Degree Requirements:

(See general College requirements in ‘Graduate Regulations ’.)

The candidate must complete a program of courses required by the Department. This program depends on the candidate’s preparation and special interests, but will include:

• PHYS 601 - Classical Mechanics 
• PHYS 603 - Mathematical Physics 
• PHYS 610 - Classical Electricity and Magnetism-I 
• PHYS 621 - Quantum Mechanics - I 
• PHYS 622 - Quantum Mechanics - II 
• PHYS 630 - Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics 

The candidate must take the Ph.D. qualifying exam. This exam deals with the undergraduate material, the content of the first-year graduate courses and colloquia. There are two possible outcomes of the qualifying exam: pass or not pass at the Ph.D. level. Passing at the Ph.D. level satisfies the exam requirement for an M.S. degree. Otherwise, the Physics faculty will consider the qualifying exam score, along with academic performance in course work and research performance (if any), in order to determine whether the standards for a Master of Science degree are met. The candidate is required to register for Colloquium, (PHYS 685 ) for a minimum of two semesters of residence. In addition, the candidate must accumulate 32 credit hours, including registering for PHYS 651  or PHYS 652  to obtain a minimum of two semesters teaching experience.