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.        FOREIGN LANGUAGE EXAMINATION

III.       WRITTEN COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION

• Examination must be taken for the first time by September of the second year.

IV.       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.

V.        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.

VI.   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

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.        FOREIGN LANGUAGE EXAMINATION

III.       WRITTEN COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION

• Post-master's students are required to take this examination as diagnostic upon entry into the program.

IV.       ORAL QUALIFYING EXAMINATION

• Within one calendar year after completion of the Comprehensive Examination, but no later than May of the second year.

V.        DEPARTMENTAL SEMINAR

VI.       Ph.D. DISSERTATION AND DEFENSE