Physics Graduate Curriculum

Doctoral Program

See the Graduate Bylaws ; Learning Goals for the PhD program may be found here. 

Remarks: No less than 12 credits must be at the 700 level. 600-level classes can be replaced by other courses for students with M.S. degrees who have taken these courses in the master's program. All doctoral students must enroll each semester prior to their candidacy in 26:755:791 Doctoral Seminar.

Ph.D. in Applied Physics (with bachelor's degree)

(36 course credits)

Ph.D. in Applied Physics (with master's degree)

(24 course credits)

Qualifying Examination and Research Examination

The student must pass a written qualifying examination (qualifiers) and an oral candidacy research examination (candidacy). The qualifiers are administered yearly (typically in June in collaboration with NJIT) to test general academic preparation and competence for research in applied physics.

Within one year after passing the written qualifying examination, the student is required to pass the Ph.D. candidacy examination. At the candidacy exam, the prospective Ph.D. candidate presents a preliminary research proposal for approval by the dissertation committee.

The student will be allowed two attempts to pass the qualifiers and the candidacy examinations.

Dissertation and Defense

An oral presentation and defense of the doctoral dissertation is required. A five-member committee, chaired by the dissertation advisor, must approve the content and presentation of the dissertation research.

Offered Courses

Master's Degrees

General: A minimum of 30 degree credits (600 or 700 level), including a 6-credit thesis or a 3-credit project is required. Of the 30 credits, 18 must be physics courses (including 3 credits of mathematical physics or applied mathematics). The remaining 12 to 15 credits are elective courses. The Learning Goals for the MS degree may be found here. 

Seminar: All masters students must enroll each semester in 26:755:791 Doctoral Seminar.

M.S. in Applied Physics (Master's project)

M.S. in Applied Physics (Master's thesis)