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Doctor of Philosophy in
Physics

Lead Transformative Research to Gain Insight into the Mysteries of Our Universe and Solve Societal Problems

If you want to participate in innovative research in areas such as quantum theory, astro-particle physics, cyber physics, optics, or medical imaging, or enhance your understanding across disciplines to teach at the university level, the doctoral program in physics at the University at Albany will prepare you with the skills and technical acumen to be an authority in the field.

Acquire advanced proficiency in theoretical, experimental and computational physics from string theory and particle physics to computational optical modeling and imaging. Explore creative solutions to challenges facing the modern physical world and strengthen your expertise through fieldwork to prepare for careers like astrophysicist, data scientist and research physicist.

Program of Study

programofstudy

The core curriculum will solidify your intimate understanding of physics, while elective courses and research areas spanning cosmology, quantum mechanics, robotics and medical imaging will allow you to customize your education.

Demonstrate your knowledge and intellectual growth through a dissertation for an opportunity to discuss and present your original, significant contribution to physics.

A minimum of 60 credits with an average grade of B or higher on both overall and on core courses is required.


Core Courses (24 credits)

  • Statistical Mechanics
  • Classical Mechanics
  • Electrodynamics 1
  • Electrodynamics 2
  • Quantum Mechanics 1
  • Quantum Mechanics 2
  • Computational Methods
  • Solid State Physics 1


Electives (12-33 credits)

At least four letter-graded graduate courses with an average grade of B or higher in physics, or in other fields as approved by the physics graduate studies committee. Sample courses:

  • Introduction to General Relativity
  • X-Ray optics, Analysis and Imaging
  • Quantum Field Theory
  • Particle Physics
  • Introduction to Cosmology

Research (3-24 credits)

Research as approved by the advisor.


Transfer or Advanced Standing Credit

Up to 30 credits of core and elective courses may be transferred from another institution as approved by the physics Graduate Studies Committee (GSC).


Dissertation

Your dissertation is expected to represent a significant and original contribution to physics. The dissertation research must be publicly presented, and approved by your research committee, the department and the university.Past Dissertations


Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

For more information, contact[email protected].

Content

Research

Study with faculty who are highly active in research in areas such as information and computational physics, biophysics, quantum mechanics, particles, robotics and medical imaging. You can examine autonomous robots that explore space or the structure of electronic spectra.

Take advantage of relationships with CERN on the ATLAS experiment, the high-profile LUX/LZ Dark Matter searches, the study of string theory and electron analysis.

Translate this research experience into career preparation by publishing papers in peer-reviewed journals and making presentations at international conferences.

Researchers working with technology

Career Outcomes

career

A PhD in Physics qualifies you for employment in the highest levels of academia and industry.

Potential job titles for Physics PhD include:

  • Professor
  • Astronomer
  • Research scientist
  • Lecturer
  • Developer
  • Data scientist

UAlbany graduates have gone on to secure a number of varied careers in physics including jobs at:

  • Lockheed Martin
  • NASA Jet Propulsion Lab
  • Stanford University Cancer Center
  • U.S. Army Research Laboratory
  • Higher education departments across the world
  • Global Foundries
  • IBM
  • Intel

International Students

This degree is designated as a STEM program. International students maintaining F-1 status are allowed to apply for up to 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) following completion/graduation from their degree program. Currently, this degree program is also designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as an eligible degree for the F-1 STEM OPT work authorization extension; students who secure qualifying employment may be eligible to apply for the STEM OPT extension for a cumulative total of up to 36 months of F-1 OPT work authorization.

Admissions Requirements
Deadlines

Departmental Assistantship Consideration

  • Fall: January 15
  • Spring: Not Available
  • Summer: Not Available


No Departmental Assistantship Consideration

  • Fall: July 15
  • Spring: December 1
  • Summer: Not Available
Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Statement of goals

The statement is generally one to two pages discussing what you have to offer the program and what you wish to get out of the program. It should include a brief description of the applicant's field of interest, related background, desired area of study and research emphasis or career goals.

admissions
Student Learning Objectives


Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

PhD
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research.
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to review and present relevant background literature.
  • Students will demonstrate a mastery of advanced concepts.
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