Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy
Physics, Ph.D.
The PhD program in physics, described in more detail in the referenced documents, aims to assure that graduates are well versed in the fundamentals of their fields, have a broad knowledge of contemporary developments, and are experts in the techniques and current state of the subject area of their research.
Students pursuing the PhD in Physics are required to complete core courses in thermodynamics/statistical physics, electrodynamics, and quantum mechanics (PHYS 2541, PHYS 2555, PHYS 2565) and at least one of Dynamical Systems (PHYS 2513) or Quantum Mechanics II (PHYS 2566) within the first two years of graduate study, though for most students we recommend both courses. Students who are already familiar with the material of one or several core courses may directly take the course exam(s) at the start of the term. Students entering with a Masters degree from another institution are encouraged to review Section 4.B of the Graduate Student Handbook, as they may be eligible to take an oral exam to earn exemption from the aforementioned required courses.
At least four classes numbered above 3000 are also required for the degree. Teaching practice, presentation and attendance of seminars, and writing and an oral presentation of a dissertation give candidates broad experience in the effective communication of their work.
A minimum of 72 graduate credits are required for the PhD degree.
The PhD preliminary evaluation, which also serves as the comprehensive examination for the MS, is based on performance in the core graduate and/or advanced undergraduate courses. All students are required to pass the preliminary examination by the end of the first year.
PhD students are also required to complete the PhD comprehensive examination, which is similarly based on performance in the core graduate courses. This examination should be passed within the first two years of residency. Students who were exempted from a particular core course are deemed to have met the comprehensive examination requirement for that course.
The PhD dissertation research, which is the largest component of the PhD program, must contribute significantly to the advancement of knowledge in physics and/or astronomy. Students will be required to meet annually with their thesis committee and successfully defend their dissertation before this committee and the University community.
Astrophysics, Ph.D.
The PhD in Astrophysics provides students with foundational knowledge in modern astrophysics as well as focused study in several specific subdisciplines. The PhD trains students to perform independent research in several subdisciplines of astrophysics. Individuals earning the Astrophysics PhD 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.
The course curriculum for the Astrophysics PhD consists of eight (8) required courses as well as a number of electives. The required courses for the Astrophysics PhD are:
- ASTRON 3540 - Introduction to Astrophysics and Cosmology
- ASTRON 3550 - Stellar Structure
- ASTRON 3580 - Galactic and Extragalactic Astronomy
- ASTRON 3650 - Galactic Dynamics
- PHYS 3701 - Radiative Processes in Astrophysics
- ASTRON 3705 - Statistics and Data Science
- ASTRON 3785 - Cosmology
- ASTRON 3907 - Directed Research
In case any of the core courses on this list are not offered at a given time, substitutes can be approved by the DGS and the Graduate Curriculum Committee.
The number and specific elective courses to be taken by any individual student will be determined in consultation with the academic advisor, thesis committee, and director of graduate studies based on the prior preparation and research area of the student.
At least 72 graduate credits are required for the PhD degree.
All students will be expected to pass a Preliminary Evaluation by the end of their first academic year in the program. To pass the preliminary evaluation, students must achieve a grade of at least B in a minimum of four graduate-level astrophysics courses from the list of required courses and electives (where the research course ASTRON 3907, Directed Research shall be one of those courses), as well as maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or better.
By the end of the second academic year, all students enrolled in the program will be expected to pass the Comprehensive Evaluation. To pass the comprehensive evaluation, students must pass four of the six required graduate courses (not including ASTRON 3907 - Directed Research) in astrophysics with a grade of B+ or higher. Credit for courses in recognition of work performed at other institutions will be recognized in accordance with current Dietrich School policy.
The PhD dissertation research, which is the largest component of the PhD program, must contribute significantly to the advancement of knowledge in astrophysics. Students will be required to meet annually with their thesis committee and successfully defend their dissertation before this committee and the University community.
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