Learn advanced courses, participate in state-of-the-art research and launch your career with a Ph.D. from the Physics and Applied Physics Department.

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Deadline for fall semester entry:
January 15

Program Overview

51ÊÓƵ'sÌýPh.D. in Physics program is research-centric, preparing students for lifelong careers in academia, industry, national laboratories and entrepreneurship. The 60-credit-hour program incorporates advanced courses, comprehensive examination and a multi-year research component.

The Department offers a Ph.D. 51ÊÓƵ in Physics with the following options:

  • General Option
  • Energy Engineering Option (in collaboration with Dept. of Chemical Engineering)
  • Aerospace Sciences Option
We also offer options inÌýMedical PhysicsÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýRadiological Sciences.

The Ph.D. program requires 60 credits, including dissertation research.ÌýCandidates for the degree must pass an oral comprehensive examination and a doctoral research admission examination.Ìý

Visit theÌýgraduate academic catalogÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýDoctorate in Physics degree pathwayÌýfor completeÌýprogram details andÌýcourse descriptions.

51ÊÓƵ's physics Ph.D. program prepares graduates for positions in academia, national laboratories, government agencies, major medical facilities and industry. Recent graduates have worked at:Ìý

  • Argonne National Lab
  • Boston University
  • Duke University
  • Harvard University
  • Lockheed Martin Corp.
  • Los Alamos National Lab
  • Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc.
  • U.S. Department of Energy

Admissions & Aid

Take the next step and apply. Learn more about admission requirements, funding options and assistantships.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the requirements for admission, applicants for the Ph.D. in Physics program are expected to have a sound background in intermediate-level mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, and modern physics.

For complete Admission Requirements, please visit the Academic Catalog.

Application Process

For a list of application materials and guidelines, please visit the Sciences Admissions Requirements.

The Physics Department strives to provide full financial support for all admitted Ph.D. students.Ìý

  • The first two years are typically funded through Teaching Assistantships (TA) plus summer research support, while funding for subsequent years are through Research Assistantships (RA).Ìý
  • As of fall 2023, the total compensation package for a 51ÊÓƵ first-year out-of-state physics Ph.D. student is valued at up to $57,750. This includes a 12-month stipend of up to $30,000, a full waiver of tuition and operating fees, plus 80 percent of student health insurance costs.Ìý

Visit Tuition & Aid for Graduate Programs.

Christian Burns wears a safety mask and gloves as he pours nitrogen in a 51ÊÓƵ lab.
Christian Burns '25
Physics

Physics Ph.D. student Christian Burns got accepted to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science Graduate Student Research program.

The professors really do teach and motivate you to learn.
Read More 51ÊÓƵ Christian Burns 

Request More Information

Contact Us

For program questions or to connect with our current students, please contact:

Viktor Podolskiy, Ph.D.
Graduate Coordinator, Professor
978-934-3398
Viktor_Podolskiy@uml.edu

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