Department of Physics
123 Small Hall
300 Ukrop Way
Williamsburg, VA 23185
Vision
We envision a scholarly physics community distinguished by excellence in research, impactful undergraduate & graduate teaching, and tailored mentorship that fosters curiosity & innovation.
Mission
We pursue world-class scientific exploration across physics subfields and provide a transformative education defined by outstanding teaching, significant research experience, close mentorship, and collaboration among undergraduate, graduate, postdoctoral, and faculty researchers. We maintain a commitment to scientific discovery and the formation of future scientists & leaders. We enhance these activities through partnerships with national laboratories, regional institutions, and industry.
About the Physics Department
The Physics Department offers graduate study and research that leads to the Ph.D. degree.
Students applying with an undergraduate degree must satisfactorily complete the M.S. requirements before working towards the PhD. We do not admit students who are seeking a terminal Master’s degree, though one may be awarded after completing all requirements for the M.S.
Our research mission is to understand the fundamental origin and the mathematical description of physical phenomena. Currently, the Department of Physics conducts active research in the following areas:
- Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Experiment
- Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Theory
- Condensed Matter Experiment
- Condensed Matter Theory
- Nuclear and Hadronic Experiment
- Nuclear and Hadronic Theory
- High Energy Experiment
- High Energy Theory
- Plasma and Nonlinear Physics
In addition, we have affiliated efforts in accelerator physics (in cooperation with Jefferson Lab) and materials characterization (in cooperation with NASA-Langley Research Center). The Physics Department maintains strong links with William & Mary’s Applied Science Department and students can work on projects there as well.
Program Structure
The graduate program in physics at William & Mary rests on three pillars: coursework, teaching, and research.
Coursework: All candidates for graduate degrees must successfully complete a program of core plus elective courses that is approved by the department.
Teaching: Teaching is an integral part of the educational process for those who seek an advanced degree. Degree candidates will be assigned teaching duties for at least two semesters.
Research: The Department carries out experimental and theoretical research in many subfields, and the results are communicated in refereed journals, in conferences and seminars, and in books. Graduate students learn to conduct original scientific research in physics.
Graduate students are also expected to participate in the Department’s public service efforts.
Admission Requirements
Students are admitted directly to the Ph.D. program. Students who have recently completed their undergraduate degree as well as students who have completed a Masters are considered for admission. The department will endeavor to provide financial support to Ph.D. students who are making satisfactory progress in their course work and research.
William & Mary uses an online application system. Application materials consist of transcripts and three letters of recommendation. The general and physics subject GRE scores are not required but may optionally be supplied. The absence of GRE scores will not negatively affect the application. Supplemental application questions are also required. If English is not your first language, your Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores are required and must be sent directly to William & Mary by the Educational Testing Service or IELTS. Upon the recommendation of the physics program the TOEFL/IELTS requirement can be waived for applicants who will have received a degree from a college or university in which English is the primary language of instruction.
Although exceptions are made, it is recommended that graduate students begin their course work in the fall semester. New students who will be supported during the academic year may receive research assistantships for the summer before they begin their formal course work if funds are available.