2024-2025 Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog
Department of Physics and Astronomy
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Return to: Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences
The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers MS and PhD degrees in physics. The PhD degree is offered in two tracks, a Physics track and an Astrophysics track. Both tracks provide broad experimental, observational, and theoretical training. Our graduates are prepared for a variety of careers including teaching and research at major academic institutions, research at government and industrial laboratories, data analysis and software development, statistical analysis, quantitative modeling, scientific writing and outreach, technical marketing, corporate leadership at science and engineering firms, and a variety of scientific entrepreneurial endeavors.
Contact Information
Main Office: 100 Allen Hall
412-624-9066 or 412-624-9000
Fax: 412-624-9163
E-mail: pagrad@pitt.edu
www.physicsandastronomy.pitt.edu
Research
Students may perform their MS and/or PhD research in any of several subdisciplines including astrophysics, cosmology, condensed matter physics, particle physics, biophysics, quantum computing, quantum information, and physics education research. Topics in astrophysics and/or cosmology include observational, numerical, and theoretical cosmology; dark matter and dark energy; galaxy formation and evolution; active galactic nuclei and quasars; galactic and intergalactic medium; stellar atmospheres; massive stars; supernovae; and physics of the early universe. Topics in condensed matter physics include nanoscience; quantum information; quantum kinetics; quantum optics; quantum states of matter; semiconductor physics; statistical physics; superconductivity; topological phases, and ultrafast optics. Topics in particle physics include the origin of mass and flavor; the search for new symmetries of nature; neutrino physics; CP violation; heavy quarks; baryogenesis; inflation and early universe physics, precision tests of the Standard Model; effective field theory; and strong interaction field theory. Topics in biophysics include bacteria dynamics, scaling laws of epigenetic expression, turbulence and stochastic fluctuations, theoretical statistical physics of cell sensing and behavior. Topics in physics education research include cognitive issues in learning physics and development and evaluation of research-based curricula for introductory and advanced physics courses. Multidisciplinary thesis research may also be carried out in, for example, particle astrophysics, biophysics, chemical physics, laser physics, materials science, nanoscience, and surface science. This research may be done in cooperation with faculty from other departments at the University.
Admissions
To be considered for admission, a student must have earned a baccalaureate degree in one of the physical sciences, mathematics, astronomy/astrophysics or engineering. Research experience is recommended but not required. Application details are listed on our web site under “How to Apply.” A complete application consists of the following.
- • An online application
• Transcripts (clear downloads) from all college-level institutions attended (unofficial until admitted)
• Proof of degree(s) either posted on the transcript or in another form
• Minimum GPA for admission with full status is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General and Advanced Physics test scores are optional, consult department’s FAQ.
• Brief statement of purpose, including rank ordered list of research preferences; in addition to list of textbooks used for intermediate/advanced level physics classes.
• Evidence of any research experience (recommended but not required)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Three letters of recommendation
• International applicants only: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS or Duolingo English test scores and completed Certification of Financial Responsibility and International Graduate Student Supplemental Form for the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences (Refer to department’s graduate application details website for minimum score information)
Financial Aid
All students admitted to the PhD program in the Department of Physics and Astronomy are provided financial support. Financial support for doctoral students is provided through teaching and/or research assistantships. In addition, numerous competitive fellowships are available for graduate students. All qualified applicants are entered into a pool for these fellowships. The Department of Physics and Astronomy guarantees financial support to all PhD students for a minimum of 5 years so long as students remain in good academic standing, which includes timely completion of the academic milestones described in the Graduate Student Handbook, available on our web site. The department endeavors to support all students throughout their entire graduate career, provided good academic standing is maintained and progress is being made toward the degree.
Faculty
Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences Faculty
ProgramsDoctoralMaster’s
CoursesAstronomyPhysics
Return to: Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences
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