Physics, PhD
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Physics prepares students for advanced research and academic leadership by combining rigorous graduate coursework with sustained, original investigation in the physical sciences. Grounded in high-quality education and research experiences, the program develops deep analytical and quantitative skills while supporting interdisciplinary exploration in areas where physics connects with fields such as nanoscience, biophysics, and quantum chemistry.
What can you do with this degree?
- Lead or contribute to advanced research as a scientist or principal investigator in academia, national laboratories, or research institutions.
- Pursue high-impact roles in industry research and development (R&D), including technology, energy, materials, and instrumentation sectors.
- Build expertise for careers in computational modeling, data-intensive science, and advanced analytics, where physics training is highly valued.
- Advance into college-level teaching and academic leadership, mentoring the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Requirements
- Admission to the doctoral program requires an undergraduate or master’s degree in physics or a closely related field.
- Applicants who do not already hold an appropriate master’s degree must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Course Curriculum
| Courses | Credits |
| Core * | |
| Physics 601-602 ** Mathematical Physics I – II | 6 |
| Physics 605 Theoretical Mechanics | 3 |
| Physics 607-608 Electromagnetic Theory I – II | 6 |
| Physics 611 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
| Physics 613-614 Quantum Theory I – II | 6 |
| Physics 703 Ph.D. Qualifying Examination | 1 |
| Other Required | |
| Physics 7 *** Advanced Elective Courses | 12 |
| Physics 791 Dissertation Research | 36 |
| Physics 798 Final Comprehensive Examination | 1 |
| Total | 74 |
| * Note that a grade of “B” or better is required in each core course. ** PHY 602 is not required in the Core for the Medical Physics Emphasis *** A minimum of 12 credit hours must be selected from courses numbered PHY 704 through 791 within the area of the student’s specialization and which are approved by the department or dissertation committee chairperson. Additional courses may be required at the discretion of the dissertation committee. |
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Medical Physics, PhD Degree Program
The Ph.D. in Physics with a Medical Physics Emphasis is a doctoral, dissertation-focused program that prepares students for advanced careers at the intersection of physics, medicine, and technology through rigorous coursework, clinical rotations, and hands-on research. Designed to develop deep scientific expertise and professional readiness, the program cultivates the analytical, technical, and research skills needed to investigate complex problems in medically related physics applications.
What can you do with this degree?
- Pursue advanced research careers in medical physics, biomedical imaging, radiation-related science, or clinically relevant physics applications (often alongside additional professional training where required).
- Compete for positions in research laboratories, medical centers, or government/industry R&D teams developing and evaluating healthcare technologies.
- Prepare for academic pathways as a faculty member, research professor, or principal investigator leading interdisciplinary research at the intersection of physics and medicine.
- Build expertise for roles in technology development, instrumentation, quality assurance, and computational modeling supporting clinical and translational science initiatives.
Course Curriculum
| Courses | Credits | |
| Core * | ||
| Physics 601 | Mathematical Physics I | 3 |
| Physics 605 | Theoretical Mechanics | 3 |
| Physics 607-608 | Electromagnetic Theory I – II | 6 |
| Physics 611 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | 3 |
| Physics 613-614 | Quantum Theory I – II | 6 |
| Physics 703 | Ph.D. Qualifying Examination | 1 |
| Other Required | ||
| Physics 624 | Physics of Medicine | 3 |
| Physics 625 | Diagnostic Imaging | 3 |
| Physics 626 | Nuclear Medicine | 3 |
| Physics 627 | Radiation Therapy Physics and Dosimetry | 3 |
| Physics 628 | Health Physics Radiation Protection | 3 |
| Physics 629 | Radiation Biology | 3 |
| Physics 630 – 633 | Clinical Rotation I – II – III – IV | 16 |
| Physics 707 | Advanced Nuclear Physics I | 3 |
| Physics 714 | Radiation and Detectors | 3 |
| Physics Elective | Advanced Physics Elective chosen from PHY 719, 735, 736, or 743 | 3 |
| Physics 791 | Dissertation Research | 10 – 15 |
| Physics 798 | Final Comprehensive Examination | 1 |
| Total | 76 | |
| * Note that a grade of “B” or better is required in each core course. ** PHY 602 is not required in the Core for the Medical Physics Emphasis. |
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How to Apply
Prospective students can apply through the university’s admissions portal using the button below. The application process will require applicants to:
- Submit official high school transcripts or equivalent documentation.
- Provide standardized test scores if required.
- Submit additional materials such as recommendations or personal statements if requested.
- Monitor application status for updates and follow‑up steps.