PhD
Physics has always remained and still is at the center of science and technology.  The laws of physics that are reached through observations and careful experimentation find applications from the subatomic particles to the astronomic formations such as stars and galaxies. On the other hand, the design of advanced technology materials, fabrication of semiconductor devices, the development of optical communication systems have all evolved as applications of physics. Our department has both theoretical and experimental research activities. Quantum information theory, gravitation, and condensed matter physics are among our theoretical research interests. On the experimental research side, we have three advanced laboratories where we focus on solid state lasers, optoelectronic and nano-photonic materials and devices. Our Ph.D. Program aims at teaching fundamental physics at a high level and coupling this knowledge with a research experience in either theoretical or applied physics depending on the interests of the student.

Degree Requirements
Students can apply to the Ph.D. programs with a B.S. or M.S. degree. The Ph.D. degree requires successful completion of 14 courses within 3 years and take the Qualifying Examination within 7th semester at latest beyond the B.S. degree and 7 courses within 2 years and take the Qualifying Examination within 5th semester at latest beyond the M.S. degree. In addition to the credit courses, students must complete the non-credit courses; PHYS 590 Seminar, ENGL 500 Graduate Writing and TEAC 500 Teaching Experience.

Curriculum

Required core courses (3 credits each):

• PHYS 501 CLASSICAL MECHANICS
• PHYS 502 CLASSICAL ELECTRODYNAMICS
• PHYS 503 ADVANCED QUANTUM MECHANICS I
• PHYS 506 STATISTICAL MECHANICS I

Elective courses (3 credit each):

• PHYS 504 ADVANCED QUANTUM MECHANICS II
• PHYS 505 CLASSICAL ELECTRODYNAMICS II
•  PHYS 507 STATISTICAL MECHANICS II
• PHYS 508 OPTICAL AND LASER SPECTROSCOPY
• PHYS 509 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS I
• PHYS 510 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS II
• PHYS 513 APPLIED MATHEMATICS I
• PHYS 514 ADVANCED SCIENTIFIC COMPUTATION
• PHYS 515 CLASSICAL FIELD THEORIES
• PHYS 516 GENERAL RELATIVITY AND ASTROPHYSICS
• PHYS 517 QUANTIZED FIELD THEORIES I
• PHYS 518 QUANTIZED FIELD THEORIES II
• PHYS 519 GROUP THEORY AND ITS APPLICATIONS IN PHYSICS
• PHYS 520 OPTICAL MICRO-CAVITIES
• PHYS 521 PHOTONICS AND LASERS
• PHYS 522 ATOM OPTICS
• PHYS 523 INTRODUCTION TO QUANTUM COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION PHYSICS
• PHYS 524 SINGLE-MOLECULE OPTICS
• PHYS 525 PHOTONIC MATERIALS AND DEVICES
• PHYS 526 FEMTOSECOND OPTICS AND LASERS
• PHYS 527 COMPLEX DYNAMICAL SYSTEMS
• PHYS 529 INTRODUCTION TO OPTICS

Students who have TA assignments must take TEAC 500: Teaching Experience during the semesters of their assignments. Students must also take ENGL 500: Graduate Writing course.

PHYS 590 SEMINAR (Non-Credit)
PHYS 595 M.S. THESIS (Non-Credit)