Physics Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree
Physics
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree
RIT’s physics Ph.D. combines our interdisciplinary approach, renowned faculty, and cutting-edge facilities to empower you to excel in your research and shape the future of physics.
Overview for Physics Ph.D.
Physics plays a crucial role in advancing various scientific and technological fields. Through experimentation, observation, and mathematical analysis, physicists strive to unravel the mysteries of the universe and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge.
The physics Ph.D. program fosters a creative and innovative approach to physics education and knowledge expertise. Graduates of the physics Ph.D. become leaders in their field, shaping and improving the world with the knowledge gained at RIT.
Ph.D. Program in Physics at RIT
RIT's physics Ph.D. program offers various research areas, allowing students to pursue their passion and delve into cutting-edge scientific investigations. As a physics doctoral student, you will have the opportunity to work alongside world-class faculty members at the forefront of their respective fields. Our distinguished professors are dedicated to mentorship, ensuring each student receives personalized guidance and support throughout their academic journey.
The physics Ph.D. program offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to provide you with a deep understanding of fundamental physics principles, advanced research skills, and specialized knowledge in your chosen areas of focus. The program combines core courses, electives, research work, and professional development activities.
Join us for Fall 2024
Many programs accept applications on a rolling, space-available basis.
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Research
A significant component of the physics doctorate involves conducting original research under the guidance of faculty advisors. You will work on research projects aligned with your interests, contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge. This research culminates in completing a doctoral dissertation, which involves original findings and a written thesis.
You will have abundant access to innovative and exciting research. We know that involvement in original research helps prepare our students for their future careers. The physics Ph.D. program offers a diverse range of research areas, allowing students to explore and specialize in various fields of physics.
Physics Research Areas:
- Atomic/molecular/optical (AMO) physics: Exploring the behavior of atoms, molecules, and optical phenomena.
- Biological and soft matter physics: Investigate the behavior of biomolecules, cellular processes, and complex biological systems using physics-based approaches.
- Condensed matter physics: Investigating the properties and behavior of solid materials and complex systems at the atomic and subatomic levels.
- Multi-messenger astrophysics: Includes such areas as gravitational wave physics, special and general relativity, and cosmology.
- Nanoscale materials and device physics: Study the unique characteristics of nanomaterials and their applications in electronic, magnetic, and optical devices.
- Photonics and the next quantum revolution: Focus on harnessing the properties of light and exploring the potential of quantum technologies to develop revolutionary technologies.
- Faculty: Donald Figer, Edwin Hach III, Gregory Howland, Seth Hubbard, Stefan Preble
- Physics education research: Study how to enhance the teaching and learning of physics to enhance student engagement, conceptual understanding, and problem-solving skills in physics education, ultimately shaping the future of science education.
- Faculty: Scott Franklin, Benjamin Zwickl
- Physics for sustainable/renewable energy: Addresses the challenges of sustainable energy production and storage. Investigate innovative materials, devices, and systems for renewable energy generation to develop efficient and environmentally friendly solutions to meet the growing global energy demand and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
- Faculty: Pratik Dholabhai, Seth Hubbard, Santosh Kurinec, Nishant Malik
- Spectroscopy and Microscopy: Focus on developing and applying advanced spectroscopic and microscopic techniques to probe and manipulate matter at atomic and molecular scales. Use state-of-the-art instruments and methodologies to study materials' structural, electronic, and optical properties, enabling insights into fundamental physics, materials science, and nanotechnology.
- Faculty: Charles Bachmann, Gregory Howland, Stefan Preble, Jie Qiao
You will have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty members and engage in cutting-edge research projects aligned with your interests and career aspirations. The physics program encourages interdisciplinary research and the exploration of new frontiers in physics, fostering innovation and scientific discovery.
Curriculum for 2023-2024 for Physics Ph.D.
Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements
Physics, Ph.D. degree, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| PHYS-601 | Graduate Physics Seminar I This course is the first in a two-semester sequence intended to familiarize students with research activities, practices, and ethics in university, government, industry, and other professional research environments and to introduce students to research tools and skill sets important in various professional environments. As part of the course, students are expected to attend research seminars sponsored by the School of Physics and Astronomy and participate in regular journal club offerings. The course also provides training in scientific writing and presentation skills. Credits earned in this course apply to research requirements. Seminar 2 (Fall). |
1 |
| PHYS-602 | Graduate Physics Seminar II This course is the second in a two-semester sequence intended to familiarize students with research activities, practices, ethics in university, government, industry, and other professional research environments and to introduce students to research tools and skill sets important in various professional environments. The course is intended to help students develop a broad awareness of current professional and funding opportunities. As part of the course, students are expected to attend research seminars sponsored by the School of Physics and Astronomy, to participate in regular journal club offerings, to engage in outreach activities, and to participate in visits to regional laboratories and companies. The course provides training in proposal writing and presentation skills. Credits earned in this course apply to research requirements. Seminar 2 (Spring). |
1 |
| Choose two of the following: | 6 |
|
| PHYS-610 | Mathematical Methods for Physics This graduate-level course in mathematical physics covers partial differential equations, Bessel, Legendre and related functions, Fourier series and transforms. Lecture 3 (Fall). |
|
| PHYS-611 | Classical Electrodynamics I This course is a systematic treatment of electro- and magneto-statics, charges, currents, fields and potentials, dielectrics and magnetic materials, Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic waves. Field theory is treated in terms of scalar and vector potentials. Wave solutions of Maxwell's equations, the behavior of electromagnetic waves at interfaces, guided electromagnetic waves, and simple radiating systems will be covered. (Prerequisites: PHYS-412 or equivalent course or Graduate standing.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
|
| PHYS-614 | Quantum Theory This course is a graduate level introduction to the modern formulation of quantum mechanics. Topics include Hilbert space, Dirac notation, quantum dynamics, Feynman’s formulation, representation theory, angular momentum, identical particles, approximation methods including time-independent and time-dependent perturbation theory. The course will emphasize the underlying algebraic structure of the theory with an emphasis on current applications. (Prerequisites: This course is restricted to students in the PHYS-MS, ASTP-MS and ASTP-PHD programs.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
|
| Choose one of the following: | 6 |
|
| PHYS-790 | Graduate Research & Thesis Graduate-level research by the candidate on an appropriate topic as arranged between the candidate and the research advisor. (This course requires permission of the Instructor to enroll.) Thesis (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
|
Physics Elective (or closely related) |
||
| Choose one of the following: | 3 |
|
| PHYS-630 | Classical Mechanics This course is a systematic presentation of advanced topics in Newtonian kinematics and dynamics. Topics include Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of dynamics, central force problems, rigid body kinematics and dynamics, theory of small oscillations, canonical transformations, and Hamilton-Jacobi theory. Lecture 3 (Spring). |
|
| PHYS-640 | Statistical Physics This course is a graduate-level study of the concepts and mathematical structure of statistical physics. Topics include the microcanonical, canonical, and grand-canonical ensembles and their relationships to thermodynamics, including classical, Fermi, and Bose-Einstein statistics. The course includes illustrations and applications from the theories of phase transitions, solids, liquids, gases, radiation, soft condensed matter, and chemical and electrochemical equilibria. The course also treats non-equilibrium topics including the kinetic theory of transport processes, the theory of Brownian motion, and the fluctuation-dissipation theorem. (This course is restricted to students with graduate standing in PHYS or ASTP programs.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
|
Physics Elective (or closely related) |
3 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 3 |
|
| PHYS-610 | Mathematical Methods for Physics This graduate-level course in mathematical physics covers partial differential equations, Bessel, Legendre and related functions, Fourier series and transforms. Lecture 3 (Fall). |
|
| PHYS-611 | Classical Electrodynamics I This course is a systematic treatment of electro- and magneto-statics, charges, currents, fields and potentials, dielectrics and magnetic materials, Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic waves. Field theory is treated in terms of scalar and vector potentials. Wave solutions of Maxwell's equations, the behavior of electromagnetic waves at interfaces, guided electromagnetic waves, and simple radiating systems will be covered. (Prerequisites: PHYS-412 or equivalent course or Graduate standing.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
|
| PHYS-614 | Quantum Theory This course is a graduate level introduction to the modern formulation of quantum mechanics. Topics include Hilbert space, Dirac notation, quantum dynamics, Feynman’s formulation, representation theory, angular momentum, identical particles, approximation methods including time-independent and time-dependent perturbation theory. The course will emphasize the underlying algebraic structure of the theory with an emphasis on current applications. (Prerequisites: This course is restricted to students in the PHYS-MS, ASTP-MS and ASTP-PHD programs.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
|
| Choose from the following: | 6 |
|
| PHYS-790 | Graduate Research & Thesis Graduate-level research by the candidate on an appropriate topic as arranged between the candidate and the research advisor. (This course requires permission of the Instructor to enroll.) Thesis (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
|
Physics Elective (or closely related) |
||
| PHYS-790 | Graduate Research & Thesis Graduate-level research by the candidate on an appropriate topic as arranged between the candidate and the research advisor. (This course requires permission of the Instructor to enroll.) Thesis (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
6 |
Physics Elective (or closely related) |
3 | |
| Third Year | ||
| PHYS-890 | Research & Thesis Dissertation research by the candidate for an appropriate topic as arranged between the candidate and the research advisor. (This course requires permission of the Instructor to enroll.) Cont (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
8 |
| Fourth Year | ||
| PHYS-890 | Research & Thesis Dissertation research by the candidate for an appropriate topic as arranged between the candidate and the research advisor. (This course requires permission of the Instructor to enroll.) Cont (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
8 |
| Fifth Year | ||
| PHYS-890 | Research & Thesis Dissertation research by the candidate for an appropriate topic as arranged between the candidate and the research advisor. (This course requires permission of the Instructor to enroll.) Cont (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
8 |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 60 |
|
Physics (or closely-related) Electives*
| Course | |
|---|---|
| ASTP-760 | Introduction to Relativity and Gravitation |
| ASTP-861 | Advanced Relativity and Gravitation This course is the second in a two-course sequence that introduces Einstein’s theory of General Relativity as a tool in modern astrophysics. The course will cover various aspects of General Relativity, with applications to situations in which strong gravitational fields play a critical role, such as black holes and gravitational radiation. Topics include advanced differential geometry, generic black holes, energy production in black-hole physics, black-hole dynamics, neutron stars, and methods for solving the Einstein equations. The target audience is graduate students in the astrophysics, physics, and mathematical modeling (geometry and gravitation) programs. (Prerequisite: ASTP-660 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| EEEE-610 | Analog Electronics Design This is a foundation course in analog integrated electronic circuit design and is a perquisite for the graduate courses in analog integrated circuit design EEEE-726 and EEEE-730. The course covers the following topics: (1)CMOS Technology (2) CMOS active and passive element models (3) Noise mechanisms and circuit noise analysis (4) Current mirrors (5) Differential amplifiers, cascade amplifiers (6) Multistage amps and common mode feedback (7) Stability analysis of feedback amplifiers; (8) Advanced current mirrors, amplifiers, and comparators (9) Band gap and translinear cells (10) Matching. (Prerequisites: EEEE-480 or equivalent course or graduate standing in EEEE-MS.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
| EEEE-689 | Fundamentals of MEMS Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are widely used in aerospace, automotive, biotechnology, instrumentation, robotics, manufacturing, and other applications. There is a critical need to synthesize and design high performance MEMS which satisfy the requirements and specifications imposed. Integrated approaches must be applied to design and optimized MEMS, which integrate microelectromechanical motion devices, ICs, and microsensors. This course covers synthesis, design, modeling, simulation, analysis, control and fabrication of MEMS. Synthesis, design and analysis of MEMS will be covered including CAD. (Prerequisites: This course is restricted to graduate students in the EEEE-MS, EEEE-BS/MS program.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
| EEEE-620 | Design of Digital Systems The purpose of this course is to expose students to complete, custom design of a CMOS digital system. It emphasizes equally analytical and CAD based design methodologies, starting at the highest level of abstraction (RTL, front-end)), and down to the physical implementation level (back-end). In the lab students learn how to capture a design using both schematic and hardware description languages, how to synthesize a design, and how to custom layout a design. Testing, debugging, and verification strategies are formally introduced in the lecture, and practically applied in the lab projects. Students are further required to choose a research topic in the area of digital systems, perform bibliographic research, and write a research paper following a prescribed format. (Prerequisites: EEEE-420 and EEEE-480 or equivalent courses or graduate standing in EEEE-MS.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
| EEEE-711 | Advanced Carrier Injection Devices A graduate course in the fundamental principles and operating characteristics of carrier-injection-based semiconductor devices. Advanced treatments of pn junction diodes, metal-semiconductor contacts, and bipolar junction transistors form the basis for subsequent examination of more complex carrier-injection devices, including tunnel devices, transferred-electron devices, thyristors and power devices, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and photodetectors. Topics include heterojunction physics and heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBT). (Prerequisites: This course is restricted to graduate students in the EEEE-MS, EEEE-BS/MS program.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| IMGS-616 | Fourier Methods for Imaging This course develops the mathematical methods required to describe continuous and discrete linear systems, with special emphasis on tasks required in the analysis or synthesis of imaging systems. The classification of systems as linear/nonlinear and shift variant/invariant, development and use of the convolution integral, Fourier methods as applied to the analysis of linear systems. The physical meaning and interpretation of transform methods are emphasized. (This class is restricted to graduate students in the IMGS-MS or IMGS-PHD programs.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
| MATH-602 | Numerical Analysis I This course covers numerical techniques for the solution of nonlinear equations, interpolation, differentiation, integration, and matrix algebra. (Prerequisites: MATH-411 or equivalent course and graduate standing.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
| MATH-831 | Mathematical Fluid Dynamics The study of the dynamics of fluids is a central theme of modern applied mathematics. It is used to model a vast range of physical phenomena and plays a vital role in science and engineering. This course provides an introduction to the basic ideas of fluid dynamics, with an emphasis on rigorous treatment of fundamentals and the mathematical developments and issues. The course focuses on the background and motivation for recent mathematical and numerical work on the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations, and presents a mathematically intensive investigation of various models equations of fluid dynamics. (Prerequisite: MATH-741 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
| MCEE-620 | Photovoltaic Science and Engineering This course focuses on the principle and engineering fundamentals of photovoltaic (PV) energy conversion. The course covers modern silicon PV devices, including the basic physics, ideal and non-ideal models, device parameters and design, and device fabrication. The course discusses crystalline, multi-crystalline, amorphous thin films solar cells and their manufacturing. Students will become familiar with basic semiconductor processes and how they are employed in solar cells manufacturing. The course further introduces third generation advanced photovoltaic concepts including compound semiconductors, spectral conversion, and organic and polymeric devices. PV applications, environmental, sustainability and economic issues will also be discussed. Evaluations include assignments and exams, a research/term paper on a current PV topic. (This course requires permission of the Instructor to enroll.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| MCSE-705 | Epitaxial Crystal Growth and Thin Film Science This graduate course focuses on the epitaxial crystal growth and thin film science widely applicable in the electronics and semiconductor industry. This course provides a combination of fundamental and practical knowledge regarding deposition and characterization of metallic and semiconductor thin film materials. Topics include, but are not limited to, thermodynamics of thin film deposition, crystal structures and defects in thin films, the basic nucleation and growth mechanisms of thin films (growth models, lattice matching epitaxy and domain matching epitaxy), thin film processing techniques (physics vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, vapor phase epitaxy, molecular beam epitaxy, pulsed laser deposition), thin film growth instrumentation (energy source, chamber configurations, vacuum systems and growth controllers), and several advanced topics related to defect and dislocation control during the growth of thin films for electrical and optical devices. Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| MCSE-712 | Nonlinear Optics This course introduces nonlinear concepts applied to the field of optics. Students learn how materials respond to high intensity electric fields and how the materials response: enables the generation of other frequencies, can focus light to the point of breakdown or create waves that do not disperse in time or space solitons, and how atoms can be cooled to absolute zero using a(laser. Students will be exposed to many applications of nonlinear concepts and to some current research subjects, especially at the nanoscale. Students will also observe several nonlinear-optical experiments in a state-of-the-art photonics laboratory. (Prerequisites: EEEE-374 or equivalent course or graduate student standing in the MCSE-PHD program.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| MCSE-713 | Lasers This course introduces students to the design, operation and (applications of lasers (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of (Radiation). Topics: Ray tracing, Gaussian beams, Optical cavities, (Atomic radiation, Laser oscillation and amplification, Mode locking and Q switching, and Applications of lasers. (Prerequisites: EEEE-374 or equivalent course or graduate student standing in the MCSE-PHD program.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
| MCSE-771 | Optoelectronics To provide an introduction to the operating principles of optoelectronic devices used in various current and future information processing and transmission systems. Emphasis in this course will be on the active optoelectronic devices used in optical fiber communication systems. Topics include pulse propagation in dispersive media, polarization devices, optical fiber, quantum states of light, fundamental of lasers, semiconductor optics, light-emitting diodes, laser diodes, semiconductor photon detectors, optical modulators, quantum wells, and optical fiber communication systems. (Prerequisite: This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students, 4th or 5th year status or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| MCSE-889 | Special Topics Topics and subject areas that are not regularly offered are provided under this course. Such courses are offered in a normal format; that is, regularly scheduled class sessions with an instructor. (This course is restricted to students in the MCSE-PHD program or those with permission of instructor.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
| MTSE-705 | Experimental Techniques The course will introduce the students to laboratory equipment for hardness testing, impact testing, tensile testing, X-ray diffraction, SEM, and thermal treatment of metallic materials. Experiments illustrating the characterization of high molecular weight organic polymers will be performed. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lab 3 (Spring). |
| PHYS-612 | Classical Electrodynamics II This course is an advanced treatment of electrodynamics and radiation. Classical scattering theory including Mie scattering, Rayleigh scattering, and the Born approximation will be covered. Relativistic electrodynamics will be applied to charged particles in electromagnetic fields and magnetohydrodynamics. (Prerequisites: PHYS-611 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| PHYS-616 | Data Analysis for the Physical Sciences This course is an introductory graduate-level overview of techniques in and applications of data analysis in physics and related fields. Topics examined include noise and probability, model fitting and hypothesis testing, signal processing, Fourier methods, and advanced computation and simulation techniques. Applications are drawn from across the contemporary physical sciences, including soft matter, solid state, biophysics, and materials science. The subjects covered also have applications for students of astronomy, signal processing, scientific computation, and others. (Prerequisites: PHYS-316 or equivalent course or Graduate standing.) Lecture 3 (Biannual). |
| PHYS-667 | Quantum Optics This course explores the fundamental nature of electromagnetic radiation. This course will introduce the student to the second quantized description of light with special attention to its role in a modern understanding of and far reaching utility in emerging technologies. Starting with an appropriate formulation for the quantum mechanical electromagnetic radiation field, we will study quantum mechanical models for interactions with matter, and we will test these models through a series of experiments. (Prerequisites: PHYS-411 and PHYS-414 or equivalent course or Graduate standing.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| PHYS-670 | Teaching and Learning Physics This course covers the fundamentals of how students learn and understand key ideas in physics and how theory can inform effective pedagogical practice. Through examination of physics content, pedagogy and problems, through teaching, and through research in physics education, students will explore the meaning and means of teaching physics. Topics include: misconceptions, resources and phenomenological primitives, theoretical foundations for active-learning, constructivism, epistemological, affective, and social-cultural issues that affect learning, guided and unguided reflection strategies, design-oriented curricula, and effective uses of educational labs and technology. Useful for all students, especially for those in interested in physics, teaching and education research. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| PHYS-689 | Graduate Special Topics This is a graduate course on a topic that is not part of the formal curriculum. This course is structured as an ordinary course and has specific prerequisites, contact hours, and examination procedures. Lec/Lab 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
| PHYS-715 | Advanced Quantum Theory This course is a graduate-level introduction to quantum mechanics that is a continuation of COS-PHYS-614. Topics include review and expansion of approximation methods, mixed states and density operators, identical particles, scattering theory, quantization of the nonrelativistic string, quantization of the electromagnetic field, interaction of radiation with matter, the Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations, and second quantization. (Prerequisite: PHYS-614 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| PHYS-720 | Computational Methods for Physics This hands-on course introduces students to the different ways that scientists use computers to address problems in physics. The course covers root finding, interpolation, numerical differentiation and integration, numerical linear algebra, the solution of ordinary and partial differential equations, fast Fourier transforms, numerical statistics, and optional topics drawn from areas of current physics research. In each of these areas, students will write their own codes in an appropriate language. Lecture 3 (Biannual). |
| PHYS-732 | Advanced Solid State Physics This is an advanced graduate course in the physics of the solid state. Topics include crystal structure and scattering, models involving non-interacting and interacting electrons, solid-state physics of electronic components, cohesion and elasticity of solids, theory of phonons, and magnetic properties of solids. Lecture 3 (Spring). |
| PHYS-751 | Soft Matter Physics This course is a graduate-level study of the physics of soft matter systems. Topics include the forces between molecules and surfaces, statistical models of soft matter solutions, self-assembly, elasticity, and viscoelasticity. The course includes illustrations and applications to polymers, colloids, surfactants, liquid crystals, and gels. Lecture 3 (Biannual). |
| PHYS-752 | Biological Physics This graduate-level course in biological physics provides an introductory survey of biological physics, followed by the topics of (i) forces between atoms, molecules, particles, and surfaces important for living systems; (ii) equilibrium statistical physics solution models relevant for biological systems; (iii) self-assembling systems in living cells and organisms; (iv) elasticity and viscoelasticity in cells and organisms; and (v) examples of active matter. Lecture 3 (Biannual). |
| PHYS-760 | Radiation Interactions & Scattering Probes of Matter This course is a graduate-level study of the radiation-matter interactions with a particular focus on scattering as a probe of materials and condensed-matter systems. Topics include a classical treatment of electromagnetic radiation and scattering, quantum aspects of electromagnetic interactions, a survey of various types of photon and neutron scattering experiments, the physical basis of double-differential scattering cross-sections, and
scattering as a probe of structure and dynamics. Lecture 3 (Biannual). |
| PHYS-767 | Optical Coherence and Light-Matter Interactions This graduate-level introduction to optics helps prepare students for research in cutting-edge optics laboratories and theoretical groups at RIT. Topics include diffraction, nature and propagation of temporal and spatial classical coherence, polarimetry, applications of second-order coherence, two-level systems, classical and semi-classical treatments of light-matter interaction, and selected topics from nonlinear optics. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Biannual). |
| PHYS-770 | Advanced Methods in Physics Education Research This course provides an understanding of advanced quantitative and qualitative methods in physics education research, including statistical analysis of quantitative data, developing and conducting surveys and interviews in various formats analysis approaches for qualitative data, needs assessments, and program evaluation. The course is designed to prepare researchers to conduct high quality physics education research using various approaches; including case study, ethnography, mixed methods, and outcome-based research. Attention will also be paid to developing a research question that matches one’s access to data and methodology, progressive hypothesis refinement, and crafting sound interpretations from rigorous data analysis. Students will also be introduced to institutional requirements, including Institutional Review Board (IRB) procedures and commonly used ethical trainings. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Biannual). |
| PHYS-789 | Graduate Special Topics This is a graduate-level course on a topic that is not part of the formal graduate physics curriculum. This course is structured as an ordinary course and has specific prerequisites, contact hours, and examination procedures. Lec/Lab (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
| PHYS-799 | Independent Study This course is a faculty-directed tutorial of appropriate topics that are not part of the formal curriculum. The level of study is appropriate for a graduate-level student. Ind Study (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
| PHYS-889 | Physics Advanced Graduate Special Topics This is a PhD-level course on a topic that is not part of the formal curriculum. This course is structured as an ordinary course and has specific prerequisites, contact hours, and examination procedures. (This course requires permission of the Instructor to enroll.) Lecture (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
| PHYS-899 | Physics Advanced Independent Study This course is a faculty-directed tutorial of appropriate topics that are not part of the formal curriculum. The level of study is appropriate for a PhD-level student. (This course requires permission of the Instructor to enroll.) Ind Study (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
* This list is representative and not exhaustive.
Admissions and Financial Aid
This program is available on-campus only.
| Offered | Admit Term(s) | Application Deadline | STEM Designated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full‑time | Fall | January 15 priority deadline, rolling thereafter | Yes |
Full-time study is 9+ semester credit hours. International students requiring a visa to study at the RIT Rochester campus must study full‑time.
Application Details
To be considered for admission to the Physics Ph.D. program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete an online graduate application.
- Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
- Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college in the physical sciences or engineering.
- A recommended minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent).
- Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
- Submit a statement of purpose for research which will allow the Admissions Committee to learn the most about you as a prospective researcher.
- Submit two letters of recommendation.
- Entrance exam requirements: GRE, both General and Physics, are optional. No minimum score requirement.
- Writing samples are optional.
- Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic), if required. Details are below.
English Language Test Scores
International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver.
| TOEFL | IELTS | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|
| 94 | 7.0 | 66 |
International students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Each program requires balanced sub-scores when determining an applicant’s need for additional English language courses.
How to Apply Start or Manage Your Application
Cost and Financial Aid
An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Ph.D. students typically receive full tuition and an RIT Graduate Assistantship that will consist of a research assistantship (stipend) or a teaching assistantship (salary).
The School is committed to a diverse applications pool and alleviating any financial burden of application. For information, please contact the Program Director.
Additional Information
Foundation Courses
Physics forms the backbone of many scientific and engineering disciplines, thus candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. However, applicants to the doctoral program are typically expected to have some undergraduate preparation in physics, including courses in electromagnetism, classical and quantum mechanics, statistical physics, and mathematical methods of physics. If applicants have not taken the expected background coursework, the program director may require the student to successfully complete foundational courses prior to matriculating into the Ph.D. program. A written agreement between the candidate and the program director will identify the required foundation courses, which must be completed with an overall B average before a student can matriculate into the graduate program. Note that this can lead to a delay in degree completion by as much as a year.