PhD Physics at Stony Brook University

Programme overview

The PhD in Physics is a research doctorate in the Department of Physics and Astronomy that may specialize in any area of physics research. Concentrations are available in astronomy, physical biology (with the Laufer Center for Quantitative Biology) and chemical physics. Students are encouraged to begin research early and start thesis research no later than the beginning of their third year.

Faculty: College of Arts and Sciences | Department: Department of Physics and Astronomy | Duration: Typical length of time to the PhD is four to six years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Stony Brook, NY, United States

What you will study

Core courses are Classical Mechanics, Classical Electrodynamics, Quantum Mechanics I and II, and Statistical Mechanics, plus graduate seminars, Methods of Experimental Research I and three advanced courses in three areas of physics. Students pass a written comprehensive exam by the fourth semester and an oral exam before the fifth semester, complete one year of teaching, and write and defend a dissertation.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Department of Physics and Astronomy graduate admission (applies to its graduate programmes): a bachelor's degree in physics or a closely related field from an accredited institution; a minimum grade average of B in all undergraduate coursework and B or better in sciences and mathematics; acceptance by the department and the Graduate School. Applicants not meeting the degree or grade requirement may in special cases be admitted provisionally without financial support.

Requirements published at program group level.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate School: the application fee is $100 (limited exceptions). Deadlines vary by program; for fall applications considered for funding the deadline is typically January 15.

Apply through the official page: https://www.stonybrook.edu/grad/admissions/apply-graduate-programs.html

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