Upper-level courses and departmental seminar series subsequently provide more specialized exposure. Armed with the core knowledge, doctoral students join a research group working in an area of particular interest. This research is performed in very close collaboration with one or more faculty whose interests span a wide range of physics fields.
Physics
Doctoral Program (Ph.D.)
Ph.D. Program Milestones and Guideposts
Guidepost
- Work toward joining a research group.
Milestones
- Pass 3 courses per semester if a TA or 4 courses per semester if a Fellow with at least 50% B's or better.
- Complete 6 core courses (PHYS 2010, 2030, 2040, 2050, 2060, 2140).
- Physics Track students: Complete 6 core courses (PHYS 2010, 2030, 2040, 2050, 2060, 2140).
- Astrophysics Track students: Complete 3 core courses (PHYS 2010, 2270, 2280) and 3 courses from the Physics core (2030, 2040, 2050, 2060, 2140). Some years, only one of 2270 or 2280 may be offered; the other will then need to be taken during the second year.
Guideposts
- Begin research.
- Complete PHYS2010 (or other core courses) if not taken during Year 1.
- Complete at least 2 advanced courses.
Milestones
- Pass comprehensive exam.
- Complete 2nd Year Ethics Training.
- Identify prelim committee.
Guideposts
- Continue research
- Complete remaining advanced courses
Milestone
- Pass preliminary exam and advance to candidacy
Guidepost
- Complete thesis research
Milestone
- Write and defend thesis
Ph.D. Resources
- Ph.D. Program Student Handbook
- Graduate Core Course Listing
- Finding a Research Group
- Comprehensive Exam Information
- Ph.D. Second Year Ethics Training Requirement
- Ph.D. Preliminary Exam Requirements and Guidelines
- Ph.D. Prelim Form
- Physics Department Defense Form
- Ph.D. Dissertation Defense Requirements and Guidelines
- Ph.D. Course Waiver/Permission Form