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 plus Scholarly Methods in Physics (1 credit course - PY 961).
    • 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

  • Post-Bachelor degree students must officially take the exam by August of the start of their second year in residence at Boston University.
  • A single early attempt -- "free shot" -- may be taken by all students immediately upon entering the BU graduate physics program in August at the start of the first 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
Math Phy (PY501) EM I (PY521)   distr./non-lecture distr./non-lecture  
SM I (PY541) 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 degree students must officially take the exam in January during their first year in residence at Boston University.
  • A single early attempt -- "free shot" -- may be taken by all students immediately upon entering the BU graduate physics program in August at the start of the first year.

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