Programs
Department of Physics and Astronomy
The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers a graduate curriculum leading to a PhD degree in physics or in physics and astronomy. The entire program of research and study is designed to emphasize fundamental physical principles and to prepare students for academic, industrial, or government employment. The department has strong research efforts in experimental/observational and theoretical areas of astronomy and astrophysics, quantum optics, biological physics, condensed matter physics, particle/nuclear physics, cosmology, and high energy density plasma and laser physics.
Information about faculty and research can be found on the Department of Physics and Astronomy website.
AdmissionsLink to section
Applying to Doctoral ProgramsLink to section
Students are considered for admission after completing an online application. We do not have a minimum GPA required for application submission. We require at least three letters of recommendation from people who can comment on your potential for graduate study. General GRE test scores, as well as the Physics GRE subject test scores, are accepted but not required. We do not have minimum required scores for the GRE, GRE Physics, TOEFL, or IELTS. Our admissions committee will consider test scores in the context of the entire application, as we prefer to evaluate multiple parameters to determine the potential of each candidate. Our required statement of purpose has no specific required content but should include information that you would like the admissions committee to know about you and your aspirations to join our program.
AcademicsLink to section
Doctoral Degrees and RequirementsLink to section
Candidates for the PhD degree are expected to complete eight advanced (400-level or higher) four-credit courses, at least two of which are specialty courses. These courses are generally taken during the first two years of study. A typical program for the PhD degree during the first year would include courses in mathematical methods, at least one course in quantum mechanics, and one each in electrodynamics and statistical mechanics. During the second year, courses would include one or two courses in mathematical methods, one or two courses in advanced quantum mechanics, one or two other advanced courses, and two specialty courses, chosen in consultation with the research advisor.
A formal assessment of the preliminary core coursework (403, 407, 415, and 418) is intended to ensure that each student has a comprehensive grasp of physics at the level of the core curriculum. Following the successful completion of the qualifying examination in year three, which involves an oral presentation to a faculty committee, each candidate for the degree must complete a significant piece of original research, which is then formally presented in the dissertation and must be defended in the final oral PhD examination.
Graduate Course TitlesLink to section
- PHYS 401. Mathematical Methods for Optics and Physics
- PHYS 403. Modern Statistics and Exploration
- PHYS 405. Geometrical Methods of Physics
- PHYS 406. Symmetries in Physics
- PHYS 407. Quantum Mechanics I
- PHYS 408. Quantum Mechanics II
- PHYS 411. Advanced Mechanics
- PHYS 412. Hydrodynamics
- PHYS 413. Gravitation
- PHYS 415. Electromagnetic Theory I
- PHYS 418. Statistical Mechanics
- PHYS 420. Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics
- PHYS 422. Medical Imaging – Theory and Implementation
- PHYS 429. Organic Electronics
- PHYS 431. Nano-Optics
- PHYS 434. Advanced Quantum and Nano-Optics Lab
- PHYS 435. Principles of Lasers
- PHYS 437. Nonlinear Optics
- PHYS 438. Optical Communications Systems
- PHYS 439. Nonlinear Optical Spectroscopy
- PHYS 440. Nuclear and Particle Physics
- PHYS 445. Advanced Nuclear Science Education Laboratory
- PHYS 446. Nuclear Science and Technology
- PHYS 451. Physics of Astrophysics I
- PHYS 452. Physics of Astrophysics II
- PHYS 453. Introduction to High Energy Density Physics
- PHYS 454. Introduction to Plasma Physics I
- PHYS 455. Plasma Physics II
- PHYS 456. Compressible Flow
- PHYS 457. Incompressible Flow
- PHYS 458. Geometric Methods in Fluids
- PHYS 459. Turbulence
- PHYS 462. Medical Imaging – Theory and Implementation
- PHYS 467. Ultrasound Imaging
- PHYS 511. Field Theory
- PHYS 52. Condensed Matter I
- PHYS 531. Introduction to Quantum Optics
- PHYS 532. Quantum Optics of the Electromagnetic Field
- PHYS 552. Magnetohydrodynamics
- PHYS 553. Laser Plasma Interactions
- PHYS 55. Cosmological Physics
- PHYS 556. Hydrodynamic Stability and Turbulence
- PHYS 558. Introduction to Inertial Confinement Fusion
- PHYS 564. High Energy Astrophysics
- PHYS 573. Physics and Finance
- PHYS 581. Particle Physics I
- PHYS 582. Particle Physics II
- PHYS 593. Quantum Nanostructures
- ASTR 403. Experimental Techniques in Astronomy
- ASTR 444. Observational Astronomy
- ASTR 450. Stellar Atmospheres
- ASTR 453. Introduction to Stellar Interiors and Atmospheres
- ASTR 455. Introductory Radio Astronomy
- ASTR 461. Astrophysics I
- ASTR 462. Astrophysics II
- ASTR 465. Galactic Structure
- ASTR 551. Diffuse Matter in Space
- ASTR 553. Stellar Interiors
- ASTR 554. Cosmology
- ASTR 563. Radio and Infrared Astronomy
- ASTR 564. High Energy Astrophysics
- ASTR 565. Formation of Stars and Planetary Systems
- ASTR 570. Solar System Dynamics
- ASTR 594. Observational Astrophysics