Graduate Degree Program Requirements

All graduate students in physics are encouraged to participate in research at the earliest opportunity. To introduce new students to ongoing research activities, the Physics Department organizes a weekly series of mini-colloquia during each fall and winter term. These mini-colloquia serve as an occasion for new students to meet each other and faculty members.

Master of Science (MS)

There is not an official Master of Science program. However, students can fulfill the MS requirements and obtain a degree while pursuing the PhD.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Admission: While no minimum undergraduate GPA or course requirements are specified, a sufficient undergraduate physics curriculum--emphasizing classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermal and statistical physics, quantum physics, and modern physics--is expected, to provide the necessary grounding for graduate-level work. Applicants should have completed at least the equivalent of a full undergraduate physics major: that is, a one-year general physics course, 18 hours of intermediate-level and advanced-level physics, and a course in differential equations. The GRE general test is required; the GRE subject test is highly recommended.

Specific Course Requirements: Although no absolutes govern the selection of the nine 500-level physics courses needed for candidacy, students are expected to demonstrate proficiency in the material of Physics 505/506, 511/512, and 507; these courses--in addition to Physics 510 and 513--are considered the "suggested core." The graduate advisor in physics will determine whether a student can use previous work to demonstrate proficiency in these areas.

Students must also pass a two-part qualifying exam, participate in supervised non-thesis research (Physics 515/715) or an equivalent endeavor, form a Dissertation Committee, write a prospectus, and pass a preliminary exam. In addition to achieving candidacy, students must successfully complete 68 Rackham fee hours of courses, pass one 600-level course (two credit hours or more, with a B (5.0) or better), and submit and defend a dissertation on original research.

Qualifying Examination: The student must pass a written Qualifying Examination based on material covered in standard advanced undergraduate physics courses. This requirement must be satisfied before the beginning of the third year. Contact the Physics Office of Student Services, 2464 Randall Lab.

Foreign Language Requirement: None

Work Experience Requirement: None

Preliminary Examination: The constitution of the examination is left to the discretion of the dissertation committee. It is anticipated that in most cases the examination will be oral and will detail the physics to be faced by the student in his/her chosen topic for the dissertation.

Dissertation Prospectus: A prospectus is required for the preliminary exam.

Candidate Status: For information on the dissertation committee, final oral examination, and publication of dissertation, see the Graduate Student Handbook.