best universities for phd in physics

20 Best Doctor of Physics Graduate Schools

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Updated: March 12, 2024 , Reading time: 35 minutes

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Physics or physical science is a discipline that studies the elemental forces that govern every entity in the universe. Physical science is ubiquitous. It is concerned with electromagnetic energy, communication technologies, medical radiology and imaging, cosmological energy, astronomy, and biological physics.

While it is everywhere, not all of its forms and upshots are completely defined, described, or studied – yet this is where physics as an academic discipline thrives. 

Academically, Physics is a degree for those with an unending inquisitive nature and an appreciation for abstract and intangible concepts. Waves, subatomic particles, and cosmology, to name a few, are concepts that only become alive and apparent through advanced mathematical equations.

The Doctor of Physics (Ph.D.) is a terminal degree in the field of physics. It is the most advanced degree available in the field of physics and provides students with the opportunity to explore a specialty area such as astrophysics, condensed matter physics, or quantum mechanics, among others.

Through coursework and research experience, Ph.D. students develop expertise in a chosen sub-discipline as they advance their understanding of physics. These levels of learning require not only extensive research experience but also extensive patience, as completion of dissertations and research may take years.

Most students who embark on an academic track in physics are geared to take it all the way to graduate school. A doctorate and post-doctorate in physics are the ultimate academic goals (not career goals). Upon completion, graduates of the Doctor of Physics program often pursue a career in research and academia.

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METHODOLOGY

The following metrics and considerations were employed to arrive at the ranking below (in no particular order):

• The number of available areas of focus/research areas, research centers, facilities, and institutions, and the availability of equipment and research instrumentation were strongly considered.
• Funding received from the National Sciences Foundation (NSF) and other government agencies, such as the Department of Energy, was also factored in, as this signifies the level and depth of scientific research activity within the institution.
• The availability of university-based and outside fellowships, grants, and awards was also considered, with the same rationale as with the previous metric. 
• “Word of mouth” from other physicists themselves, through online scientific forums and other Q&A websites (e.g., Quora). Only responses from those with a legitimate profile with academic credentials to boot (Ph.D. or post-doc) were considered. 
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary or collaborative research. It allows students to conduct applied physics work in other disciplines or industries, which is the ultimate goal of any theoretical work. 
• Combination of rankings from other school ranking publications. The National Taiwan University – Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers for World Universities is also known as the NTU Rankings.

In summary, the ranking below was based on two things: breadth of research opportunities and professional public opinion. The first criterion is a given. The second criterion may appear subjective, but the reality is, that physicists determine the top caliber through published research in peer-reviewed journals and other scientific literature.

When on the hunt for a good physics program, you don’t ask a doctor, a lawyer, or an engineer, right? You ask a physicist. 

THE 20 BEST DOCTOR OF GENERAL PHYSICS GRADUATE SCHOOLS

Yale university.

New Haven, CT

Ph.D. in Physics

Yale University was founded in 1701. The Physics Department was an upshot of the Department of Philosophy, the Arts, and the Sheffield Scientific School. In 1894, the Physics Department had physicist Arthur Day as part of its faculty.

• The Physics Ph.D. program requires students to complete the core courses in quantum mechanics, electromagnetic theory, and statistical and mathematical physics. First-year students must also take the following courses: Topics in Modern Physics Research and Responsible Conduct in Research for Physical Scientists.
• The prerequisites for doctoral candidacies, such as the required coursework, qualifying exams, and the submission of a written thesis proposal, should all be completed before the culmination of Year 3.
• Students can apply to any of the external fellowships that are available through the  Physics Department. These include grants from the NSF and the Department of Energy . 

Standout Features of the Program:

The department researches 11 areas of physics . Among the notable fields are Gravitational Physics and Biophysics. It is also home to three physics research centers, such as the Wright Laboratory and the Yale Quantum Institute . It offers an option for Physics Ph.D. students interested in interdisciplinary applied physics to cross-enroll into the Physical and Engineering Biology Ph.D. program , an inter-departmental offering.

Yale University was the first to confer a Ph.D. degree in the US in 1861. Also, among its many firsts, it is the first institution to confer higher learning degrees to minorities – first, to Yung Wing, a Chinese BA graduate in 1854, and Edward Bouchet, an African American Ph.D. graduate in  1876.

University of Washington (UW)

Seattle, WA

The University of Washington, a public research facility and university, was established in 1861. It has been teaching physics courses such as mechanics and calculus ever since. The Department of Physics was launched in 1928 and has since expanded to include a department dedicated to Astronomy and other research centers and institutes.

• UW offers a doctoral program in Physics, which requires the completion of 90 credits of coursework.
• A general exam is required, which determines the student’s readiness to undertake dissertation work. The final exam is also required, which is based on the doctoral candidate’s dissertation.
• Applicants to the program must demonstrate a strong background in courses like electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and optics. Knowledge of nuclear, particle, and condensed matter physics is a big plus.
• Students can research any of the department’s 14 research areas , including Nuclear Theory and Neutrino Physics.
• First-year students are expected to take on mandatory teaching assistantship roles to receive funding. For the succeeding terms, students must secure funding sources on their own, whether through TA work, RA work, or a combination of both. UW will help in this regard.

Standout Features of the Program:

The department is home to six research centers and institutes , four of which receive government funding. For instance, the Department of Energy co-funds the Institute for Nuclear Theory along with university funding. 

UW spearheads the NSF Institute for Accelerated AI Algorithms for Data-Driven Discovery or A3D3 . It recently received a $15 million NSF grant to help fast-track studies in physics and astrophysics and integrate these with neuroscience through AI, data science, and machine learning. The institute brings together nine universities with UW at the helm.

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

Pasadena, CA

Caltech was founded in 1891 by benefactor Amos Throop. In 1921, astronomer George Hale, physicist Robert Millikan, and chemist Arthur Noyes worked together to lead the university to become a behemoth in scientific research. Since then, Caltech’s Division of Physics, Mathematics, and Astronomy co-manages and spearheads more than ten research centers, including JPL, and has produced close to 20 Nobel laureates in Physics.

• Students admitted to the Ph.D. program in Physics must submit a study plan for approval before the first term closes.
• Passing the written exams (Year 2) and the oral exam (Year 3) is required.
• Elementary Particles and Fields
• Quantum Information and Matter
• Physics of the Universe
• Interdisciplinary Physics
• Students are also required to undertake TA work for at least one semester.

There are 13 research areas within the Physics division. Some of the standout areas include Theoretical and Experimental Elementary Particle Physics and Gravitational Wave Science. Caltech is home to 7 research centers, including the Center for Data-Driven Discovery (CD3) and the Space Radiation Laboratory (SRL) .

Caltech manages NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory or JPL . Also, together with MIT, it operates the Laser Interferometer  Gravitational-Wave Observatory, or LIGO , which the NSF funds. Caltech also owns the Palomar Observatory in San Diego, CA, and co-manages the Keck Observatory in Hawaii with the University of California system.

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

Harvard University is one of the oldest US universities founded in 1636. In the 1800s, the Department of Physics was instituted, emphasizing integrating theoretical learning and laboratory application.

• The doctoral program in Physics, regardless of the chosen track , requires 64 credit units of study, passing marks in two oral examinations, and the submission and defense of a dissertation.
• Students may also cross-enroll at MIT for some graduate-level courses.
• Students are required to hold full-time academic residence for at least two years or four terms.
• Harvard will cover the cost of attendance, including stipends, of first-year Ph.D. students for both terms, after which students are expected to apply for fellowships or apply for RA positions or teaching fellowships to cover their funding and other expenses for the succeeding terms.

The program offers four tracks toward a doctoral degree in Physics: General Physics, Biophysics, Engineering and Physical Biology (EPB), and Molecules, Cells, and Organisms (MCO). Students interested in doing physics research and its integration or application with other fields such as engineering and biology may opt for the other three tracks. Students under the general track may choose to join any of the department’s 13 research centers , including the Black Hole Initiative , the first of its kind worldwide.

The Department of Physics does its part to break stereotypes and glass ceilings through its “ Women in Physics ” initiative. The organization’s objective is to bring together female physics students of all levels of higher learning for mentoring and professional camaraderie. It also aims to encourage more women to be part of a career field that male scientists have long dominated.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Ph.D. in Physics and Ph.D. in Physics, Statistics and Data Science (PhysSDS)

Founded in 1861, MIT is a groundbreaker in research and its applications and, thus, home to many innovations. It launched the Department of Physics four years later, which offers the doctoral program via two pathways – General Physics and the Physics, Statistics and Data Science (PhysSDS) track. 

• Both tracks can be completed in six years or less. Fewer attempts in doctoral exams can shorten the completion time.
• Astrophysics
• Atomic and Optical Physics
• Quantum Information
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Experimental OR Theoretical Nuclear and Particle 
• Plasma Physics
• They must take at least two courses in their chosen area of research. 
• Students in the Physics Ph.D. program may cross-enroll into the Ph.D. in PhysSDS track. They can complement their advanced physics research with knowledge of data science and analysis, inferential algorithms, and statistical modeling with machine learning, to name a few. 

MIT is proactive in helping its Ph.D. students, especially those in good standing, receive full funding throughout their residency, whether through fellowships, research assistantships (RA), or teaching assistantships (TA). For example, if the research contract for which the RA is completed or terminated, MIT will support the student for one term and proactively help seek other funding opportunities. 

The MIT Physics faculty comprises achievers who have won almost every award and prize in Physics known to man – the Nobel Prize, the MacArthur Fellowship, the National Medal of Science, the Sloan Research Fellowships, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and many more .

Princeton University

Princeton, New Jersey

In 1746, Princeton University became the fourth educational institution established in the US Princeton’s Physics research rose to prominence a century later thanks to Joseph Henry’s studies on electromagnetic induction. 

• The Ph.D. program in Physics requires students to complete the required coursework within the first two years of study. A career development course, Communicating Physics, is also required.
• The preliminary exams must be taken within their first year of study. Some of the topics covered by the exam are quantum mechanics and thermodynamics. 
• An experimental project must be presented before the culmination of Year 2. Students are strongly advised to begin preparations for this as early as their first term.
• Students can apply for any external fellowships, grants, and prizes to help fund their doctoral study and research. Travel funds are available for students partaking in other academic endeavors outside of Princeton.

The department offers  11 research areas from which students can choose to conduct research. Some of the notable areas include Condensed Matter Experiment and Theory, High Energy Experiment and Theory, and Particle Phenomenology, to name a few. Princeton Physics is also home to 5 research centers . The NSF funded three of these, including the IRIS-HEP software center, which provides advanced information systems to the Large Hadron Collider at CERN.

Albert Einstein held an academic residency at Princeton, specifically at the Mathematics building, during the 1930s. He accepted an offer from the university’s Institute of Advanced Study as a researcher. Though he was not employed as a university faculty, he delivered lectures at Princeton and other American universities. 

University of California – Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

Ph.D. in Physics and Ph.D. in Physics with Astrophysics Emphasis

After its incorporation into the UC system in 1936, not only did UCSB carry a new, but a new location as well, and this time, facing the sea with a two-mile-long shoreline. UCSB’s Department of Physics was launched in 1944 and continues to carry the reputation of being “ relatively small ” yet, a powerhouse in physics research and education.

• The department offers the Physics Ph.D. degree with two concentrations: the General Track and the Astrophysics track . Both tracks will require a candidacy exam and a  dissertation defense for completion.
• Both tracks also require the completion of courses in Quantum Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory, and Statistical Mechanics. 
• Students under the General track are required to demonstrate knowledge of  Lagrangian Mechanics. In contrast, those under the Astrophysics track must take any five of the following courses: Galactic Dynamics, Interstellar Medium, Extragalactic Astrophysics, Stellar Structure and Evolution, High Energy Astrophysics, and  Cosmology.
• First and second-year students are guaranteed funding through TA or RA positions. There are five fellowships available through the department and many other opportunities through the UCSB Graduate Division .

UCSB Physics researches eight areas of physics and houses and co-manages ten research centers, including Microsoft Station Q, which focuses on quantum physics. It is home to more than 20 research groups, including the Young Lab Group , helmed by Prof. Andrea Young. The group consists of post-doc, graduate, and undergraduate students and conducts studies on quantum materials through nanofabrication techniques and electronic measurement.

UCSB is the only educational and research institution in the US situated within walking distance of the beach. So, if you hit a snag in your research and feel burned out, remember that the sea is just right outside. 

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

Stanford University was established in 1891, and the same year, the Department of Physics was also instituted. Research at the university first reached its peak during the 1930s, through prominent figures such as Felix Bloch, who discovered spin waves and was also Stanford’s first Nobel Prize recipient, for his collaborative work involving Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR).

• Stanford’s doctoral program in Physics requires the completion of the following courses: Statistical Mechanics, Classical Electrodynamics, Research Activities at Stanford, and Teaching of Physics Seminar. A course on either Quantum Mechanics or Quantum Field Theory is also required.
• In addition, the following mathematics courses are also required: Complex Variable Functions, Linear Algebra and  Matrix Theory, Complex Analysis, Partial Differential Equations, and Mathematical Methods. 
• Students are also required to teach for at least three quarters to complete the Ph.D. program. 
• First-year Ph.D. students are guaranteed funding through RA or TA work . Internal fellowships are available on a nomination basis. Students can also apply for the Knight-Hennesy Scholarship for graduate students and external fellowships, such as the NSF.

The department has and continues to produce research in seven different areas of physics. Some of the department’s most applauded and popular research are the ones done on theoretical, observational, and experimental astrophysics and cosmology.

The Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology, or KIPAC , and the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center, or SLAC , were both established to deeply explore how the fundamental physical forces in the universe can be dissected, simulated, analyzed, and applied to other industries such as biotechnology, medicine, agriculture, geodetic science, and engineering, among many others. KIPAC is housed within SLAC, and the Department of  Energy funds both entities.

University of Colorado – Boulder

Boulder, CO

The University of  Colorado – Boulder (CU Boulder) is a publicly funded research institution belonging to the elite group of the American Association of Universities (AAU) , along with 63 other universities. Established in 1876, CU Boulder has produced acclaimed research and innovations in the areas of bio-health, astrophysics, and sustainable energies, all of which are upshots of CU’s formidable physics programs and research.

• The CU Physics Department offers a doctoral program in Physics which requires the completion of 30 credit hours of graduate-level coursework. 
• Students must maintain (at least) a 3.0 GPA to stay in the program.
• Students must complete two comprehensive exams and submit and defend a dissertation. The dissertation accounts for 30 credit hours.
• Ph.D. students can explore several funding options, from fellowships to RA or TA positions and award and research grant opportunities.

Doctoral students can choose to research any of the 12 research areas available within the department. These include High Energy Physics, Astrophysics and Planetary Sciences, Plasma Physics, and Biophysics, to name. CU Physics is also home to various research centers and fellowships , such as the Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics (JILA) , the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) , and the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute (RASEI) , among many others. 

CU Physics offers other interdisciplinary Ph.D. programs such as Geophysics , Applied Physics, and Chemical Physics . The Applied Physics track has four concentrations: Biophysics, Imaging Sciences, Quantum Information Science, and Molecular Physics. Also, the department’s High Energy Physics faculty partook in the historical and collaborative Higgs boson particle discovery in Switzerland’s Large Hadron Collider, which goes to show the world-class caliber of the CU Physics faculty. 

University of California – Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

In 1868, the University of California–Berkeley became the state’s first land-grant educational institution and the first school within the UC system. Berkeley’s Department of Physics pioneered high-energy physics research and, decades later, studied dark matter and neutrino science, as well. 

• Berkeley’s doctoral degree in Physics is one of the most competitive in the world. Every year, more than 7000 applicants are considered by the department, but only 45 are accepted into the program, which amounts to a 6.4% acceptance rate.
• Ph.D. students must complete two written exams on Classical Physics and Modern Physics before applying for research fellowships. 
• Students can choose from any of the seven research areas available at Berkeley Physics. Among these include Plasma and Non-linear Dynamics, Condensed Matter Physics, and Material Science, to name a few. 
• Students can fund their studies through RA or TA work or by applying for any of the fellowships, scholarships, or awards offered by the department. Some of the fellowships are aimed at students involved in astrophysics or condensed matter physics studies. 

Students can also explore research opportunities in any of Berkeley Physics’ research centers that focus on the following areas: cosmological physics , theoretical physics , and nanoscience and engineering . Students interested in interdisciplinary and collaborative hands-on work can also explore opportunities at the Berkeley Lab and the Space Scienc e Laboratory .

The department is home to the Physics R&D Machine Shop , a materials science and manufacturing haven for physicists. This shop can create and deliver parts for laboratory experiments, demonstrations, and other academic purposes, from metallurgical works like machining, milling, and assembly to  computerized manufacturing, CAD/CAM, and 3D printing, this 

The University of Chicago

Chicago, IL

Established in 1890, the University of Chicago operates for one purpose: research, or as Chancellor Robert Zimmer puts it, “ inquiry .” The Physics Department, launched in 1893, was the true embodiment of this vision. The succeeding decades saw the department focus on experimental physics, emphasizing replicating previously successful experiments to hone students’ skills and prepare them for original research. 

• The department’s Ph.D. program in Physics requires first-year students to complete an experimental physics requirement, either in the form of a course or a project.
• Students are advised to consult the department on the availability of courses as these may change from year to year. Some of the notable courses include Quantum Field Theory, Advanced Data Analysis, and Solid State Physics.
• Students can fund their studies through TA work or internal or external fellowships . The graduate school also offers a travel fund for academic activities outside Chicago, like conferences, lectures, or research.

Chicago is home to ten research areas , which include Quantum Science and Nuclear Physics, among others. There are also ten research centers housed within the university, one of which is the Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics (KICP). Chicago is also heavily involved in other research centers outside the university, such as Fermilab and CERN. 

Chicago’s Physics Department is responsible for many discoveries such as the photon, the nuclear chain reaction, new isotopes, solar wind, and rotating black holes and their properties.

University of  Arizona – Tucson

Founded in 1885, the University of Arizona always played an important role in research, particularly space discoveries. From astronomer Gerard Kuiper’s Lunar Maps which aided the first moon landing in 1969 to the OSIRIS-Rex Asteroid study mission , UA consistently makes its mark as a viable and reputable institution for research and development.

• The Ph.D. in Physics program at UA requires the completion of at least 63 credit units, which includes 18 units from dissertation work. 
• For the required coursework, including core courses in Analytical, Quantum, and Statistical Mechanics, and Electromagnetic Theory,  a minimum GPA of 3.1 must be maintained.
• Students must take six elective courses. Choices include Molecular Biophysics, Plasma Physics, and Optical Physics, among others. Instead of this, an independent study requirement can be undertaken instead.
• UA offers a long list of internal and external fellowships to help students fund their studies. Specific external fellowships for doctoral candidates, women, minorities, and students with disabilities are also available. 

The department researches six areas of physics. Some notable areas include Optical Physics and  Astrophysics . It is also home to three research facilities: the Biosphere 2, the Life and Planets Astrobiology Center (LAPLACE), and the NSF-funded Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Lab.

Students interested in Applied Physics and Medicine can also join the Master’s Program in Medical Physics . Some of the required coursework includes topics on radiation oncology physics and imaging physics. Completing the program, a combination of theoretical and applied learning prepares students for the American Board of Radiology certification. They are also eligible to apply to the medical residency program at the Department of Radiation Oncology .

Cornell University

Ithaca, New York

Cornell University was founded in Ithaca, New York, in 1865. In 1872, the university launched the Department of Physics thanks to physicist William Anthony. It conferred its first Ph.D. degree twenty years after the department’s inauguration. From the 1930s to 1940s, the department focused its research on nuclear physics. During the Space Race era, the department established the Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics .

• To be considered, Ph.D. program applicants must have a solid background in quantum mechanics, optics, electronics, and advanced lab familiarity.
• The first two years of study should be spent on completing the required coursework, although preparatory steps to research work, e.g., reaching out to a prospective Ph.D. advisor, during this time are also encouraged.
• Although first-year Ph.D. students are guaranteed funding through TA work, it is strongly advised that they proactively seek funding opportunities through fellowships during their first year. 
• Several fellowship opportunities are available which students can explore after their first year. One of which is the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) which accepts about 200 CGS students per year. 

Cornell Physics offers eight research areas , including Experimental Elementary Particle Physics, which students can focus on. The department is also home to nine research institutes that focus on particle physics, atomic physics, high energy physics, materials science, and nanoscience. One example is the Kavli Institute at Cornell (KIC) for Nanoscale Science , funded by the Kavli Institute.

During the 1940s, the Department of Physics welcomed to its faculty two famed physicists who were known for their participation in the Manhattan Project , Richard Feynman, who taught from 1945 to 1951, and Robert Wilson, who taught from 1947 to 1967. 

University of Texas – Austin

The University of Texas (UT) in Austin was established in 1883. The Department of Physics was launched a year later. Ten years later, the university’s first master’s degree in Physics was conferred to George W. Pierce. Pierce would later emerge as the pioneer of communications engineering technology. 

• The UT Ph.D. in Physics program offers students flexibility in the curriculum, especially those who have already earned a master’s degree. Transfer credits are accepted.
• Instead of a written exam, oral qualifying exams, one via a panel and another via a one-on-one session, are implemented. The topic of the oral exam will center on the student’s dissertation proposal.
• A weekly “Pizza Seminar,” similar to a town hall session, with all faculty members present, is held to help students choose a dissertation topic. Pizza is served during the meetings, such as the name of the event. Students can also take the course Particle Physics: Introduction to Research instead of the weekly session. 
• First-year students fund their studies through TA work but are encouraged to supplement this with a fellowship , scholarship , or grant, as well. 

The department is home to an extensive list of facilities and equipment to help students and researchers conduct investigations and experiments. The list includes a supercomputer, a cryogenic laboratory, various spectroscopical equipment, and many more. 

The Department houses seven research centers and institutes focused on the different areas of physics such as quantum systems, gravitational physics, high energy physics, nonlinear dynamics, particle physics, and fusion studies.  

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

In 1876, Johns Hopkins University (JHU) was established as the first educational institution with a heightened focus on research. Every member of its faculty is involved in different studies and research, a tradition that continues today. Graduate students, especially those under the Department of Physics and Astronomy, are expected to be involved in original investigative work as early as their first semester.

• The department offers two Ph.D. programs – one in Physics and one in Astronomy. 
• Students under the Physics track must take courses on electromagnetic theory, quantum mechanics, and advanced statistical mechanics.
• Students under both tracks are expected to take and pass the departmental exam before starting their second year of studies. They should also have an official thesis adviser by the end of their second year.
• Students must also maintain a grade of at least B- for every course. 
• Most Ph.D. students at JHU receive full funding for at least five years through three common pathways: RA work, TA work, and fellowships . 

The department researches six areas of physics . Their work in Condensed Matter Physics is complemented by the department’s own Raman scattering machine housed at the Raman Laboratory.

JHU’s Department of Physics and Astronomy is well-equipped. Not only does it have its clean room, but it also has at least five furnaces, two magnetometers, various X-ray and spectroscopic equipment, and much more. It also has its machine shop , capable of designing and creating materials for investigations and experiments,  

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN

Established in 1862, Purdue University is a land-grant educational institution that used to be an A&M (agricultural and mechanical) college. Physics courses were taught at the university by 1874, but it wasn’t until 1904 that the discipline would have a department. 

• The department offers two Ph.D. tracks, a Physics track, and an Astrophysics track.
• The Ph.D. in Physics program requires students to complete all necessary coursework within their first year.
• Various funding opportunities are available to students. Faculty members with open RA and TA positions are posted on the department’s website. Students must apply to external fellowships and grants/awards for augmented funding.
• Students in both physics and astrophysics tracks can specialize in computational science and engineering (CSE) on top of their doctoral studies. Some of the courses prescribed in the CSE curriculum include Scientific Visualization, Statistical Machine Learning, AI, and Optimization Methods for Systems and Control, among many others. 

Purdue Physics conducts studies in ten research areas . Some of the notable and distinct focus areas include Planetary Physics and Geophysics, and Quantum Information Science. The department also holds regular seminars in these focus areas. 

Purdue Physics collaborates with other departments and the university’s other research institutes located in the “Discovery Park” area campus. For biophysics, there is the Bindley Bioscience Center . For nanoscience, there is the Birck Nanotechnology Center . For particle and accelerator physics, there is the Purdue Rare Isotope Measurement Laboratory or the PRIME Lab . And for quantum physics and atomic and molecular optics (AMO), there is the Purdue Quantum Science and Engineering Institute .

Georgia Institute of Technology

Atlanta, Georgia

Established in 1885, Georgia Tech was originally a trade school with a focus on engineering. Its transformation to a research university mirrored the state’s transformation from agrarian and skilled-trade roots to an industrial hub driven by research and development. While physics has long been taught at the university, it wasn’t until 1938 that the discipline would have its own home. 

• The Ph.D. in Physics program requires the completion of the required coursework and passing the candidacy exam before the doctoral research or dissertation.
• Students are also required to undertake seminars and complete specialized problem sets.
• Ph.D. students who are in good standing are guaranteed funding that covers tuition and health insurance, at the very least. 
• Students also can cross-enroll in other interdisciplinary doctoral programs such as the Quantitative Biosciences Ph.D. program or the Computational Science and Engineering (CSE) Ph.D. program . Students must consult their advisers on how to streamline their curriculum to avoid redundant courses. A master’s degree in Robotics is also available as a top-up degree option. 

Georgia Tech has six physics areas for research work. Some notable areas of focus include Non-linear Physics, Astroparticles, and Soft Matter Physics, to name a few. The department also houses two research centers: the Center for Non-linear Science and the Center for Relativistic Astrophysics (CRA) .

In collaboration with UC Santa Barbara, Georgia Tech is currently doing groundbreaking – literally  – investigations on the subterranean landscape , using a robot that can burrow through soft ground, like sand, for example. This is an interdisciplinary research endeavor co-founded by several government agencies like the NSF, NASA, and the Army Research Office.

University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)

The University of Illinois is a research and academic hub founded in 1867. It is known to spearhead groundbreaking research such as digital education with PLATO , LED technology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, which is the pride of UIUC’s Department of Physics. Its doctoral offering requires the completion of 96 credit units, including individual research and a dissertation.

• Students can choose from any of the department’s eight research areas , which include Nuclear Physics, High Energy Physics, and Condensed Matter Physics, to name a few. 
• Students are also strongly encouraged to take courses on Quantum Mechanics, Mathematical Methods, Statistical Physics, and Classical Electromagnetism in preparation for research work.
• Theoretical Astrophysics
• Biomolecular Physics
• Emergent States of Matter
• Subatomic Physics
• Quantum Optics and Information
• Modern Atomic Physics
• Examinations are required before undertaking research work for dissertation submission and defense.

Standout Features of the Program:  

This is one of the top 20 doctoral physics programs in the US, according to Clarivate Analytics, currently ranking 15 th (24 th best in the world). The department receives close to $30 million in funding annually from the NSF and other benefactors. 

The department is home to thirteen Nobel Prize laureates . In 2003, it took home two prizes – one for Physics, through Dr. Anthony J. Leggett’s research on superconductors and super-fluids, and the other for Medicine, through Sir Peter Manfield’s discovery of MRI and its use in Medicine.

Columbia University

New York, NY

Columbia University is New York’s oldest university, founded in 1754. It is also the fifth university to be instituted in the US. More than a hundred years later, the Department of Physics was established. The Pupin Hall, which houses the department and the Pupin Laboratory, was named after long-serving department chair, physicist Michael Pupin. He spearheaded the development of a cyclotron which was instrumental to the Manhattan Project research of the 1940s.

• The department offers three graduate degrees in Physics – an MA, an  M.Phil., and a Ph.D. This contrasts with other universities that only offer a Ph.D. program in Physics, with the MA as an in-progress conferment.
• The department requires students to have earned an MA and then an M.Phil. in Physics, which equals three years of study. During this time, students would need to complete 30 credits of coursework in preparation for the doctoral qualifying exams and research.
• The qualifying exam is divided into four parts: Classical Physics, Modern Physics, General Physics, and an Oral Exam.
• During the first two years in graduate school, funding can come from teaching laboratory classes and supervising problem sets. Students can also explore other sources of funding like fellowships and awards. 

The department conducts research in different interdisciplinary areas of physics such as Biology, High Energy Nuclear and Particle Physics, Molecular and Atomic Physics, Astrophysics, Gravitational Waves, and Cosmology, to name some. 

Aside from Columbia’s pivotal role in the Manhattan Project (the isolation of Uranium isotope 235, elemental to the atomic bomb creation), the university also saw the establishment of the American Physical Society .

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

The University of Pennsylvania is one of America’s oldest universities. Founded in 1740, this Ivy League school has always been known for its top-caliber faculty and graduates. Its Department of Physics and Astronomy is one of the smallest heads, but its heightened focus and successful discoveries in key physics areas make its mark on the world stage.

• The  Ph.D. program in Physics requires the completion of 20 credit units (each course equals one credit). Courses on statistical, mathematical, and quantum mechanics and electromagnetism are all required. For these core courses, a minimum grade of B+ must be maintained. 
• Upon completing the core courses, the oral candidacy exam must be undertaken as soon as possible, or at most, 18 months after passing the courses.
• Students are encouraged to conduct original interdisciplinary research for their dissertations to compel them to collaborate with scholars from other departments. 
• Internal and external fellowships are available to help students with funding.

The department categorizes its research areas into three main topics: 

• Condensed Matter, which includes subtopics like soft and living matter, and biophysics,
• Astronomy, which includes subtopics like dark matter and dark energy, and,
• Particle Physics involves collaborative work in high-energy physics, neutrino physics, String theory, and cosmology.

UPenn’s work in Particle Physics features collaborations with renowned research centers that have resulted in groundbreaking physics discoveries. Some of these include:

• The unearthing of the neutrino mass through research conducted at the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO),
• Experiments at the Large Hadron Collider resulted in the discovery of the Higgs boson,
• Detection of the top quark through the joint effort of the UPenn and Fermilab teams. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a doctor of general physics graduate program .

A Doctor of General Physics graduate program or a Ph.D. program in Physics is a research program that requires students to take a few core courses in preparation for dissertation work. Compared to undergraduate or master’s degrees, which usually culminate with a choice between a capstone project, a thesis, or a practicum, a doctoral or Ph.D. program, especially in Physics, will always culminate with a dissertation proposal, and then, the public defense.

Most doctoral programs in Physics accept students straight out of the undergraduate level, which would seem like the doctoral program is a twofer – a master’s and a Ph.D. program rolled into one, which it is. However, applicants must remember that most of these programs only confer the master’s degree in Physics once the student’s dissertation has been accepted by the department, meaning the student is moving on into the actual doctoral phase of the program, which is now all about the execution of the accepted dissertation topic.

A terminal master’s degree in Physics is rarely available, and Physics schools rarely accept applicants who only intend to earn a master’s degree.

What are the benefits of a General Physics doctorate?

A doctorate in Physics pays well. BLS reports that in 2022, physicists with a Ph.D. earn a median salary of close to $140K annually. Most physicists are employed by private and government-funded research institutes or centers, and normally, the entry-level requirement is a bachelor’s degree in physics or a related field.

But, undergrads will only land assistantship roles unless they apply to a graduate program. Published and acclaimed research increases a physicist’s marketability to join a renowned research facility or group, especially at the graduate level.

Who can apply to the program? 

Most Physics Ph.D. programs will accept students with a bachelor’s degree in Physics or a related degree. Otherwise, students can still be accepted into programs provided they can demonstrate competency in the following core physics courses: quantum mechanics, electromagnetic theory, statistical mechanics, and mathematical physics. College graduates with a strong background in advanced mathematics, computational science, and engineering may also be a good fit for such a program.

Are GRE scores required? What are the other admission requirements?

GRE scores, as of writing, are optional, with some universities not requiring it at all. But make sure to check with the department’s admission office to confirm as GRE policies may change.

Other requirements are the usual ones required by graduate schools, such as letters of application, transcripts, essays, letters of recommendation, and a CV. 

What are the usual degree requirements? 

Accepted grad school entrants who still have to earn their master’s degree must complete a specific number of coursework credits. These need to be completed during the first two years of study. Some rigorous programs are more stringent, requiring students to complete the coursework within the first year, with an added requirement of independent research, to be presented and defended by the end of the second year of study.

A candidacy exam, which is usually oral, sometimes written, or a combination of both is required of students after completing the required coursework and before (or simultaneous with) the presentation of a dissertation proposal. This exam gauges the student’s core competency and readiness for doctoral research.

Once the committee has accepted the dissertation, which is usually in year 5 or 6, some programs require students to take another exam, usually an oral exam, synonymous with the dissertation defense. Once passed, the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Physics can be awarded to the student.

How long does getting a Doctorate in Physics take, and is it worth the time and money?

Getting a Doctorate in Physics typically takes 3 to 5 years (or possibly more) of study and research. It is worth the time and money if you are looking to pursue a career in academia, research, or the technical industry.

In addition to increased job options, people with a doctorate usually have higher salaries and an edge in the job market. On the other hand, if you are looking to pursue a career in a different field, a Doctorate in Physics may not necessarily be the best investment.

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Many PhD students in the MIT Physics Department incorporate probability, statistics, computation, and data analysis into their research. These techniques are becoming increasingly important for both experimental and theoretical Physics research, with ever-growing datasets, more sophisticated physics simulations, and the development of cutting-edge machine learning tools. The Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Statistics (IDPS)  is designed to provide students with the highest level of competency in 21st century statistics, enabling doctoral students across MIT to better integrate computation and data analysis into their PhD thesis research.

Admission to this program is restricted to students currently enrolled in the Physics doctoral program or another participating MIT doctoral program. In addition to satisfying all of the requirements of the Physics PhD, students take one subject each in probability, statistics, computation and statistics, and data analysis, as well as the Doctoral Seminar in Statistics, and they write a dissertation in Physics utilizing statistical methods. Graduates of the program will receive their doctoral degree in the field of “Physics, Statistics, and Data Science.”

Doctoral students in Physics may submit an Interdisciplinary PhD in Statistics Form between the end of their second semester and penultimate semester in their Physics program. The application must include an endorsement from the student’s advisor, an up-to-date CV, current transcript, and a 1-2 page statement of interest in Statistics and Data Science.

The statement of interest can be based on the student’s thesis proposal for the Physics Department, but it must demonstrate that statistical methods will be used in a substantial way in the proposed research. In their statement, applicants are encouraged to explain how specific statistical techniques would be applied in their research. Applicants should further highlight ways that their proposed research might advance the use of statistics and data science, both in their physics subfield and potentially in other disciplines. If the work is part of a larger collaborative effort, the applicant should focus on their personal contributions.

For access to the selection form or for further information, please contact the IDSS Academic Office at  [email protected] .

Required Courses

Courses in this list that satisfy the Physics PhD degree requirements can count for both programs. Other similar or more advanced courses can count towards the “Computation & Statistics” and “Data Analysis” requirements, with permission from the program co-chairs. The IDS.190 requirement may be satisfied instead by IDS.955 Practical Experience in Data, Systems, and Society, if that experience exposes the student to a diverse set of topics in statistics and data science. Making this substitution requires permission from the program co-chairs prior to doing the practical experience.

• IDS.190 – Doctoral Seminar in Statistics and Data Science ( may be substituted by IDS.955 Practical Experience in Data, Systems and Society )
• 6.7700[J] Fundamentals of Probability or
• 18.675 – Theory of Probability
• 18.655 – Mathematical Statistics or
• 18.6501 – Fundamentals of Statistics or
• IDS.160[J] – Mathematical Statistics: A Non-Asymptotic Approach
• 6.C01/6.C51 – Modeling with Machine Learning: From Algorithms to Applications or
• 6.7810 Algorithms for Inference or
• 6.8610 (6.864) Advanced Natural Language Processing or
• 6.7900 (6.867) Machine Learning or
• 6.8710 (6.874) Computational Systems Biology: Deep Learning in the Life Sciences or
• 9.520[J] – Statistical Learning Theory and Applications or
• 16.940 – Numerical Methods for Stochastic Modeling and Inference or
• 18.337 – Numerical Computing and Interactive Software
• 8.316 – Data Science in Physics or
• 6.8300 (6.869) Advances in Computer Vision or
• 8.334 – Statistical Mechanics II or
• 8.371[J] – Quantum Information Science or
• 8.591[J] – Systems Biology or
• 8.592[J] – Statistical Physics in Biology or
• 8.942 – Cosmology or
• 9.583 – Functional MRI: Data Acquisition and Analysis or
• 16.456[J] – Biomedical Signal and Image Processing or
• 18.367 – Waves and Imaging or
• IDS.131[J] – Statistics, Computation, and Applications

Grade Policy

C, D, F, and O grades are unacceptable. Students should not earn more B grades than A grades, reflected by a PhysSDS GPA of ≥ 4.5. Students may be required to retake subjects graded B or lower, although generally one B grade will be tolerated.

Unless approved by the PhysSDS co-chairs, a minimum grade of B+ is required in all 12 unit courses, except IDS.190 (3 units) which requires a P grade.

Though not required, it is strongly encouraged for a member of the MIT  Statistics and Data Science Center (SDSC)  to serve on a student’s doctoral committee. This could be an SDSC member from the Physics department or from another field relevant to the proposed thesis research.

Thesis Proposal

All students must submit a thesis proposal using the standard Physics format. Dissertation research must involve the utilization of statistical methods in a substantial way.

PhysSDS Committee

• Jesse Thaler (co-chair)
• Mike Williams (co-chair)
• Isaac Chuang
• Janet Conrad
• William Detmold
• Philip Harris
• Jacqueline Hewitt
• Kiyoshi Masui
• Leonid Mirny
• Christoph Paus
• Phiala Shanahan
• Marin Soljačić
• Washington Taylor
• Max Tegmark

Can I satisfy the requirements with courses taken at Harvard?

Harvard CompSci 181 will count as the equivalent of MIT’s 6.867.  For the status of other courses, please contact the program co-chairs.

Can a course count both for the Physics degree requirements and the PhysSDS requirements?

Yes, this is possible, as long as the courses are already on the approved list of requirements. E.g. 8.592 can count as a breadth requirement for a NUPAX student as well as a Data Analysis requirement for the PhysSDS degree.

If I have previous experience in Probability and/or Statistics, can I test out of these requirements?

These courses are required by all of the IDPS degrees. They are meant to ensure that all students obtaining an IDPS degree share the same solid grounding in these fundamentals, and to help build a community of IDPS students across the various disciplines. Only in exceptional cases might it be possible to substitute more advanced courses in these areas.

Can I substitute a similar or more advanced course for the PhysSDS requirements?

Yes, this is possible for the “computation and statistics” and “data analysis” requirements, with permission of program co-chairs. Substitutions for the “probability” and “statistics” requirements will only be granted in exceptional cases.

For Spring 2021, the following course has been approved as a substitution for the “computation and statistics” requirement:   18.408 (Theoretical Foundations for Deep Learning) .

The following course has been approved as a substitution for the “data analysis” requirement:   6.481 (Introduction to Statistical Data Analysis) .

Can I apply for the PhysSDS degree in my last semester at MIT?

No, you must apply no later than your penultimate semester.

What does it mean to use statistical methods in a “substantial way” in one’s thesis?

The ideal case is that one’s thesis advances statistics research independent of the Physics applications. Advancing the use of statistical methods in one’s subfield of Physics would also qualify. Applying well-established statistical methods in one’s thesis could qualify, if the application is central to the Physics result. In all cases, we expect the student to demonstrate mastery of statistics and data science.

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Graduate education in physics offers you exciting opportunities extending over a diverse range of subjects and departments. You will work in state-of-the-art facilities with renowned faculty and accomplished postdoctoral fellows. The interdisciplinary nature of the program provides you with the opportunity to select the path that most interests you. You will be guided by a robust academic advising team to ensure your success.

You will have access to Jefferson Laboratory, the oldest physics laboratory in the country, which today includes a wing designed specifically to facilitate the study and collaboration between you and other physics graduate students.

Students in the program are doing research in many areas, including atomic and molecular physics, quantum optics, condensed-matter physics, computational physics, the physics of solids and fluids, biophysics, astrophysics, statistical mechanics, mathematical physics, high-energy particle physics, quantum field theory, string theory, relativity, and many others.

Graduates of the program have secured academic positions at institutions such as MIT, Stanford University, California Institute of Technology, and Harvard University. Others have gone into private industry at leading organizations such as Google, Facebook, and Apple. 

Additional information on the graduate program is available from the Department of Physics , and requirements for the degree are detailed in Policies . 

Areas of Study

Engineering and Physical Biology | Experimental Astrophysics | Experimental Physics | Theoretical Astrophysics | Theoretical Physics | Unspecified

Admissions Requirements

Please review admissions requirements and other information before applying. You can find degree program-specific admissions requirements below and access additional guidance on applying from the Department of Physics .

Academic Background

Applicants should be well versed in undergraduate-level physics and mathematics. Typically, applicants will have devoted approximately half of their undergraduate work to physics and related subjects such as mathematics and chemistry. It is desirable for every applicant to have completed at least one year of introductory quantum mechanics classes. An applicant who has a marked interest in a particular branch of physics should include this information in the application. If possible, applicants should also indicate whether they are inclined toward experimental or theoretical (mathematical) research. This statement of preference will not be treated as a binding commitment to any course of study and research. In the Advanced Coursework section of the online application, prospective students must indicate the six most advanced courses (four in physics and two in mathematics) they completed or will complete at their undergraduate institution.

Standardized Tests

GRE General: Optional GRE Subject Test: Optional

Theses & Dissertations

Theses & Dissertations for Physics

See list of Physics faculty

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Questions about the program.

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Graduate studies, commencement 2019.

The Harvard Department of Physics offers students innovative educational and research opportunities with renowned faculty in state-of-the-art facilities, exploring fundamental problems involving physics at all scales. Our primary areas of experimental and theoretical research are atomic and molecular physics, astrophysics and cosmology, biophysics, chemical physics, computational physics, condensed-matter physics, materials science, mathematical physics, particle physics, quantum optics, quantum field theory, quantum information, string theory, and relativity.

Our talented and hardworking students participate in exciting discoveries and cutting-edge inventions such as the ATLAS experiment, which discovered the Higgs boson; building the first 51-cubit quantum computer; measuring entanglement entropy; discovering new phases of matter; and peering into the ‘soft hair’ of black holes.

Our students come from all over the world and from varied educational backgrounds. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and attracting the widest possible range of talents.

We have a flexible and highly responsive advising structure for our PhD students that shepherds them through every stage of their education, providing assistance and counseling along the way, helping resolve problems and academic impasses, and making sure that everyone has the most enriching experience possible.The graduate advising team also sponsors alumni talks, panels, and advice sessions to help students along their academic and career paths in physics and beyond, such as “Getting Started in Research,” “Applying to Fellowships,” “Preparing for Qualifying Exams,” “Securing a Post-Doc Position,” and other career events (both academic and industry-related).

We offer many resources, services, and on-site facilities to the physics community, including our electronic instrument design lab and our fabrication machine shop. Our historic Jefferson Laboratory, the first physics laboratory of its kind in the nation and the heart of the physics department, has been redesigned and renovated to facilitate study and collaboration among our students.

Members of the Harvard Physics community participate in initiatives that bring together scientists from institutions across the world and from different fields of inquiry. For example, the Harvard-MIT Center for Ultracold Atoms unites a community of scientists from both institutions to pursue research in the new fields opened up by the creation of ultracold atoms and quantum gases. The Center for Integrated Quantum Materials , a collaboration between Harvard University, Howard University, MIT, and the Museum of Science, Boston, is dedicated to the study of extraordinary new quantum materials that hold promise for transforming signal processing and computation. The Harvard Materials Science and Engineering Center is home to an interdisciplinary group of physicists, chemists, and researchers from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences working on fundamental questions in materials science and applications such as soft robotics and 3D printing.  The Black Hole Initiative , the first center worldwide to focus on the study of black holes, is an interdisciplinary collaboration between principal investigators from the fields of astronomy, physics, mathematics, and philosophy. The quantitative biology initiative https://quantbio.harvard.edu/  aims to bring together physicists, biologists, engineers, and applied mathematicians to understand life itself. And, most recently, the new program in  Quantum Science and Engineering (QSE) , which lies at the interface of physics, chemistry, and engineering, will admit its first cohort of PhD students in Fall 2022.

We support and encourage interdisciplinary research and simultaneous applications to two departments is permissible. Prospective students may thus wish to apply to the following departments and programs in addition to Physics:

• Department of Astronomy
• Department of Chemistry
• Department of Mathematics
• John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS)
• Biophysics Program
• Molecules, Cells and Organisms Program (MCO)

If you are a prospective graduate student and have questions for us, or if you’re interested in visiting our department, please contact  [email protected] .

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Ph.D. program

The Applied Physics Department offers a Ph.D. degree program; see  Admissions Overview  for how to apply.  

1.  Courses . Current listings of Applied Physics (and Physics) courses are available via  Explore Courses . Courses are available in Physics and Mathematics to overcome deficiencies, if any, in undergraduate preparation. It is expected the specific course requirements are completed by the  end of the 3rd year  at Stanford.

Required Basic Graduate Courses.   30 units (quarter hours) including:

• Basic graduate courses in advanced mechanics, statistical physics, electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, and an advanced laboratory course. In cases where students feel they have already covered the materials in one of the required basic graduate courses, a petition for waiver of the course may be submitted and is subject to approval by a faculty committee.
• 18 units of advanced coursework in science and/or engineering to fit the particular interests of the individual student. Such courses typically are in Applied Physics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering, but courses may also be taken in other departments, e.g., Biology, Materials Science and Engineering, Mathematics, Chemistry. The purpose of this requirement is to provide training in a specialized field of research and to encourage students to cover material beyond their own special research interests.​

​ Required Additional Courses .  Additional courses needed to meet the minimum residency requirement of 135 units of completed course work. Directed study and research units as well as 1-unit seminar courses can be included. Courses are sometimes given on special topics, and there are several seminars that meet weekly to discuss current research activities at Stanford and elsewhere. All graduate students are encouraged to participate in the special topics courses and seminars. A limited number of courses are offered during the Summer Quarter. Most students stay in residence during the summer and engage in independent study or research programs.

The list of the PhD degree core coursework is listed in the bulletin here:  https://bulletin.stanford.edu/programs/APLPH-PHD .

3.  Dissertation Research.   Research is frequently supervised by an Applied Physics faculty member, but an approved program of research may be supervised by a faculty member from another department.

4.  Research Progress Report.   Students give an oral research progress report to their dissertation reading committee during the winter quarter of the 4th year.

5.  Dissertation.

6.  University Oral Examination .  The examination includes a public seminar in defense of the dissertation and questioning by a faculty committee on the research and related fields.

Most students continue their studies and research during the summer quarter, principally in independent study projects or dissertation research. The length of time required for the completion of the dissertation depends upon the student and upon the dissertation advisor. In addition, the University residency requirement of 135 graded units must be met.

Rotation Program

We offer an optional rotation program for 1st-year Ph.D. students where students may spend one quarter (10 weeks) each in up to three research groups in the first year. This helps students gain research experience and exposure to various labs, fields, and/or projects before determining a permanent group to complete their dissertation work. 

Sponsoring faculty members may be in the Applied Physics department, SLAC, or any other science or engineering department, as long as they are members of the Academic Council (including all tenure-line faculty). Rotations are optional and students may join a group without the rotation system by making an arrangement directly with the faculty advisor. 

During the first year, research assistantships (RAs) are fully funded by the department for the fall quarter; in the winter and spring quarters, RAs are funded 50/50 by the department and the research group hosting the student. RAs after the third quarter are, in general, not subsidized by the rotation program or the department and should be arranged directly by the student with their research advisor.

How to arrange a rotation

Rotation positions in faculty members’ groups are secured by the student by directly contacting and coordinating with faculty some time between the student’s acceptance into the Ph.D. program and the start of the rotation quarter. It is recommended that the student’s fall quarter rotation be finalized no later than Orientation Week before the academic year begins. A rotation with a different faculty member can be arranged for the subsequent quarters at any time. Most students join a permanent lab by the spring quarter of their first year after one or two rotations.  When coordinating a rotation, the student and the sponsoring faculty should discuss expectations for the rotation (e.g. project timeline or deliverables) and the availability of continued funding and permanent positions in the group. It is very important that the student and the faculty advisor have a clear understanding about expectations going forward.

What do current students say about rotations?

Advice from current ap students, setting up a rotation:.

• If you have a specific professor or group in mind, you should contact them as early as possible, as they may have a limited number of rotation spots.
• You can prepare a 1-page CV or resume to send to professors to summarize your research experiences and interest.
• Try to tour the lab/working areas, talk to senior graduate students, or attend group meeting to get a feel for how the group operates.
• If you don't receive a response from a professor, you can send a polite reminder, stop by their office, or contact their administrative assistant. If you receive a negative response, you shouldn't take it personally as rotation availability can depend year-to-year on funding and personnel availability.
• Don't feel limited to subfields that you have prior experience in. Rotations are for learning and for discovering what type of work and work environment suit you best, and you will have several years to develop into a fully-formed researcher!

You and your rotation advisor should coordinate early on about things like: 

• What project will you be working on and who will you be working with?
• What resources (e.g. equipment access and training, coursework) will you need to enable this work?
• How closely will you work with other members of the group? 
• How frequently will you and your rotation advisor meet?
• What other obligations (e.g. coursework, TAing) are you balancing alongside research?
• How will your progress be evaluated?
• Is there funding available to support you and this project beyond the rotation quarter?
• Will the rotation advisor take on new students into the group in the quarter following the rotation?

About a month before the end of the quarter, you should have a conversation with your advisor about things like:

• Will you remain in the current group or will you rotate elsewhere?
• If you choose to rotate elsewhere, does the option remain open to return to the present group later?
• If you choose to rotate elsewhere, will another rotation student be taken on for the same project?
• You don't have to rotate just for the sake of rotating! If you've found a group that suits you well in many aspects, it makes sense to continue your research momentum with that group.

Application process

View Admissions Overview View the Required Online Ph.D. Program Application  

Contact the Applied Physics Department Office at  [email protected]  if additional information on any of the above is needed.

PhD Program

**new** graduate student guide, expected progress of physics graduate student to ph.d..

This document describes the Physics Department's expectations for the progress of a typical graduate student from admission to award of a PhD.  Because students enter the program with different training and backgrounds and because thesis research by its very nature is unpredictable, the time-frame for individual students will vary. Nevertheless, failure to meet the goals set forth here without appropriate justification may indicate that the student is not making adequate progress towards the PhD, and will therefore prompt consideration by the Department and possibly by Graduate Division of the student’s progress, which might lead to probation and later dismissal.

Course Work

Graduate students are required to take a minimum of 38 units of approved upper division or graduate elective courses (excluding any upper division courses required for the undergraduate major).  The department requires that students take the following courses which total 19 units: Physics 209 (Classical Electromagnetism), Physics 211 (Equilibrium Statistical Physics) and Physics 221A-221B (Quantum Mechanics). Thus, the normative program includes an additional 19 units (five semester courses) of approved upper division or graduate elective courses.  At least 11 units must be in the 200 series courses. Some of the 19 elective units could include courses in mathematics, biophysics, astrophysics, or from other science and engineering departments.  Physics 290, 295, 299, 301, and 602 are excluded from the 19 elective units. Physics 209, 211 and 221A-221B must be completed for a letter grade (with a minimum average grade of B).  No more than one-third of the 19 elective units may be fulfilled by courses graded Satisfactory, and then only with the approval of the Department.  Entering students are required to enroll in Physics 209 and 221A in the fall semester of their first year and Physics 211 and 221B in the spring semester of their first year. Exceptions to this requirement are made for 1) students who do not have sufficient background to enroll in these courses and have a written recommendation from their faculty mentor and approval from the head graduate adviser to delay enrollment to take preparatory classes, 2) students who have taken the equivalent of these courses elsewhere and receive written approval from the Department to be exempted. 

If a student has taken courses equivalent to Physics 209, 211 or 221A-221B, then subject credit may be granted for each of these course requirements.  A faculty committee will review your course syllabi and transcript.  A waiver form can be obtained in 378 Physics North from the Student Affairs Officer detailing all required documents.  If the committee agrees that the student has satisfied the course requirement at another institution, the student must secure the Head Graduate Adviser's approval.  The student must also take and pass the associated section of the preliminary exam.  Please note that official course waiver approval will not be granted until after the preliminary exam results have been announced.  If course waivers are approved, units for the waived required courses do not have to be replaced for PhD course requirements.  If a student has satisfied all first year required graduate courses elsewhere, they are only required to take an additional 19 units to satisfy remaining PhD course requirements.  (Note that units for required courses must be replaced for MA degree course requirements even if the courses themselves are waived; for more information please see MA degree requirements).

In exceptional cases, students transferring from other graduate programs may request a partial waiver of the 19 elective unit requirement. Such requests must be made at the time of application for admission to the Department.

The majority of first year graduate students are Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs) with a 20 hour per week load (teaching, grading, and preparation).  A typical first year program for an entering graduate student who is teaching is:

First Semester

• Physics 209 Classical Electromagnetism (5)
• Physics 221A Quantum Mechanics (5)
• Physics 251 Introduction to Graduate Research (1)
• Physics 301 GSI Teaching Credit (2)
• Physics 375 GSI Training Seminar (for first time GSI's) (2)

Second Semester

• Physics 211 Equilibrium Statistical Physics (4)
• Physics 221B Quantum Mechanics (5)

Students who have fellowships and will not be teaching, or who have covered some of the material in the first year courses material as undergraduates may choose to take an additional course in one or both semesters of their first year.

Many students complete their course requirements by the end of the second year. In general, students are expected to complete their course requirements by the end of the third year. An exception to this expectation is that students who elect (with the approval of their mentor and the head graduate adviser) to fill gaps in their undergraduate background during their first year at Berkeley often need one or two additional semesters to complete their course work.

Faculty Mentors

Incoming graduate students are each assigned a faculty mentor. In general, mentors and students are matched according to the student's research interest.   If a student's research interests change, or if (s)he feels there is another faculty member who can better serve as a mentor, the student is free to request a change of assignment.

The role of the faculty mentor is to advise graduate students who have not yet identified research advisers on their academic program, on their progress in that program and on strategies for passing the preliminary exam and finding a research adviser.  Mentors also are a “friendly ear” and are ready to help students address other issues they may face coming to a new university and a new city.  Mentors are expected to meet with the students they advise individually a minimum of once per semester, but often meet with them more often.  Mentors should contact incoming students before the start of the semester, but students arriving in Berkeley should feel free to contact their mentors immediately.

Student-Mentor assignments continue until the student has identified a research adviser.  While many students continue to ask their mentors for advice later in their graduate career, the primary role of adviser is transferred to the research adviser once a student formally begins research towards his or her dissertation. The Department asks student and adviser to sign a “mentor-adviser” form to make this transfer official.  

Preliminary Exams

In order to most benefit from graduate work, incoming students need to have a solid foundation in undergraduate physics, including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics, special relativity, thermal and statistical physics and quantum mechanics, and to be able to make order-of-magnitude estimates and analyze physical situations by application of general principles. These are the topics typically included, and at the level usually taught, within a Bachelor's degree program in Physics at most universities. As a part of this foundation, the students should also have formed a well-integrated overall picture of the fields studied. The preliminary exam is meant to assess the students' background, so that any missing pieces can be made up as soon as possible. The exam is made up of 4 sections, as described in the  Preliminary Exam Policy *, on the Department’s website.  Each section is administered twice a year, at the start of each semester. 

Entering students are encouraged to take this exam as soon as possible, and they are required to attempt all prelims sections in the second semester. Students who have not passed all sections in the third semester will undergo a Departmental review of their performance. Departmental expectations are that all students should successfully pass all sections no later than spring semester of the second year (4th semester); the document entitled  Physics Department Preliminary Exam Policy * describes Departmental policy in more detail. An exception to this expectation is afforded to students who elect (with the recommendation of the faculty mentor and written approval of the head graduate adviser) to fill gaps in their undergraduate background during their first year at Berkeley and delay corresponding section(s) of the exam, and who therefore may need an additional semester to complete the exam; this exception is also further discussed in the  Preliminary Exam Policy * document.

* You must login with your Calnet ID to access Physics Department Preliminary Examination Policy.

Start of Research

Students are encouraged to begin research as soon as possible. Many students identify potential research advisers in their first year and most have identified their research adviser before the end of their second year.  When a research adviser is identified, the Department asks that both student and research adviser sign a form (available from the Student Affairs Office, 378 Physics North) indicating that the student has (provisionally) joined the adviser’s research group with the intent of working towards a PhD.  In many cases, the student will remain in that group for their thesis work, but sometimes the student or faculty adviser will decide that the match of individuals or research direction is not appropriate.  Starting research early gives students flexibility to change groups when appropriate without incurring significant delays in time to complete their degree.

Departmental expectations are that experimental research students begin work in a research group by the summer after the first year; this is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged.  Students doing theoretical research are similarly encouraged to identify a research direction, but often need to complete a year of classes in their chosen specialty before it is possible for them to begin research.  Students intending to become theory students and have to take the required first year classes may not be able to start research until the summer after their second year.  Such students are encouraged to attend theory seminars and maintain contact with faculty in their chosen area of research even before they can begin a formal research program. 

If a student chooses dissertation research with a supervisor who is not in the department, he or she must find an appropriate Physics faculty member who agrees to serve as the departmental research supervisor of record and as co-adviser. This faculty member is expected to monitor the student's progress towards the degree and serve on the student's qualifying and dissertation committees. The student will enroll in Physics 299 (research) in the co-adviser's section.  The student must file the Outside Research Proposal for approval; petitions are available in the Student Affairs Office, 378 Physics North.   

Students who have not found a research adviser by the end of the second year will be asked to meet with their faculty mentor to develop a plan for identifying an adviser and research group.  Students who have not found a research adviser by Spring of the third year are not making adequate progress towards the PhD.  These students will be asked to provide written documentation to the department explaining their situation and their plans to begin research.  Based on their academic record and the documentation they provide, such students may be warned by the department that they are not making adequate progress, and will be formally asked to find an adviser.  The record of any student who has not identified an adviser by the end of Spring of the fourth year will be evaluated by a faculty committee and the student may be asked to leave the program. 

Qualifying Exam

Rules and requirements associated with the Qualifying Exam are set by the Graduate Division on behalf of the Graduate Council.  Approval of the committee membership and the conduct of the exam are therefore subject to Graduate Division approval.  The exam is oral and lasts 2-3 hours.  The Graduate Division specifies that the purpose of the Qualifying Exam is “to ascertain the breadth of the student's comprehension of fundamental facts and principles that apply to at least three subject areas related to the major field of study and whether the student has the ability to think incisively and critically about the theoretical and the practical aspects of these areas.”  It also states that “this oral examination of candidates for the doctorate serves a significant additional function. Not only teaching, but the formal interaction with students and colleagues at colloquia, annual meetings of professional societies and the like, require the ability to synthesize rapidly, organize clearly, and argue cogently in an oral setting.  It is necessary for the University to ensure that a proper examination is given incorporating these skills.”

Please see the  Department website for a description of the Qualifying Exam and its Committee .   Note: You must login with your Calnet ID to access QE information . Passing the Qualifying Exam, along with a few other requirements described on the department website, will lead to Advancement to Candidacy.  Qualifying exam scheduling forms can be picked up in the Student Affairs Office, 378 Physics North.   

The Department expects students to take the Qualifying Exam two or three semesters after they identify a research adviser. This is therefore expected to occur for most students in their third year, and no later than fourth year. A student is considered to have begun research when they first register for Physics 299 or fill out the department mentor-adviser form showing that a research adviser has accepted the student for PhD work or hired as a GSR (Graduate Student Researcher), at which time the research adviser becomes responsible for guidance and mentoring of the student.  (Note that this decision is not irreversible – the student or research adviser can decide that the match of individuals or research direction is not appropriate or a good match.)  Delays in this schedule cause concern that the student is not making adequate progress towards the PhD.  The student and adviser will be asked to provide written documentation to the department explaining the delay and clarifying the timeline for taking the Qualifying Exam.

Annual Progress Reports

Graduate Division requires that each student’s performance be annually assessed to provide students with timely information about the faculty’s evaluation of their progress towards PhD.  Annual Progress Reports are completed during the Spring Semester.  In these reports, the student is asked to discuss what progress he or she has made toward the degree in the preceding year, and to discuss plans for the following year and for PhD requirements that remain to be completed.  The mentor or research adviser or members of the Dissertation Committee (depending on the student’s stage of progress through the PhD program) comment on the student’s progress and objectives. In turn, the student has an opportunity to make final comments. 

Before passing the Qualifying Exam, the annual progress report (obtained from the Physics Student Affairs Office in 378 Physics North) is completed by the student and either his/her faculty mentor or his/her research adviser, depending on whether or not the student has yet begun research (see above).  This form includes a statement of intended timelines to take the Qualifying Exam, which is expected to be within 2-3 semesters of starting research.  

After passing the Qualifying Exam, the student and research adviser complete a similar form, but in addition to the research adviser, the student must also meet with at least one other and preferably both other members of their Dissertation Committee (this must include their co-adviser if the research adviser is not a member of the Physics Department) to discuss progress made in the past year, plans for the upcoming year, and overall progress towards the PhD.  This can be done either individually as one-on-one meetings of the graduate student with members of the Dissertation Committee, or as a group meeting with presentation. (The Graduate Council requires that all doctoral students who have been advanced to candidacy meet annually with at least two members of the Dissertation Committee. The annual review is part of the Graduate Council’s efforts to improve the doctoral completion rate and to shorten the time it takes students to obtain a doctorate.)

Advancement to Candidacy

After passing the Qualifying Examination, the next step in the student's career is to advance to candidacy as soon as possible.  Advancement to candidacy is the academic stage when a student has completed all requirements except completion of the dissertation.  Students are still required to enroll in 12 units per semester; these in general are expected to be seminars and research units.  Besides passing the Qualifying Exam, there are a few other requirements described in the Graduate Program Booklet. Doctoral candidacy application forms can be picked up in the Student Affairs Office, 378 Physics North.

Completion of Dissertation Work

The expected time for completion of the PhD program is six years.  While the Department recognizes that research time scales can be unpredictable, it strongly encourages students and advisers to develop dissertation proposals consistent with these expectations.  The Berkeley Physics Department does not have dissertation defense exams, but encourages students and their advisers to ensure that students learn the important skill of effective research presentations, including a presentation of their dissertation work to their peers and interested faculty and researchers.

Best Global Universities for Physics in the United States

These are the top universities in the United States for physics, based on their reputation and research in the field. Read the methodology »

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Here are the best global universities for physics in the United States

Massachusetts institute of technology (mit), harvard university, stanford university, university of california berkeley, california institute of technology, university of chicago, princeton university, columbia university, university of washington seattle, university of maryland college park.

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• # 1 in Best Universities for Physics
• # 2 in Best Global Universities

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, founded in 1861, is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, near Boston. Around... Read More

• # 2 in Best Universities for Physics
• # 1 in Best Global Universities

Founded in 1636, Harvard University is the oldest higher education institution in the U.S. The bulk of Harvard's... Read More

• # 3 in Best Universities for Physics
• # 3 in Best Global Universities

Stanford University was founded in 1885 and is located in California’s Bay Area, around 30 miles south of San Francisco... Read More

• # 4 in Best Universities for Physics
• # 4 in Best Global Universities

The University of California—Berkeley is situated roughly 15 miles from San Francisco in what is known as the Bay Area... Read More

• # 5 in Best Universities for Physics
• # 9 in Best Global Universities

The California Institute of Technology, known as Caltech, was founded in 1891 as Throop University and received its... Read More

• # 7 in Best Universities for Physics
• # 22 in Best Global Universities

The University of Chicago is a private institution that was founded in 1890. The university is located in Chicago... Read More

• # 9 in Best Universities for Physics
• # 16 in Best Global Universities  (tie)

Princeton University was founded in 1746, making it one of the oldest higher education institutions in the U.S. The... Read More

• # 11 in Best Universities for Physics
• # 7 in Best Global Universities

Columbia University is a private institution that was founded in 1754. It is located in the Upper West Side of New York... Read More

• # 14 in Best Universities for Physics
• # 6 in Best Global Universities

The University of Washington is a public institution that was founded in 1861. The school's oldest and largest campus in... Read More

• # 16 in Best Universities for Physics
• # 57 in Best Global Universities  (tie)

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• Programs & Courses

PhD Program

A PhD degree in Physics is awarded in recognition of significant and novel research contributions, extending the boundaries of our knowledge of the physical universe. Selected applicants are admitted to the PhD program of the UW Department of Physics, not to a specific research group, and are encouraged to explore research opportunities throughout the Department.

Degree Requirements

Typical timeline, advising and mentoring, satisfactory progress, financial support, more information.

Applicants to the doctoral program are expected to have a strong undergraduate preparation in physics, including courses in electromagnetism, classical and quantum mechanics, statistical physics, optics, and mathematical methods of physics. Further study in condensed matter, atomic, and particle and nuclear physics is desirable. Limited deficiencies in core areas may be permissible, but may delay degree completion by as much as a year and are are expected to remedied during the first year of graduate study.

The Graduate Admissions Committee reviews all submitted applications and takes a holistic approach considering all aspects presented in the application materials. Application materials include:

• Resume or curriculum vitae, describing your current position or activities, educational and professional experience, and any honors awarded, special skills, publications or research presentations.
• Statement of purpose, one page describing your academic purpose and goals.
• Personal history statement (optional, two pages max), describing how your personal experiences and background (including family, cultural, or economic aspects) have influenced your intellectual development and interests.
• Three letters of recommendation: submit email addresses for your recommenders at least one month ahead of deadline to allow them sufficient time to respond.
• Transcripts (unofficial), from all prior relevant undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Admitted applicants must provide official transcripts.
• English language proficiency is required for graduate study at the University of Washington. Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency. The various options are specified at: https://grad.uw.edu/policies/3-2-graduate-school-english-language-proficiency-requirements/ Official test scores must be sent by ETS directly to the University of Washington (institution code 4854) and be received within two years of the test date.

For additional information see the UW Graduate School Home Page , Understanding the Application Process , and Memo 15 regarding teaching assistant eligibility for non-native English speakers.

The GRE Subject Test in Physics (P-GRE) is optional in our admissions process, and typically plays a relatively minor role.  Our admissions system is holistic, as we use all available information to evaluate each application. If you have taken the P-GRE and feel that providing your score will help address specific gaps or otherwise materially strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit your scores. We emphasize that every application will be given full consideration, regardless of whether or not scores are submitted.

Applications are accepted annually for autumn quarter admissions (only), and must be submitted online. Admission deadline: DECEMBER 15, 2024.

Department standards

Course requirements.

Students must plan a program of study in consultation with their faculty advisor (either first year advisor or later research advisor). To establish adequate breadth and depth of knowledge in the field, PhD students are required to pass a set of core courses, take appropriate advanced courses and special topics offerings related to their research area, attend relevant research seminars as well as the weekly department colloquium, and take at least two additional courses in Physics outside their area of speciality. Seeking broad knowledge in areas of physics outside your own research area is encouraged.

The required core courses are:

In addition, all students holding a teaching assistantship (TA) must complete Phys 501 / 502 / 503 , Tutorials in Teaching Physics.

Regularly offered courses which may, depending on research area and with the approval of the graduate program coordinator, be used to satisfy breadth requirements, include:

• Phys 506 Numerical Methods
• Phys 555 Cosmology & Particle Astrophysics
• Phys 507 Group Theory
• Phys 557 High Energy Physics
• Phys 511 Topics in Contemporary Physics
• Phys 560 Nuclear Theory
• Phys 520 Quantum Information
• Phys 564 General Relativity
• Phys 550 Atomic Physics
• Phys 567 Condensed Matter Physics
• Phys 554 Nuclear Astrophysics
• Phys 570 Quantum Field Theory

Graduate exams

Master's Review:   In addition to passing all core courses, adequate mastery of core material must be demonstrated by passing the Master's Review. This is composed of four Master's Review Exams (MREs) which serve as the final exams in Phys 524 (SM), Phys 514 (EM), Phys 518 (QM), and Phys 505 (CM). The standard for passing each MRE is demonstrated understanding and ability to solve multi-step problems; this judgment is independent of the overall course grade. Acceptable performance on each MRE is expected, but substantial engagement in research allows modestly sub-par performance on one exam to be waived. Students who pass the Master's Review are eligible to receive a Master's degree, provided the Graduate School course credit and grade point average requirements have also been satisfied.

General Exam:   Adequate mastery of material in one's area of research, together with demonstrated progress in research and a viable plan to complete a PhD dissertation, is assessed in the General Exam. This is taken after completing all course requirements, passing the Master's Review, and becoming well established in research. The General Exam consists of an oral presentation followed by an in-depth question period with one's dissertation committee.

Final Oral Exam:   Adequate completion of a PhD dissertation is assessed in the Final Oral, which is a public exam on one's completed dissertation research. The requirement of surmounting a final public oral exam is an ancient tradition for successful completion of a PhD degree.

Graduate school requirements

Common requirements for all doctoral degrees are given in the Graduate School Degree Requirements and Doctoral Degree Policies and Procedures pages. A summary of the key items, accurate as of late 2020, is as follows:

• A minimum of 90 completed credits, of which at least 60 must be completed at the University of Washington. A Master's degree from the UW or another institution in physics, or approved related field of study, may substitute for 30 credits of enrollment.
• At least 18 credits of UW course work at the 500 level completed prior to the General Examination.
• At least 18 numerically graded UW credits of 500 level courses and approved 400 level courses, completed prior to the General Examination.
• At least 60 credits completed prior to scheduling the General Examination. A Master's degree from the UW or another institution may substitute for 30 of these credits.
• A minimum of 27 dissertation (or Physics 800) credits, spread out over a period of at least three quarters, must be completed. At least one of those three quarters must come after passing the General Exam. Except for summer quarters, students are limited to a maximum of 10 dissertation credits per quarter.
• A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 must be maintained.
• The General Examination must be successfully completed.
• A thesis dissertation approved by the reading committee and submitted and accepted by the Graduate School.
• The Final Examination must be successfully completed. At least four members of the supervisory committee, including chair and graduate school representative, must be present.
• Registration as a full- or part-time graduate student at the University must be maintained, specifically including the quarter in which the examinations are completed and the quarter in which the degree is conferred. (Part-time means registered for at least 2 credits, but less than 10.)
• All work for the doctoral degree must be completed within ten years. This includes any time spend on leave, as well as time devoted to a Master's degree from the UW or elsewhere (if used to substitute for credits of enrollment).
• Pass the required core courses: Phys 513 , 517 , 524 & 528 autumn quarter, Phys 514 , 518 & 525 winter quarter, and Phys 515 , 519 & 505 spring quarter. When deemed appropriate, with approval of their faculty advisor and graduate program coordinator, students may elect to defer Phys 525 , 515 and/or 519 to the second year in order to take more credits of Phys 600 .
• Sign up for and complete one credit of Phys 600 with a faculty member of choice during winter and spring quarters.
• Pass the Master's Review by the end of spring quarter or, after demonstrating substantial research engagement, by the end of the summer.
• Work to identify one's research area and faculty research advisor. This begins with learning about diverse research areas in Phys 528 in the autumn, followed by Phys 600 independent study with selected faculty members during winter, spring, and summer.
• Pass the Master's Review (if not already done) by taking any deferred core courses or retaking MREs as needed. The Master's Review must be passed before the start of the third year.
• Settle in and become fully established with one's research group and advisor, possibly after doing independent study with multiple faculty members. Switching research areas during the first two years is not uncommon.
• Complete all required courses. Take breadth courses and more advanced graduate courses appropriate for one's area of research.
• Perform research.
• Establish a Supervisory Committee within one year after finding a compatible research advisor who agrees to supervise your dissertation work.
• Take breadth and special topics courses as appropriate.
• Take your General Exam in the third or fourth year of your graduate studies.
• Register for Phys 800 (Doctoral Thesis Research) instead of Phys 600 in the quarters during and after your general exam.
• Take special topics courses as appropriate.
• Perform research. When completion of a substantial body of research is is sight, and with concurrence of your faculty advisor, start writing a thesis dissertation.
• Establish a dissertation reading committee well in advance of scheduling the Final Examination.
• Schedule your Final Examination and submit your PhD dissertation draft to your reading committee at least several weeks before your Final Exam.
• Take your Final Oral Examination.
• After passing your Final Exam, submit your PhD dissertation, as approved by your reading committee, to the Graduate School, normally before the end of the same quarter.

This typical timeline for competing the PhD applies to students entering the program with a solid undergraduate preparation, as described above under Admissions. Variant scenarios are possible with approval of the Graduate Program coordinator. Two such scenarios are the following:

• Students entering with insufficient undergraduate preparation often require more time. It is important to identify this early, and not feel that this reflects on innate abilities or future success. Discussion with one's faculty advisor, during orientation or shortly thereafter, may lead to deferring one or more of the first year required courses and corresponding Master's Review Exams. It can also involve taking selected 300 or 400 level undergraduate physics courses before taking the first year graduate level courses. This must be approved by the Graduate Program coordinator, but should not delay efforts to find a suitable research advisor. The final Master's Review decision still takes place no later than the start of the 3rd year and research engagement is an important component in this decision.
• Entering PhD students with advanced standing, for example with a prior Master's degree in Physics or transferring from another institution after completing one or more years in a Physics PhD program, may often graduate after 3 or 4 years in our program. After discussion with your faculty advisor and with approval of the Graduate Program coordinator, selected required classes may be waived (but typically not the corresponding Master's Review Exams), and credit from other institutions transferred.
• Each entering PhD student is assigned a first year faculty advisor, with whom they meet regularly to discuss course selection, general progress, and advice on research opportunities. The role of a student's primary faculty advisor switches to their research advisor after they become well established in research. Once their doctoral supervisory committee is formed, the entire committee, including a designated faculty mentor (other than the research advisor) is available to provide advice and mentoring.
• The department also has a peer mentoring program, in which first-year students are paired with more senior students who have volunteered as mentors. Peer mentors maintain contact with their first-year mentees throughout the year and aim to ease the transition to graduate study by sharing their experiences and providing support and advice. Quarterly "teas" are held to which all peer mentors and mentees are invited.
• While academic advising is primarily concerned with activities and requirements necessary to make progress toward a degree, mentoring focuses on the human relationships, commitments, and resources that can help a student find success and fulfillment in academic and professional pursuits. While research advisors play an essential role in graduate study, the department considers it inportant for every student to also have available additional individuals who take on an explicit mentoring role.
• Students are expected to meet regularly, at a minimum quarterly, with their faculty advisors (either first year advisor or research advisor).
• Starting in the winter of their first year, students are expected to be enrolled in Phys 600 .
• Every spring all students, together with their advisors, are required to complete an annual activities report.
• The doctoral supervisory committee needs to be established at least by the end of the fourth year.
• The General Exam is expected to take place during the third or fourth year.
• Students and their advisors are expected to aim for not more than 6 years between entry into the Physics PhD program and completion of the PhD. In recent years the median time is close to 6 years.

Absence of satisfactory progress can lead to a hierarchy of actions, as detailed in the Graduate School Memo 16: Academic Performance and Progress , and may jeopardize funding as a teaching assistant.

The Department aims to provide financial support for all full-time PhD students making satisfactory progress, and has been successful in doing so for many years. Most students are supported via a mix teaching assistantships (TAs) and research assistantships (RAs), although there are also various scholarships, fellowships, and awards that provide financial support. Teaching and research assistanships provide a stipend, a tuition waiver, and health insurance benefits. TAs are employed by the University to assist faculty in their teaching activities. Students from non-English-speaking countries must pass English proficiency requirements . RAs are employed by the Department to assist faculty with specified research projects, and are funded through research grants held by faculty members.

Most first-year students are provided full TA support during their first academic year as part of their admission offer. Support beyond the second year is typically in the form of an RA or a TA/RA combination. It is the responsibility of the student to find a research advisor and secure RA support. Students accepting TA or RA positions are required to register as full-time graduate students (a minimum of 10 credits during the academic year, and 2 credits in summer quarter) and devote 20 hours per week to their assistantship duties. Both TAs and RAs are classified as Academic Student Employees (ASE) . These positions are governed by a contract between the UW and the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), and its Local Union 4121 (UAW).

Physics PhD students are paid at the "Assistant" level (Teaching Assistant or Research Assistant) upon entry to the program. Students receive a promotion to "Associate I" (Predoctoral Teaching Associate I or Predoctoral Research Associate I) after passing the Master's Review, and a further promotion to "Associate II" (Predoctoral Teaching Associate II or Predoctoral Research Associate II) after passing their General Examination. (Summer quarter courses, and summer quarter TA employment, runs one month shorter than during the academic year. To compendate, summer quarter TA salaries are increased proportionately.)

• UW Physics Department fact sheet .
• MyPhys , UW Physics Department intranet with policies and information for enrolled students.
• UW Graduate School information for students and postdocs.
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Ph.D. in Physics

General info.

• Faculty working with students: 45
• Students: 90
• Students receiving Financial Aid: 100%
• Part time study available: No
• Application terms: Fall
• Application deadline: December 13

Mark Kruse Director of Graduate Studies Department of Physics Duke University Box 90305 Durham, NC 27708-0305 Phone: (919) 660-2502

Email: [email protected]

Website:  https://physics.duke.edu/graduate

Program Description

The Department of Physics supports a variety of programs that are at the  frontier of basic research. Areas of specialization include nonlinear  dynamics and complex systems, quantum nanoscience, quantum optics/ultra-cold  atoms, free electron lasers, biological physics, experimental high energy  physics, experimental nuclear physics, nuclear and particle theory,  condensed matter theory, string theory, and gravitation. The research groups  are not large but are all very active and enjoy a high reputation; this  provides the opportunity for students to participate in frontier research,  while fostering a strong interaction between students and faculty. The  department is the site of the Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory and  the Duke Free Electron Laser Laboratory. The high energy physics group  conducts research at major international laboratories (e.g., Fermilab, CERN  and Super-Kamiokande). The Center for Nonlinear Studies is a cooperative  program involving faculty members of the departments of Physics,  Mathematics, Computer Science, Chemistry, and the Pratt School of  Engineering. The Center for Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences fosters  trans-disciplinary research employing mathematical techniques. The Center  for Geometry and Theoretical Physics involves both Physics and Mathematics departments.

• Physics: PhD Admissions and Enrollment Statistics
• Physics: PhD Completion Rate Statistics
• Physics: PhD Time to Degree Statistics
• Physics: PhD Career Outcomes Statistics

Application Information

Application Terms Available:  Fall

Application Deadline:  December 13 Applications submitted by December 13 are guaranteed review. Applications submitted after December 13 but before the closing date of January 3 will be reviewed based upon availability of space and funding.

Graduate School Application Requirements See the Application Instructions page for important details about each Graduate School requirement.

• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts required with application submission; official transcripts required upon admission
• Letters of Recommendation: 3 Required
• Statement of Purpose: Required (see departmental guidance below)
• Résumé: Required
• GRE General: Optional
• GRE Subject - Physics: Optional
• English Language Exam: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test required* for applicants whose first language is not English *test waiver may apply for some applicants
• GPA: Undergraduate GPA calculated on 4.0 scale required

Writing Sample : None required

We strongly encourage you to review additional department-specific application guidance from the program to which you are applying: Departmental Application Guidance

List of Graduate School Programs and Degrees

2024 Best Colleges for Physics in America

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Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA •

• • Rating 4.16 out of 5   661 reviews

Sophomore: Great place to be challenged, learn, and grow. A safe environment to fall and fail. Lots of support and resources available but you need to take the initiative to reach out about them ... Read 661 reviews

• grade  A+ Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 4%

Net price $30,958

SAT range 1510-1580

#1 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

CAMBRIDGE, MA ,

661 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says Great place to be challenged, learn, and grow. A safe environment to fall and fail. Lots of support and resources available but you need to take the initiative to reach out about them .

Read 661 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A+ ,

Acceptance Rate : 4% ,

Net Price : $30,958 ,

SAT Range : 1510-1580 ,

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, CA •

• • Rating 3.98 out of 5   134 reviews

Other: I like the campus most , students activities , diverse programs of alumni and dorms and libraries . overall experiences are very good . ... Read 134 reviews

Net price $30,162

SAT range 1530-1580

#2 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

Blue checkmark.

PASADENA, CA ,

134 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Other says I like the campus most , students activities , diverse programs of alumni and dorms and libraries . overall experiences are very good . .

Read 134 reviews.

Net Price : $30,162 ,

SAT Range : 1530-1580 ,

Harvard University

• • Rating 4.15 out of 5   848 reviews

Alum: Attending Harvard College was transformative. The housing system fostered a strong sense of community, facilitating academic support and social interaction. The rigorous academics, led by renowned faculty, challenged me to think critically and pursue my interests. Harvard's commitment to diversity enriched my experience, and the vibrant location in Cambridge provided endless opportunities for exploration and growth. Harvard College offered an unparalleled experience that has left an indelible mark on my life. ... Read 848 reviews

Net price $13,910

SAT range 1480-1580

#3 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

848 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Attending Harvard College was transformative. The housing system fostered a strong sense of community, facilitating academic support and social interaction. The rigorous academics, led by renowned... .

Read 848 reviews.

Net Price : $13,910 ,

SAT Range : 1480-1580 ,

Buena Vista University

STORM LAKE, IA

• • Rating 3.74 out of 5   368

Northwest Missouri State University

MARYVILLE, MO

• • Rating 3.77 out of 5   1,160

University of North Dakota

GRAND FORKS, ND

• • Rating 3.59 out of 5   1,175

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ •

• • Rating 3.97 out of 5   470 reviews

Freshman: I am currently a first-year here at Princeton University and my experiences here have single-handedly changed my life. The school has offered me so much support in every facet of my life -- from academics, to finances, to extracurriculars. I feel that I am completely thriving here in a way that I was never able to before. Classes are suburb with professors who really care about not only about what we learn but also how we grow as individuals. Dining is amazing and we have the sweetest dining staff ever. There are so many options for clubs that you are never bored and can always find something for you. Overall, I feel like there is no better place for me than Princeton :). ... Read 470 reviews

Net price $20,908

SAT range 1460-1570

#4 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

PRINCETON, NJ ,

470 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I am currently a first-year here at Princeton University and my experiences here have single-handedly changed my life. The school has offered me so much support in every facet of my life -- from... .

Read 470 reviews.

Net Price : $20,908 ,

SAT Range : 1460-1570 ,

Stanford University

Stanford, CA •

• • Rating 4.1 out of 5   1,283 reviews

Freshman: I honestly really like it here! It was my dream school and genuinely there are so many opportunities that you have access to. That said, its heat you make of it. No one will force you or push you to apply for things or cold email people. You just need to have the personal drive. Also, I love the area, its quiet, so if you're into big massive part vibes, it may not be the place for you. I love how they have options for weekends for people who don't party. Very accommodating! ... Read 1,283 reviews

Net price $14,402

SAT range 1470-1570

#5 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

STANFORD, CA ,

1283 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I honestly really like it here! It was my dream school and genuinely there are so many opportunities that you have access to. That said, its heat you make of it. No one will force you or push you to... .

Read 1283 reviews.

Net Price : $14,402 ,

SAT Range : 1470-1570 ,

Yale University

New Haven, CT •

• • Rating 4.02 out of 5   1,052 reviews

Freshman: Yale is amazing overall! Campus is full of activities and there's always something to do. New Haven may not be the greatest city in America, but that just makes students be more active on campus and creates a sense of community! Yale also has the perfect balance of academics, extracurriculars, and social life, or as we like to think about it, the 8/8/8 rule: 8 hours of studying, 8 of sleep, and 8 of social life. ... Read 1,052 reviews

Acceptance rate 5%

Net price $20,605

#6 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

NEW HAVEN, CT ,

1052 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Yale is amazing overall! Campus is full of activities and there's always something to do. New Haven may not be the greatest city in America, but that just makes students be more active on campus and... .

Read 1052 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 5% ,

Net Price : $20,605 ,

• Will you get in? Understand your chances of getting accepted into any college in the country, and it's completely free

Rice University

Houston, TX •

• • Rating 4.09 out of 5   1,121 reviews

Graduate Student: Going to Rice University to attend the Shepherd School of Music at a graduate level is an experience separate from the rest of Rice. The Opera Department at Rice University has been one of the best programs in the United States producing incredible singers in the industry for a while now. Financial aid has been decreasing from full rides to having to pay a couple of thousands to attend +fees for a Master of Music. It is case by case, however. Pros: BEAUTIFUL theater that is incredible to sing in, program's very YAP reminiscent (in good and bad ways), world-class faculty, great networking opportunity, masterclasses/private audition opportunities Cons: your soul/free-time belongs to the Opera Department; if a release conflicts with the opera schedule, tough luck; there have been many issues with casting opportunities/favoritism; if you're a person of color, be prepared to be a token on all promo material; TOO many irrelevant time-consuming academics; having a car is a MUST in Houston ... Read 1,121 reviews

Acceptance rate 9%

Net price $18,521

SAT range 1490-1570

#7 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

HOUSTON, TX ,

1121 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says Going to Rice University to attend the Shepherd School of Music at a graduate level is an experience separate from the rest of Rice. The Opera Department at Rice University has been one of the best... Pros: BEAUTIFUL theater that is incredible to sing in, program's very YAP reminiscent (in good and bad ways), world-class faculty, great networking opportunity, masterclasses/private audition... Cons: your soul/free-time belongs to the Opera Department; if a release conflicts with the opera schedule, tough luck; there have been many issues with casting opportunities/favoritism; if you're a... .

Read 1121 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 9% ,

Net Price : $18,521 ,

SAT Range : 1490-1570 ,

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA •

• • Rating 3.9 out of 5   1,360 reviews

Freshman: It's important to acknowledge that college experiences vary greatly from person to person, and while some may face challenges or difficulties, others may find their time in college to be transformative and rewarding. Instead of focusing on the negatives, perhaps you could consider exploring constructive criticism or discussing specific areas for improvement in the college experience. This approach allows for a more balanced and productive discussion that can lead to positive changes and improvements in the education system. If you have specific concerns about your college experience, it might be helpful to address them directly with the appropriate channels within your institution or seek support from counselors or advisors. Remember, challenges are a natural part of any educational journey, and there are often resources available to help navigate them. ... Read 1,360 reviews

Acceptance rate 6%

Net price $14,578

SAT range 1480-1570

#8 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

PHILADELPHIA, PA ,

1360 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says It's important to acknowledge that college experiences vary greatly from person to person, and while some may face challenges or difficulties, others may find their time in college to be... .

Read 1360 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 6% ,

Net Price : $14,578 ,

SAT Range : 1480-1570 ,

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL •

• • Rating 3.82 out of 5   1,295 reviews

Sophomore: Starting out at this university was not easy for me since I had to face many challenges on my own, away from family and friends I had back home. However, I had adjusted to the quarter system and found my place at the college. UChicago academics have impressed me, even with the required core classes. The professors I have met so far all appear to be enthusiastic about their specific fields, and they can be especially helpful outside of class. Given that our campus is located within a neighborhood, there are plenty of community activities and restaurants that students can hang out at, such as a Mexican-Korean restaurant called Seoul Taco. There are multiple dormitory buildings on campus, and the southern one is especially convenient as it has a dining hall, gym, and a small store all in one general place. There are also plenty of clubs, called RSOs, ranging from many types of activities like boxing or Japanese drum practice (Taiko). I would like more transportation options to explore. ... Read 1,295 reviews

Net price $33,727

#9 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

CHICAGO, IL ,

1295 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says Starting out at this university was not easy for me since I had to face many challenges on my own, away from family and friends I had back home. However, I had adjusted to the quarter system and... .

Read 1295 reviews.

Net Price : $33,727 ,

Harvey Mudd College

Claremont, CA •

• • Rating 3.77 out of 5   154 reviews

Other: I'm an incoming freshman! I was accepted to the Class of 2028 and I'll likely be studying either engineering or math+compsci. I attended Admitted Student Day 2 weeks ago on campus and the current students as well as the professors are extremely kind, humble, knowledgeable, and always willing to help. ... Read 154 reviews

Acceptance rate 10%

Net price $33,838

SAT range 1480-1560

#10 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

CLAREMONT, CA ,

154 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Other says I'm an incoming freshman! I was accepted to the Class of 2028 and I'll likely be studying either engineering or math+compsci. I attended Admitted Student Day 2 weeks ago on campus and the current... .

Read 154 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 10% ,

Net Price : $33,838 ,

SAT Range : 1480-1560 ,

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY •

• • Rating 3.79 out of 5   2,080 reviews

Alum: Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Cornell University. I was within the Policy Analysis and Management Department. Our courses were rigorous, but our professors encouraged collaboration with our peers through group papers, presentation, and problem sets. In addition, my peers were often happy and excited to work together. Outside of the PAM department, I was heavily involved with the Einhorn Center for Community-Engagement. Through my role at the Center, I really learned how to integrate community-engagement within my classes and professional work. I found that Cornell had many opportunities for students to engage with the Greater Ithaca community. ... Read 2,080 reviews

Net price $24,262

SAT range 1450-1560

#11 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

ITHACA, NY ,

2080 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Cornell University. I was within the Policy Analysis and Management Department. Our courses were rigorous, but our professors encouraged collaboration with... .

Read 2080 reviews.

Net Price : $24,262 ,

SAT Range : 1450-1560 ,

Dartmouth College

Hanover, NH •

• • Rating 3.88 out of 5   746 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at Dartmouth has been great so far. The education is high quality and so are the professors. There are great opportunities for practical work and research. And the student body and campus life is lively and welcoming. The university is not perfect and the frat culture is very big here, but it is a wonderful place to be. ... Read 746 reviews

Net price $24,078

SAT range 1440-1560

#12 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

HANOVER, NH ,

746 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says My experience at Dartmouth has been great so far. The education is high quality and so are the professors. There are great opportunities for practical work and research. And the student body and... .

Read 746 reviews.

Net Price : $24,078 ,

SAT Range : 1440-1560 ,

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University of California - Berkeley

Berkeley, CA •

• • Rating 3.72 out of 5   4,483 reviews

Sophomore: My first year at Cal was eyeopening. For the first time I was surrounded by fellow students who genuinely enjoyed learning biological sciences for the knowledge rather than for a letter grade. These same peers pushed me every single day through their hardened work ethics, collaborative mindsets and diverse viewpoints which collectively shaped me into a different person in just a span of 9 months. This first year taught me to advocate for myself in taking charge of the education I want to receive and controlling what I want to get out of this degree. I became proactive in attending healthcare seminars which hosted outside speakers, reaching out to industry professionals in medicine to chat and taking initiative in student run clubs to get the most out of all of the resources available on our Campus. Finally one of the most rewarding experiences was learning from the Senior class students who are going into healthcare related professions and asking them questions about their time at Cal. ... Read 4,483 reviews

Acceptance rate 14%

Net price $17,652

SAT range 1310-1530

#13 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

BERKELEY, CA ,

4483 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says My first year at Cal was eyeopening. For the first time I was surrounded by fellow students who genuinely enjoyed learning biological sciences for the knowledge rather than for a letter grade. These... .

Read 4483 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 14% ,

Net Price : $17,652 ,

SAT Range : 1310-1530 ,

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA •

• • Rating 3.71 out of 5   1,481 reviews

Freshman: Carnegie Mellon University suits those who believe in working hard, working hard, and playing hard occasionally. The academics are demanding and challenging, which ultimately creates dedicated, disciplined students, or burnout. Many people require some kind of passion to be here, as it takes passion to get through the intense workload. On the surface, the social life at CMU seems pretty dead. However, after actively looking for clubs, organizations, and student groups, I found there are a lot of opportunities to be part of communities that are passionate and welcoming. I also love that CMU is very invested in their student's success: it is easy to get help from academic advisors, pursue research positions, and take interesting opportunities to get your education outside the classroom. Overall, I am very proud and happy that I came here :). ... Read 1,481 reviews

Net price $37,450

#14 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

PITTSBURGH, PA ,

1481 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Carnegie Mellon University suits those who believe in working hard, working hard, and playing hard occasionally. The academics are demanding and challenging, which ultimately creates dedicated,... .

Read 1481 reviews.

Net Price : $37,450 ,

University of California - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA •

• • Rating 3.98 out of 5   5,588 reviews

Alum: As with any college, the experience is what you make of it. UCLA just presents a lot of diversity in terms of the experiences that you can have. You can get your party fix in on Thursdays at frat row, kickbacks through cultural or professional organizations, or even a warehouse rave in the Arts District. Academically, there are plenty of opportunities for research and internships. It can be difficult to get into certain classes until you are in your 3rd or 4th year, though. Living on campus is really helpful for finding friends and the food is definitely a blow-out compared to other schools I've visited. Only downside is that housing in general is expensive due to the area, so you'll likely be sharing a room and living on a budget! ... Read 5,588 reviews

Acceptance rate 11%

Net price $13,393

SAT range —

#15 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

5588 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says As with any college, the experience is what you make of it. UCLA just presents a lot of diversity in terms of the experiences that you can have. You can get your party fix in on Thursdays at frat... .

Read 5588 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 11% ,

Net Price : $13,393 ,

Brown University

Providence, RI •

• • Rating 3.84 out of 5   1,082 reviews

Junior: My experience has been absolutely incredible. As everyone says, the open curriculum really makes a world of difference as it allows you to choose your own path and not be hampered by requirements that you might never need or have little to no interest in. I am an athlete and have had great experience with athletics and academics because Brown is really good about accommodating student-athletes when it comes to game and practice schedules. ... Read 1,082 reviews

Net price $25,028

#16 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

PROVIDENCE, RI ,

1082 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says My experience has been absolutely incredible. As everyone says, the open curriculum really makes a world of difference as it allows you to choose your own path and not be hampered by requirements... .

Read 1082 reviews.

Net Price : $25,028 ,

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI •

• • Rating 3.96 out of 5   4,713 reviews

Sophomore: The University of Michigan takes a lot of pride in calling itself the best university in the world, but while finishing up my sophomore year I could not agree more. There is such a healthy balance between challenging courses that make students competitive prospects in their next step in life and opportunities to destress and enjoy the "best years of our lives", from watching our football team win the national championship to simply receiving free treats around campus from staff. From my personal experience, I cannot offer any suggestions for change for this amazing university! I have met some of the most kindhearted and motivated people in friends and professors while here and I cannot imagine attending another college. ... Read 4,713 reviews

Acceptance rate 20%

Net price $19,205

SAT range 1340-1520

#17 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

ANN ARBOR, MI ,

4713 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says The University of Michigan takes a lot of pride in calling itself the best university in the world, but while finishing up my sophomore year I could not agree more. There is such a healthy balance... .

Read 4713 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 20% ,

Net Price : $19,205 ,

SAT Range : 1340-1520 ,

Georgetown University

Washington, DC •

• • Rating 3.8 out of 5   1,277 reviews

Freshman: Amazing campus, beautiful area surrounding campus with lots of connections to history! GU boasts a strong reputation for academic rigor and excellence across various disciplines, including law, business, international relations, and public policy. Situated in Washington, D.C., Georgetown benefits from its proximity to numerous government agencies, international organizations, and cultural institutions, offering unparalleled opportunities for internships, research, and networking. I love the diverse and inclusive community, attracting students and faculty worldwide. Diversity enriches the cross-cultural understanding. Georgetown has a vast and influential alumni network, providing students with valuable connections and opportunities for mentorship and career advancement. Rooted in its Jesuit tradition, Georgetown emphasizes the importance of ethical leadership and service to others, instilling in students a sense of responsibility and commitment to making a positive impact on society. ... Read 1,277 reviews

Acceptance rate 12%

Net price $23,049

SAT range 1410-1550

#18 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

WASHINGTON, DC ,

1277 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Amazing campus, beautiful area surrounding campus with lots of connections to history! GU boasts a strong reputation for academic rigor and excellence across various disciplines, including law,... .

Read 1277 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 12% ,

Net Price : $23,049 ,

SAT Range : 1410-1550 ,

University of Washington

Seattle, WA •

• • Rating 3.79 out of 5   4,680 reviews

Graduate Student: The University of Washington offers a vibrant school life characterized by a welcoming atmosphere and warm-hearted professors who genuinely care about their students' success. Interactions with classmates are often pleasant and enriching, fostering a sense of community. However, safety concerns linger as an area needing improvement. While the campus exudes warmth and inclusivity, addressing safety issues would further enhance the overall experience, ensuring students can focus on their studies without worry. Despite this aspect, the university's positive attributes, from its supportive faculty to its friendly student body, create a conducive environment for academic and personal growth. ... Read 4,680 reviews

Acceptance rate 53%

Net price $8,701

SAT range 1200-1470

#19 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

SEATTLE, WA ,

4680 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says The University of Washington offers a vibrant school life characterized by a welcoming atmosphere and warm-hearted professors who genuinely care about their students' success. Interactions with... .

Read 4680 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 53% ,

Net Price : $8,701 ,

SAT Range : 1200-1470 ,

University of Texas - Austin

Austin, TX •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   6,771 reviews

Freshman: I love that UT has a sense of community, especially in the sporting department. Being able to witness school spirit is an aspect I love about this school. I also enjoy the vast number of majors and programs, as well as student organizations that are available for all to join. However, I’ve had a slightly difficult time realizing that because UT is so large, it’s extremely easy to sink into the cracks, and figuring your own stuff out is essential. No one is going to hold your hand through course registration or career decisions, but I think- despite the inconvenience- it teaches students how to be an adult much more effectively than a gentler approach. Overall, I love UT and Austin and can’t recommend it enough! ... Read 6,771 reviews

Acceptance rate 29%

Net price $16,589

SAT range 1230-1500

#20 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

AUSTIN, TX ,

6771 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I love that UT has a sense of community, especially in the sporting department. Being able to witness school spirit is an aspect I love about this school. I also enjoy the vast number of majors and... .

Read 6771 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 29% ,

Net Price : $16,589 ,

SAT Range : 1230-1500 ,

Pomona College

• • Rating 4.23 out of 5   423 reviews

Junior: After three challenging, exciting, and transformational years at Pomona, I feel that I can confidently say that I wouldn't want to have studied anywhere else, and I'm already mourning that I'll have to leave this place after next year. Pomona maintains a truly unique culture among elite higher education. Students here are bright and academically top-notch, sure, but, more importantly, they are genuinely curious about the world, open-minded, and passionate about knowledge and justice. I have been challenged academically and personally, and grown more than I could have imagined as a result. The school has its problems, of course: for one, the administration is opaque and unresponsive to student needs. But the dedicated faculty, laidback California atmosphere, and student body more than make up for them. If you are given the opportunity to study here, seriously consider it: you will grow as a student and as a person. ... Read 423 reviews

Acceptance rate 7%

Net price $17,000

#21 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

423 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says After three challenging, exciting, and transformational years at Pomona, I feel that I can confidently say that I wouldn't want to have studied anywhere else, and I'm already mourning that I'll have... .

Read 423 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 7% ,

Net Price : $17,000 ,

Columbia University

New York, NY •

• • Rating 3.82 out of 5   1,364 reviews

Freshman: It has been great! Being in NYC is a very special aspect of college life here, but Columbia also feels very separate from the city so you don't get distracted. The party scene for me is dull, I barely find parties to go to (or people to go with) but I'm sure Greek life is having fun. The people are so diverse and brilliant and the academics have me more immersed than I have ever been. It has been tough to adjust but I think that's something we need to go through to grow. ... Read 1,364 reviews

Net price $12,411

#22 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

NEW YORK, NY ,

1364 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says It has been great! Being in NYC is a very special aspect of college life here, but Columbia also feels very separate from the city so you don't get distracted. The party scene for me is dull, I... .

Read 1364 reviews.

Net Price : $12,411 ,

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN •

• • Rating 3.97 out of 5   1,430 reviews

Freshman: Notre Dame has a community of students who are driven both spiritually and academically to be their best selves. Over my time at UND, all students are united towards a common goal of being educated in both their hearts and minds to serve others in the world. For example, there are two students who really impacted my life named Caroline and Liam who changed my perspective on the idea of vocation and living out your life in service of God through your life. Vocation is about using your gifts to change the world and the University of Notre Dame helps cultivate students to be young men and women who do just that. ... Read 1,430 reviews

Acceptance rate 15%

Net price $30,513

#23 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

NOTRE DAME, IN ,

1430 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Notre Dame has a community of students who are driven both spiritually and academically to be their best selves. Over my time at UND, all students are united towards a common goal of being educated... .

Read 1430 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 15% ,

Net Price : $30,513 ,

Duke University

Durham, NC •

• • Rating 3.93 out of 5   1,208 reviews

Junior: Duke is an amazing place to go to college! I have loved every minute here as CS major -- the classes are challenging, professors are engaging and available, the campus is beautiful, and the people are incredibly smart and down-to-earth. I chose Duke over some other great schools and I can't recommend it enough! ... Read 1,208 reviews

Net price $27,297

#24 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

DURHAM, NC ,

1208 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says Duke is an amazing place to go to college! I have loved every minute here as CS major -- the classes are challenging, professors are engaging and available, the campus is beautiful, and the people... .

Read 1208 reviews.

Net Price : $27,297 ,

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD •

• • Rating 3.68 out of 5   1,408 reviews

Alum: Overall, my undergraduate experience at Johns Hopkins was great. The academics were challenging without being destructive to student mental health and there were always numerous clubs, involvement opportunities, and events on campus to attend in my free time. It was easy to find research opportunities at the hospital and in general, the professors were very supportive. I do wish that I had seen more of JHU's involvement in local communities and would love to see the college work to give back more to local communities in the future. ... Read 1,408 reviews

Acceptance rate 8%

Net price $20,680

SAT range 1470-1560

#25 Best Colleges for Physics in America .

BALTIMORE, MD ,

1408 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Overall, my undergraduate experience at Johns Hopkins was great. The academics were challenging without being destructive to student mental health and there were always numerous clubs, involvement... .

Read 1408 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 8% ,

Net Price : $20,680 ,

SAT Range : 1470-1560 ,

Central Michigan University

MOUNT PLEASANT, MI

• • Rating 3.74 out of 5   3,027

Kennesaw State University

KENNESAW, GA

• • Rating 3.77 out of 5   5,098

St. Catherine University

SAINT PAUL, MN

• • Rating 3.68 out of 5   1,070

Showing results 1 through 25 of 960

Quick references

• requirements

PhD Physics Requirements

We offer graduate study leading to the PhD in Physics.

Course Requirements

Must take all courses as a letter grade and receive a B or better.

• Physics 205: Classical Mechanics
• Physics 210A: Electromagnetic Theory
• Physics 210B: Electromagnetic Theory
• Physics 215A: Quantum Mechanics
• Physics 215B: Quantum Mechanics
• Physics 215C: Quantum Mechanics
• Physics 219: Statistical Mechanics
• Physics 237: Galactic Dynamics *

* Physics 237 may be substituted for Physics 205 provided the student has demonstrated competency in Lagrangian Mechanics to the Physics 205 instructor. If Physics 237 is used this way as a substitution, it cannot be used to satisfy the elective requirement.

Must take all electives as a letter grade and receive a B or better. Theoretical physics students must complete a minimum of five advanced graduate courses, and experimental physics students must complete a minimum of three advanced graduate courses with a grade of B or better. For theoretical physics students, at least one of these courses must be in an area clearly distinct from the student’s field of specialization – such a determination will be made by the graduate advisor.

These courses are taken the first year of graduate school.

• Physics 260A: Colloquium
• Physics 260G: Graduate Seminar
• Physics 500: Teaching Assistant Seminar (Fall only)

Course Descriptions can be viewed here .

The advancement exam is taken by the end of spring quarter in the student's third year. The exam begins with a short presentation in which the student assesses the overall situation in the field, and proposes a possible line of research, justifying its potential significance. The exam committee may then ask more general background questions. The scope and content of the exam are agreed upon beforehand. If the committee fails the student, the reasons will be given in writing, and the student must retake the exam by the end of summer quarter of the third year. After advancement, the Supervising Committee will be chaired by the student’s research advisor (or co-chaired by the advisor if they are not UCSB physics ladder faculty).

Jennifer Farrar

  related links.

• Advancing to Candidacy
• PhD Physics  (pdf)
• PhD Physics with an Astrophysics Emphasis (pdf)
•   Mailing address: Department of Physics Broida Hall University of California Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9530
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Department of Physics • UC Santa Barbara 2024 © Regents of the University of California

Best Universities for Quantum and Particle physics in the World

Updated: February 29, 2024

• Art & Design
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
• Mathematics

Below is a list of best universities in the World ranked based on their research performance in Quantum and Particle physics. A graph of 655M citations received by 29.2M academic papers made by 6,157 universities in the World was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

For Quantum and Particle physics

2. University of California - Berkeley

3. Stanford University

4. University of Tokyo

5. Tsinghua University

6. University of Cambridge

7. Harvard University

8. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

9. University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign

10. Princeton University

11. Kyoto University

12. California Institute of Technology

13. University of Texas at Austin

14. University of Oxford

15. University of California - Los Angeles

16. Pennsylvania State University

17. Cornell University

18. Imperial College London

19. University of Toronto

20. Osaka University

21. Tohoku University

22. Georgia Institute of Technology

23. University of Washington - Seattle

24. University of Wisconsin - Madison

25. University of Maryland - College Park

26. University of California - Santa Barbara

27. Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne

28. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

29. Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich

30. National University of Singapore

31. University of California-San Diego

32. Zhejiang University

33. University of Science and Technology of China

34. University of Manchester

35. Columbia University

36. Nanyang Technological University

37. Northwestern University

38. Pierre and Marie Curie University

39. Ohio State University

40. Tokyo Institute of Technology

41. Shanghai Jiao Tong University

42. Purdue University

43. Texas A&M University - College Station

44. Peking University

45. University of Pennsylvania

46. University College London

47. Harbin Institute of Technology

48. Yale University

49. University of Chicago

50. University of Hong Kong

51. Delft University of Technology

52. Technical University of Munich

53. University of Arizona

54. Huazhong University of Science and Technology

55. University of Florida

56. Carnegie Mellon University

57. Johns Hopkins University

58. University of British Columbia

59. Rutgers University - New Brunswick

60. Catholic University of Leuven

61. Moscow State University

62. Seoul National University

63. Iowa State University

64. University of Colorado Boulder

65. Xi'an Jiaotong University

66. University of Waterloo

67. University of Southern California

68. Nagoya University

69. Nanjing University

70. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

71. Arizona State University - Tempe

72. University of California - Davis

73. Tianjin University

74. University of Alberta

75. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

76. Kyushu University

77. McGill University

78. Michigan State University

79. Australian National University

80. Fudan University

81. University of New South Wales

82. Vienna University of Technology

83. Tel Aviv University

84. Jilin University

86. Technical University of Denmark

87. North Carolina State University at Raleigh

88. Technion - Israel Institute of Technology

89. University of Southampton

90. New York University

91. Paris-Sud University

92. Duke University

93. University of Stuttgart

94. National Taiwan University

95. University of Utah

96. South China University of Technology

97. University of Sydney

98. University of California - Irvine

99. University of Queensland

100. KTH Royal Institute of Technology

Physics subfields in the World