Graduate Study
Applied Physics
Prospective Students
Graduate students in Applied Physics develop their own course of study and research with the guidance and advice of faculty members in the areas of their research interests. The requirements of the Ph.D. program contain 9 term courses, normally completed in the first two years. Graduate students in Applied Physics are normally required to take certain core courses, as described in the Degree Guidelines. An area exam at the end of 2nd year is required to test the candidate’s mastery of the research subject and readiness to embark on their dissertation.
Research Focused
Students are strongly encouraged to participate in ongoing research as soon as possible. During the first year, a student typically will take a “Special Investigation” research course as one of the four courses in each term, to explore research areas and thesis topics.
Students are funded by a first year fellowship, and will be switched to research assistantship beginning in year two. The minimum residency requirement for the Ph.D. is three full years; most students finish their degree in five to six years.
Master's Degree Path
Applied Physics also offers a Master’s degree, with a primary focus on advanced courses taught by world leading researchers, where state-of-art research insights are customarily infused into the instruction materials. This program also offers students the opportunity to conduct research with faculty members, where first hand experience on the research frontiers in quantum information science, optics/photonics, and quantum materials.
