Ph.D. Requirements Summary for Post-Bachelor Students
Please refer to the Formal Requirements for Graduate Study in Physics for complete details.
I. COURSES: Total number required—16:- At least 10 lecture courses from the 500-850 levels, including:
- The required 5 initial sequence theoretical courses
- The required Advanced Laboratory (PY581);
- 2 distribution courses from outside the student’s field of specialization.
- Up to 6 non-lecture courses: these include directed research, directed study (2 maximum), or seminar (2 maximum).
- Note: Students who have taken equivalent courses may petition for specific course waivers.
II. WRITTEN COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
- Examination must be taken for the first time by September of the second year.
III. ORAL QUALIFYING EXAMINATION
- Oral Examination should be taken within one calendar year after successful completion of the Written Comprehensive Examination, but no later than January of the third year.
- Completion of Advanced Laboratory required before a student is eligible for the Oral Examination.
- Four committee members selected at least 3 weeks before the examination.
- One page abstract to the committee at least 2 weeks before the examination.
IV. DEPARTMENTAL SEMINAR
- Seminar must occur within two years of the Oral Qualifying Examination and at least 6 months before the dissertation defense.
- Thesis proposal to the committee at least 2 weeks before the seminar.
V. Ph.D. DISSERTATION AND DEFENSE (approx.deadlines: mid-April for May graduation, mid-December for January graduation).
- Approved thesis abstract received by the Graduate School at least 3 weeks prior to the defense.
- Draft of thesis received by the thesis committee at least 2 weeks prior to the defense.
RECOMMENDED INITIAL COURSE SEQUENCE—numbered courses required for Post-Bachelor Students
|
1st Year |
2nd Year |
||||
Semester I |
Semester II |
September |
Semester I |
Semester II |
May – Sept. |
|
QM I (PY511) |
QM II (PY512) |
Comprehensive Exam |
Adv. Lab (PY581) |
distr/non-lecture |
Oral Qualifying Exam |
|
EM I (PY521) |
EM II (PY 522) |
distr./non-lecture |
distr/non-lecture |
||
| SM I (PY 541) | elective | ||||
Ph.D. Requirements Summary for Post-Master Students
I. COURSES: Total number required—8:
- At least 5 courses from the 500-850 levels, including Advanced Laboratory and 2 distribution courses from outside the student’s field of specialization.
- Up to 3 non-lecture courses: these include directed research, directed study (1 maximum), or seminar (1 maximum).
II. WRITTEN COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
- Post-master’s students are required to take this examination as diagnostic upon entry into the program.
III. ORAL QUALIFYING EXAMINATION
- Within one calendar year after completion of the Comprehensive Examination, but no later than May of the second year.
IV. DEPARTMENTAL SEMINAR
V. Ph.D. DISSERTATION AND DEFENSE
