Physics, PhD

This is the first version of the 2025–26 General Catalog. Please check back regularly for changes. The final edition and the historical PDF will be published during the fall semester.

Graduate study in physics and astronomy is highly individualized. The department does not offer a PhD in astronomy, but students may pursue a PhD in physics with an astronomy subprogram and a dissertation in astronomy.

Each entering graduate student is assigned a faculty advisor, who assists in preparing a plan of study and in guiding the student's progress.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will:

  • understand the foundational principles that transcend many distinct areas, and learn the technical language, problem-solving skills, and training in technical listening and discussion;
  • learn, practice, and discover advanced discourse in mathematical aspects that translate to physics;
  • become familiar with the state-of-the-art experimental tools and equipment in the field;
  • develop skills for creativity and originality in the field and promote communication of new discoveries;
  • learn and practice advanced discourse in experimental and observational aspects, including data and information mining, translating experimental observations to physical principles and vice versa; and
  • learn analysis of data and computational skills as well as become familiar with state-of-the-art techniques for data processing.