PhD in Physics

Offered through the Department of Physics, this research doctorate carries a major in Applied Physics. Students combine graded coursework with two kinds of examination, spoken and written, and then carry out original research that leads to a dissertation. Entry depends on evidence of solid undergraduate preparation in physics and a history of strong performance in prior study. Anyone attending full time should plan for at least three years of graduate work before finishing. The department's doctoral committee runs a qualifying examination with both a written and an oral section. Students are advised to prepare for it quickly, ideally in their first year at the school once the required courses are behind them. They are also asked to begin talking with possible dissertation supervisors right after they arrive, so that their research direction takes shape early in the program.