equipment. That arrangement supports the steady, hands-on investigation that a doctoral thesis in the physical sciences requires from start to finish.