physics phd in 3 years

Doctoral Program (Ph.D.)

• Graduate Programs

The Physics Ph.D. program provides students with opportunities to perform independent research in some of the most current and dynamic areas of physics. Students develop a solid and broad physics knowledge base in the first year through the core curriculum, departmental colloquia, and training.

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.

Sc.M. en route to Ph.D.

Eight courses from the core group (PHYS2010, 2030, 2040, 2050, 2060, 2140: techniques in experimental physics, classical theoretical physics, quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics) and other 2000-level courses. Up to two research courses. Courses from outside the department might be substituted with the permission of the DGS.

All core courses, four advanced courses, comprehensive examination, preliminary examination, faculty-supervised research, dissertation and oral defense.

Applicants are expected to have a strong background in physics or closely related subjects at the undergraduate level. All applications are evaluated holistically to assess the applicant's preparation and potential for graduate coursework and independent research, which can be demonstrated in multiple ways.

The Physics Subject GRE scores are  required  (general GRE scores are not required).

Three recommendation letters from faculty or others acquainted with the applicant's academic and/or research qualifications are required.

If you have submitted an application and need to make changes or add to the application, do not send the materials to the Physics department. The department is unable to alter or add to your application. Contact the  Graduate School staff  for all changes.  

Ph.D. Program Milestones and Guideposts

• Work toward joining a research group
• 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)
• Begin research
• Complete PHYS2010 (or other core courses) if not taken during Year 1
• Complete at least 2 advanced courses
• Pass qualifying exam
• Complete 2nd Year Ethics Training
• Identify prelim committee
• Continue research
• Complete remaining advanced courses
• Pass preliminary exam and advance to candidacy
• Complete thesis research
• 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

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College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences University of Vermont Department of Physics Burlington, VT 05405

Phone: +18026562644

[email protected]

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Type of Degree

School or college, area of study, program format, credit hours to graduate.

Graduate-level research in the Physics department focuses on theoretical and experimental condensed matter physics, and biophysics with applications in the semiconductor, battery, advanced materials, and medical industries.

Program Overview

Research within the department is broadly defined in two major focus areas:  Theoretical and Experimental Condensed Matter Physics , which includes dynamics of quantum systems with application to electronic, magnetic, optical, structural, and thermal properties of nanomaterials (eg. fullerene-derived solids and nanotubes); quantum many-body physics, electronic properties of graphene and its derivatives, strongly-correlated electronic systems and quantum magnetism, spintronics, optical properties and magnetism of thin films, organic semiconductors, nanostructured materials, solid state battery materials & interfaces, and ferroelectric superlattice materials (professors: Clougherty, Kotov, Headrick, Kozen, White, Dawber); and  Biological Physics: which includes structures and dynamics of biological macromolecules; properties and dynamics of tissues and tumors; design of new drugs and bio-inspired materials; development of novel theoretical and computational methods at multiple scales in biology; and applications of machine learning and AI in biophysics and soft matter. (Professors: Yue, Ma).

All graduate students participate in cutting-edge research and teaching during their graduate career, training them to become the next-generation of scientists and Physics educators.  Ph.D. students typically start research in their first year at UVM.  Potential students are encouraged to reach out to Physics professors directly for available research opportunities.

Ph.D. in Physics Graduate Catalogue Listing

Minimum Degree Requirements

75 credits, of which 15 graded coursework credits must be taken after matriculation and 9 of which must be at 6000- or 7000-level, and including:

Physics Graduate Course Inventory

Graduate Studies for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy

Undergraduate majors in physics are considered for admission to the program. Satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination (general) are required.

Upon completion of the Ph.D. degree, students will be able to:

• Apply the laws of physics in classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, electrodynamics, and statistical mechanics at a level commensurate with current standards in physics.
• Demonstrate mastery of advanced physics within their chosen subfield (e.g. astronomy, condensed matter, biological, and engineering physics).
• Demonstrate fluency in comprehension of the primary research literature in their chosen subfield
• Conduct primary research literature searches in their chosen subfield.
• Complete an original, creative project that demonstrably advances human knowledge within their subfield.

Comprehensive Examination

At the start of their second semester at UVM, students are  expected to sit for the written part of the Comprehensive  Exam which covers classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, electricity and magnetism, as well as thermal  physics and mathematical physics.

Students are given 2 opportunities to pass the comprehensive exam. In addition to the written portion, there is also an oral portion that consists of a Ph.D. dissertation proposal given after the start of a dissertation research project.

Here on the Cutting Edge

To get a feel for the depth and breadth of work completed by UVM graduate students in physics, review past theses and dissertations . These documents are maintained by UVM's Howe Library. 

Related Programs

College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences

program format Format: On-campus

Credit hours to graduate 30 credits

College of Arts and Sciences

Credit hours to graduate 30 credits in major courses, plus 3 credits in ancillary courses

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Admissions Information for Prospective Graduate Students

Thank you for considering the PhD program in Physics at MIT. Information regarding our graduate program and our application process can be found below and through the following webpages and other links on this page. If your questions are not answered after reviewing this information, please contact us at [email protected] .

Here are some links to pages relevant to prospective students:

• Material Required for a Complete Application , and information about When/How to Apply can be found below on this page.
• We have an FAQ which should help to answer many questions, and we provide Application Assistance from staff and students if you don’t find what you need in the FAQ.
• Additional Guidance about the application itself, along with examples, can be found on a separate page. The graduate application is available at https://apply.mit.edu/apply/ .
• General information about the graduate program and research areas in the physics department may also be of use.
• MSRP (MIT Summer Research Program) is designed to give underrepresented and underserved students access to an MIT research experience, pairing each student with a faculty member who will oversee the student conducting a research project at MIT.

Statement regarding COVID grading policies

MIT has adopted the following principle: MIT’s admissions committees and offices for graduate and professional schools will take the significant disruptions of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 into account when reviewing students’ transcripts and other admissions materials as part of their regular practice of performing individualized, holistic reviews of each applicant.

In particular, as we review applications now and in the future, we will respect decisions regarding the adoption of Pass/No Record (or Credit/No Credit or Pass/Fail) and other grading options during the unprecedented period of COVID-19 disruptions, whether those decisions were made by institutions or by individual students. We also expect that the individual experiences of applicants will richly inform applications and, as such, they will be considered with the entirety of a student’s record.

Ultimately, even in these challenging times, our goal remains to form graduate student cohorts that are collectively excellent and composed of outstanding individuals who will challenge and support one another.

Questions or concerns about this statement should be directed to the Physics Department ( [email protected] ).

Applying to the MIT Department of Physics

We know that the application process can be time-consuming, stressful, and costly. We are committed to reducing these barriers and to helping all applicants receive a full and fair assessment by our faculty reviewers. Help is available from the Physics Graduate Admissions Office at [email protected] and additional assistance from current students is offered during the admissions season. Further details are described at the end of this page in our Assistance for Prospective Applicants section.

The list below describes the important elements of a complete application. Please reach out to us at [email protected] if you have a concern or logistical difficulty that could prevent you from providing your strongest application.

Required for a Complete Application

1. online application and application fee.

• MIT Graduate Admissions Online Graduate Application
• Application Fee: $90

2. University Transcript(s)

Unofficial transcripts are sufficient for our initial review, with final transcripts required as a condition of matriculation for successful applicants. Applicants should include a scan of their transcript(s) and, if a degree is in progress, should include a list of the class subjects being taken in the current semester. The portal will allow applicants to log back into the application after the deadline to add their Fall term grades when they are available.

Note: We will respect decisions regarding the adoption of Pass/No Record (or Credit/No Credit or Pass/Fail) and other grading options during the unprecedented period of COVID-19 disruptions, whether those decisions were made by institutions or by individual students.

3. Standardized Test Results

• GRE Tests : The Physics GRE (PGRE) is recommended but not required for graduate applications. All applications will be given full consideration with or without GRE scores.
• TOEFL or IELTS Test or a waiver is required for non-native English speakers. MIT’s TOEFL school code is 3514; the code for the Department of Physics is 76. IELTS does not require a code. Eligibility for TOEFL/IELTS waivers is in our FAQ section .
• Self-reported scores are sufficient for our initial application screening, with official scores required for admitted students as a condition of their offer. Applicants should attach a scanned copy of their test score report.

4. Letters of Recommendation

Letters should include any individual work applicants have done and/or areas where they have special strengths. It is possible to submit up to 6 total letters, but 3 are sufficient for a complete application and committee members may evaluate applications based on the first three letters that they read.

5. Statement of Objectives

Research is central to graduate study in physics. The Statement of Objectives/Purpose should include descriptions of research projects, aptitude and achievements as completely as possible. This important part of the application provides an opportunity to describe any interests, skills, and background relative to the research areas selected on the application form. Applicants should share anything that prepares them for graduate studies and describe their proudest achievements.

Additional Application Materials

• Research, Teaching, and Community Engagement – Any special background or achievement that prepares the applicant for Physics graduate studies at MIT. This may include research at their undergraduate school as part of their Bachelor or Master degree, or summer research at another program or school.  We also value our student’s contributions to their community on a variety of scales (from institutional to societal) and we encourage applicants to tell us about their teaching and community engagement activities.  The “experience” questions are intended to provide a CV-like listing of achievements, some of which may be elaborated on in the “Statement of Objectives” and/or the optional “Personal Statement”.
• Publications, Talks, and Merit Based Recognition – Recognition of success in research, academics, and outreach can take many forms, including publications, talks, honors, prizes, awards, fellowships, etc.  This may include current nominations for scholarships or papers submitted for publication.
• Optional Personal Statement – Members of our community come from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. We welcome any personal information that will help us to evaluate applications holistically and will provide context for the applicant’s academic achievements. This statement may include extenuating circumstances, significant challenges that were overcome, a non-traditional educational background, description of any advocacy or values work, or other information that may be relevant.
• Detailed instructions for each application section, and many examples , can be found on the “ Additional Guidance ” page.  The detailed instructions are lengthy, and are intended to be read only “as needed” while you work on your application (i.e., you don’t need to go read the whole thing before you start).

When/How to Apply

When : Applications can be submitted between September 15 and December 15 by 11:59pm EST for the following year.

How : The application is online at https://apply.mit.edu/apply/

Application Assistance

Faculty, students, and staff have collaborated to provide extensive guidance to prospective applicants to our graduate degree program, which we detail below:

• Our website provides answers to many frequently asked admissions questions
• Admissions staff are available for questions at [email protected] . We encourage students to send their questions early in the application process, as staff become increasingly busy with requests as the application deadline approaches!
• The Physics Graduate Application Assistance Program ( PhysGAAP ) is run by current graduate students and offers online webinars, office hours, and one-on-one mentoring. Registration is now open for Fall 2024 , and more information is provided below.

Physics Graduate Application Assistance Program (PhysGAAP)

PhysGAAP is a program offering resources for students applying to graduate school, and it was first started to reduce the barriers for application to the MIT Physics PhD program and address the underrepresentation of students from historically excluded communities. Our services include annual webinars about the application process, office hours to answer questions, and a one-on-one mentoring program for students who would benefit from more in-depth, individual assistance. Visit the PhysGAAP website for more information! 

The Fall 2024 webinars will be held on October 16th at 9-10am and 4-5pm. Zoom and Slido information will be sent 1 week before the webinar to applicants who have registered for PhysGAAP using this form .

Recordings of past webinars can also be found on our website . Please note past webinars may contain outdated information about some topics, such as GRE requirements.

Office Hours

Our Office Hours are a space where you can briefly chat with an MIT Physics graduate student about questions you may have about applying to graduate school. For example, if you have questions about the specifics of applying to MIT Physics, what materials you need for your application, or other questions that only require a one-time meeting, office hours may be a good option for you.

Information about the Office Hours program will be sent out to those who register for PhysGAAP through this form .

1-on-1 Mentorship

1-on-1 mentoring is offered for students who would benefit from more in-depth individual assistance. Our capacity is limited, so we will give preferential consideration to PhysGAAP Mentorship applicants who would most benefit from the program and can demonstrate that they are a good fit. We therefore ask prospective applicants to start by asking their questions at our webinars and office hours program. 

If applicants want further assistance, they may apply to the PhysGAAP Mentorship Program, which pairs prospective graduate school applicants with current graduate students who can provide feedback on their application and insight into graduate school and the MIT Physics PhD program. 

Applications for the PhysGAAP Mentorship Program will open later in the Fall and are expected to close in early-mid November . To stay up to date on when the applications open, please register for PhysGAAP through this form .

Please note that participation in PhysGAAP is not considered during admissions review. It helps applicants put forward their strongest materials, but does not guarantee admission into our graduate program.

Admissions/Application FAQs

Our Frequently Asked Questions provide further information about degree requirements, funding, educational background, application deadlines, English language proficiency, program duration, start dates and deferrals, and fee waiver requests.

The MOST Frequently Asked Question…

What is included in a strong graduate application for physics at mit.

Applications are assessed holistically and many variables are considered in the application review process. The following four main factors are required for a complete application.

• the applicant’s statement of objectives or purpose,
• transcripts of past grades,
• score reports of any required standardized tests,
• three letters of reference.

In addition, any past research experience, publications, awards, and honors are extremely helpful, particularly if they are in the area(s) of the applicant’s interest(s). Applicants may also include a personal statement in their application to provide context as the materials are assessed.

Applications are routed to admission committee members and other faculty readers using the “areas of interest” and any faculty names selected from the menu as well as based on the research interests included in the statement of objectives. Please select the areas of interest that best reflect your goals.

Instructions are available in the application itself , with further guidance on our Additional Guidance page. The Physics Admissions Office will respond to questions sent to [email protected] .

General Questions Regarding the PhD Program in Physics

Must i have a degree in physics in order to apply to this graduate program.

Our successful applicants generally hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, or have taken many Physics classes if they have majored in another discipline. The most common other majors are astronomy, engineering, mathematics, and chemistry. Bachelor of Science degrees may be 3-year or 4-year degrees, depending on the education structure of the country in which they are earned.

What are the requirements to complete a PhD?

The requirements for a PhD in Physics at MIT are the doctoral examination, a few required subject classes, and a research-based thesis. The doctoral examination consists of a written and an oral examination. The written component may be satisfied either by passing the 4 subject exams or by passing designated classes related to each topic with a qualifying grade; the oral exam will be given in a student’s chosen research area. The Physics Department also requires that each student take two classes in the field of specialization and two physics-related courses in fields outside the specialty. Research for the thesis is conducted throughout the student’s time in the program, culminating in a thesis defense and submission of the final thesis.

Can I take courses at other schools nearby?

Yes. Cross-registration is available at Harvard University and Wellesley College.

How many years does it take to complete the PhD requirements?

From 3 to 7 years, averaging 5.6 years.

How will I pay for my studies?

Our students are fully supported financially throughout the duration of their program, provided that they make satisfactory progress. Funding is provided from Fellowships (internal and external) and/or Assistantships (research and teaching) and covers tuition, health insurance, and a living stipend. Read more about funding .

Note: For more detailed information regarding the cost of attendance, including specific costs for tuition and fees, books and supplies, housing and food as well as transportation, please visit the Student Financial Services (SFS) website .

How many applications are submitted each year? How many students are accepted?

Although the number varies each year, the Department of Physics usually welcomes approximately 45 incoming graduate students each year. Last year we received more than 1,700 applications and extended fewer than 90 offers of admission.

What are the minimum grades and exam scores for admitted applicants?

There are no minimum standards for overall grade point averages/GPAs. Grades from physics and other related classes will be carefully assessed. Under a special COVID-19 policy, MIT will accept transcripts with a variety of grading conventions, including any special grading given during the COVID-19 pandemic. PGREs (Physics subject GRE) is not required for graduate applications but is recommended.

Our program is conducted in English and all applicants must demonstrate their English language proficiency. Non-native English speakers should review our policy carefully before waiving the TOEFL/IELTS requirements. We do not set a minimum requirement on TOEFL/IELTS scores; however, students who are admitted to our program typically score above the following values:

• IELTS – 7
• TOEFL (computer based) – 200
• TOEFL (iBT) – 100
• TOEFL (standard) – 600

The Application Process

When is the deadline for applying to the phd program in physics.

Applications for enrollment in the fall are due each year by 11:59pm EST on December 15 of the preceding year. There is no admission cycle for spring-term enrollment.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for me to take tests in person. Can I still apply?

PGRE (Physics subject GRE) is not required for graduate applications but is recommended. Non-native English speakers who are not eligible for a test waiver should include their results from either an in-person or online version of the TOEFL or IELTS test.

Does the Department of Physics provide waivers for the English language exam (TOEFL/IELTS)?

An English language exam (IELTS, TOEFL, TOEFL iBT, or the C2 Cambridge English Proficiency exam) is required of all applicants who are from a country in which English is not the primary language. Exceptions to this policy will be considered for candidates who, at the start of their graduate studies in 2025, will have been in the US or in a country whose official language is English for three years or longer and who will have received a degree from a college or university in a country where the language of education instruction is English. An interview via telephone, Zoom, or Skype may be arranged at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. More information on a possible English Language Waiver Decision (PDF).

Does the Department of Physics provide application fee waivers?

Although we do not want the MIT application fee to be a barrier to admission, we cannot provide application fee waivers to all who request one.  The Department of Physics has a limited number of fee waivers to grant. Applicants should first investigate their eligibility for a fee waiver through the Office of Graduate Education . Those not eligible will be prompted to submit a departmental application. Fee waiver requests will only be considered *before* an applicant has submitted the application, but *after* they have completed all parts of the application, including transcript uploads and requests for letters of recommendation. Fee waiver requests for incomplete applications will not be considered. Fee waiver requests will be considered on a first-come-first-served basis, and not after December 1. Furthermore, applications lacking the paid fee or a fee waiver by 11:59pm EST on December 15 will not be reviewed or considered for admission.

Can I arrange a visit to the Physics Department or a specific research area?

We are not currently hosting or meeting with outside visitors in person, nor are we facilitating visits to our classrooms. Current graduate students and prospective applicants should direct any questions by email to [email protected] .

Applicants are invited to send specific questions to the Physics Admissions Office and some questions may be forwarded to current students for further information. Admitted students will be invited to attend an in-person open house.

Can I receive an update on the status of my application?

Candidates can check on the status of their application at apply.mit.edu/apply at any time. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all items are sent.

When will I be notified of a final decision?

Applicants will be notified via email of decisions by the end of February. If you have not heard from us by March 1, please send email to [email protected] .

We do not provide results by phone.

Can admitted students start in a term other than the next Fall semester?

Applications submitted between September 15 and December 15 by 11:59pm EST are assessed for the following Fall semester. We do not provide a separate admission review cycle for the Spring semester. Individual research supervisors may invite incoming students to start their research during the summer term a few months earlier than their studies would normally begin. All other incoming students start their studies in late August for the Fall term.

Once admitted, applicants may request a one-year deferral to attend a specific academic program or for another approved reason, with single semester deferrals for the following Spring term granted only rarely.

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PhD in Physics

Drive Innovation That Matters

A PhD in Physics from Clarkson University gives you the training and resources to become an independent scholar in a specialized subfield. Through the program, you will apply advanced knowledge in core areas of classical mechanics, electromagnetism and quantum mechanics to uncover out-of-the-box solutions. You will gain the theoretical foundations to conduct experimental investigations with a high degree of expertise. By the time you graduate, you will be ready to lead research teams in academia or industry. 

Why Earn a PhD in Physics From Clarkson University?

The PhD in Physics offers rigorous research training and complex coursework meant to challenge your understanding of the field. You will be able to choose from different specialization areas to deepen your expertise and tackle a wider set of issues through interdisciplinary work with faculty and peers across campus.

One of the hallmarks of our department is the personalized attention we offer students. We keep our class sizes small, encouraging collaboration and solutions that require teamwork. Your research advisor will provide comprehensive guidance, and you will further benefit from a friendly and open relationship with other faculty members. We value your input and ideas and treat you as a fellow scholar.

Despite our size, we offer the resources of a much larger university. You will have access to state-of-the-art research centers and the opportunity to participate in innovative projects led by a diverse team of experts. You will also gain valuable teaching experience by working with undergrads as a teaching assistant or in other capacities. 

What You'll Learn 

The PhD in Physics consists of a minimum of 90 credit hours. At least six of those credit hours should be taken outside the department and at least six of those credit hours should be dedicated to seminars.

Within two years of full-time study, or 66 credit hours if you are a part-time student, you will take the required Comprehensive Exam. The topics covered in the exam include classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics, thermal physics, quantum mechanics and modern physics (relativity, nuclear and solid-state).

As for specializations, you can develop one from the following areas:

• Biophysics 
• Chemical Mechanical Planarization 
• Computational Physics 
• Physics Education 

Credit Hours and Courses:

• A minimum of 90 credit hours beyond BS. Minimum 3 academic years’ full-time graduate study (or the part-time equivalent); 2 years in residence at Clarkson. A four-part Physics Survey Test is used to determine initial coursework.  A maximum of 30 credits (with B or higher grade) can be transferred from an MS degree. Coursework - no less than 33 credits, including at least 6 credits taken outside the department and at least 6 credits of seminar. Each semester prior to the completion of 78 credits, full-time students in residence at Clarkson must successfully complete PH683 or PH684. Maximum credit hours per year - 30 (12 in fall, 12 in spring and 6 in summer; or, 15 in fall and 15 in spring). Only 500 and upper-level courses are accepted.
• Full-time student status: 9 credits per semester until <9 credits remain to complete 90 credits. After completing 90 credits, students will register for 1 credit hour of project/thesis, be in residence, and be actively engaged full-time in completing the project/thesis.

Academic Standing and Other Requirements:

• A minimum average grade of B, and at least a B grade in each of the core courses (PH661, PH663, PH664, PH670 and PH669); The requirement for PH664 and PH670 can be fulfilled any time during the study, and the student’s advisor can approve replacements of these two courses by other advanced graduate courses in the student’s chosen research field.
• Satisfactory progress toward the degree. Academic progress is evaluated at the end of each term by the Physics Graduate Committee Chair in collaboration with the student’s advisor.
• Students with GPA falling below 3.000 will be placed on academic warning. These students will return to academic good standing if their GPA is 3.000 or higher at the end of their next term.
• Students must select a thesis topic and be assigned to a research advisor no later than the second semester of graduate study. The Physics Chair approves the appointment of a research advisor. Research projects primarily guided by faculty outside the physics department requires a physics co-advisor assigned by Physics Chair.
• Satisfactory completion of the Comprehensive Exam is required within two years of full-time study after admission to the PhD program or, for part-time students, before completing 66 credits. If the comprehensive exam is failed twice, the student will be dropped.
• The Physics Comprehensive Examination has two parts, each part four hours long, usually given during the first two weeks of each spring semester. The topical coverages are based on those of upper-level undergraduate physics courses offered at Clarkson, and include: Part I: Classical Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism, Optics; Part II: Thermal Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Modern Physics (relativity, nuclear, solid state).
• By the end of the third year of study, the student writes a PhD research proposal and defends a doctoral topic before a thesis committee composed of at least 5 members. The proposal must be submitted to the thesis committee at least 10 working days before the oral defense. This exam should demonstrate that the thesis topic is of doctoral quality and that the student’s background is adequate to carry out the proposed research. A unanimous decision of the committee is required for passing. The thesis committee (selected by the student’s advisor and approved by the Physics Chair and the Dean of A&S) should include no less than 4 Clarkson faculty (at least 3 from physics) of assistant professor rank or higher and possessing an earned doctoral degree. At least one member must be from a department other than physics. With the provost’s approval, the thesis committee may include an external examiner with appropriate credentials from another university or industry.
• The final PhD examination involves an oral defense of the written doctoral dissertation before the thesis committee. The exam committee must receive thesis copies at least 10 working days before the oral defense.
• Typical program length is 5 years. All work for the PhD degree must be completed within 7 years after passing the Physics Comprehensive Examination.
• For additional information about University Requirements, students should consult Clarkson University’s current Graduate Regulations and Graduate Catalog.

Program Outcomes

After completing the Physics PhD Program at Clarkson University, students will be able to:

• Make use of advanced knowledge acquired from core areas of Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism and Quantum Mechanics.
• Develop research plans and conduct experimental/ theoretical/ computational investigations in areas of their technical expertise.
• Take part in collaborative projects involving diverse teams of participants.
• Analyze, interpret and effectively communicate results of research topics both orally (e,g., in conference presentations) and in writing (e.g., in technical reports and journal publications).
• Demonstrate familiarity with current literature and practices in their field of specialization with a general understanding of scientific and ethical responsibilities.
• Develop investigative plans, carry out research projects and mentor students/trainees. 

Our faculty undertake innovative research in physics and interdisciplinary projects that help advance our understanding of the world. As a student, you will benefit from their mentorship and work closely with them in a collaborative and encouraging environment. Learn more about their experience and areas of specialization.

Meet Our Faculty  

The major areas of emphasis in our department include:

• Astrophysics 
• Bio- and Nano-technology
• Energy Storage 
• Materials Physics
• Nanoscale Systems 
• Nanotechnology 
• Network Theory 
• Physics Education
• Soft Matter and Polymer Physics 

As a student, you have access to Clarkson University centers like the Reynolds Observatory, the Physics Team Design Lab, the Laboratory for Electroanalytical Characterization of Materials and the Computational Laboratory. 

A complete application consists of the following:

• Online Application Form.
• Statement of purpose.
• Three letters of recommendation.
• Official transcripts.
• General GRE is required.
• Minimum test score requirements: TOEFL (80) and TOEFL Essentials (8.5), IELTS (6.5), PTE (56) or Duolingo English Test (115).
• The English language-testing requirement is not waived based on language of instruction, nor do we accept university certificates. English testing is waived if an applicant has a degree from a country where English is the Native Language. Click here to see the list of these countries.

Prerequisites: Applicants must have a BS or equivalent degree in physics or a closely related subject. Applicants are expected to have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher at the time of application. Furthermore, applicants should have achieved a grade of "B+" or better in all physics and math subjects taken.

For those seeking Teaching or Research Assistantships:

• A GRE score of at least 319 is recommended (minimum verbal score of 156 and minimum quantitative score of 163).
• GRE Physics Subject Test scores are not required but are recommended.
• International applicants should have a minimum score of 26 in each section of the TOEFL, 7.0 on each band of the IELTS (with a minimum Speaking band of 7.5) or comparable PTE or Duolingo English Test scores.

MS students interested in pursuing the PhD will be required to sit for the placement test offered by the Department of Physics. This is offered annually in August. This score, in addition to prior academic record, publications and teaching performance, will be considered prior to formal admittance into the PhD program.

Most current graduate students are supported by Teaching Assistantships or Research Assistantships. A full appointment covers the 30 credit hours of tuition and provides a stipend that covers estimated living expenses. Discuss opportunities and how to apply with the department staff and/or program coordinator directly.

We host a variety of seminars and lectures throughout the year with visiting professors, industry leaders and other professionals widely recognized in the field.

The program is held on our main campus in Potsdam, New York. Many of our full-time, research-based master's and PhD programs are housed here, as well. You will be in close proximity to research facilities, onsite laboratories and other resources.

Potsdam Campus

Career Possibilities

The PhD program at Clarkson University provides the rigorous training and research-heavy experience required to enter the world of academia. With your degree, you can apply to professorships and positions in prestigious research centers.

You will also graduate with skills that are attractive to employers in the science and tech industries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for physicists is expected to grow faster than average in the next decade.

The degree can open doors in the following industries and facilities:

• Observatories
• Private industry
• Research laboratories

Recent Employers

Recent Clarkson PhD in Physics graduates have been employed by companies such as:

• Applied Materials
• Intel Corporation
• Global Foundries
• Lockheed Martin
• Micron Technology

STEM OPT Eligible

In-person delivery.

Graduate Admissions Email: [email protected] Phone: 518-631-9831

Find out more about the Physics Department .

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Deepen your expertise.

Gain specialized knowledge, conduct original research and qualify for a wide range of academic and industry opportunities with a PhD in Physics from Clarkson.