Brown invests significantly in graduate education and research. We are deeply committed to the work we do in broadening participation in higher education leading to a more diverse and inclusive scholarly community. Brown’s campus location is picturesque, in the beautiful and historic East Side of Providence, Rhode Island.

Our Physics graduate programs provide students with focused courses and research opportunities in some of the most exciting areas of physics. The academic programs are rigorous yet flexible, combining strong core training with options for more specialized studies through coursework and research.

We offer two degree programs: a traditional doctoral program and a master’s program. In both, students develop a solid and broad base of physics knowledge.

Doctoral students join research groups in their area of interest, typically after the first year of study. Participating in research and writing a thesis are not required in the Master’s program, but is encouraged when appropriate for a student’s career goals. Research is performed in close collaboration with one or more of our faculty in a wide range of areas.

The primary areas of research in the department are astrophysics/cosmology, biological physics, condensed matter, and high energy. Research can also be interdisciplinary and international in scope. Our graduate students train with a physics professor or one of the affiliated faculty, primarily in engineering, applied mathematics, biology and chemistry. Multidisciplinary inquiry is also encouraged. Students have access to state-of-the-art advanced equipment and instruments.

• A core curriculum with many options to customize your studies
• Research, with opportunities in a wide range of research areas
• Resources for training to improve your teaching and communication skills
• Resources for networking and finding the post-degree path you want to take in academia, industry, or other opportunities
• Weekly department colloquia and specialized seminar series

Doctoral students are fully financed through competitive fellowships as well as research and teaching assistantships. Master’s students are self-supported.