PhD Physics at University of Idaho

Programme overview

In this physics program, you will delve deep into your exploration of the laws of the universe and gain valuable research experiences that will prepare you to make your own groundbreaking contributions to the field. As a graduate student, you will have opportunities to work alongside faculty on leading research programs that center on condensed matter physics, theoretical nuclear physics, astronomy and planetary science and biological physics. You will spend significant time in the lab, where you will use sophisticated instrumentation to study mechanics, electronics, atomic and nuclear physics, quantum mechanics or other physics sub-areas that interest you.

What you will study

Required courses listed in the catalogue include PHYS 5010 Seminar (Must enroll each semester); PHYS 5210 Advanced Mechanics; PHYS 5330 Statistical Mechanics; PHYS 5410 Electromagnetic Theory I; PHYS 5420 Electromagnetic Theory II; PHYS 5500 Quantum Mechanics I.

Career pathways

Related occupations listed for this programme include Natural Sciences Managers; Physicists; Postsecondary Physics Teachers; Postsecondary Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Science Teachers; Secondary School Teachers; Biochemists and Biophysicists.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Education level: Bachelor's; GPA: 3.0; GRE: No; TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo: 79/6.5/115 (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language); Number of references: Three; Other requirements: No. Applicants must also meet University of Idaho College of Graduate Studies admission requirements.

Entry terms: fall (August start), spring (January start) and summer (mid-May start). Fall 2027 applications are open and the university admits on a rolling basis.

Graduate priority dates for full consideration for admission and funding: fall Jan. 15, spring Sept. 1, summer Jan. 15. Programme-specific deadlines take precedence. The online application fee is $50 (non-refundable).

Law (JD): apply through the LSAC portal; the Fall 2027 application opens Sept. 1, 2026 and the final deadline is June 30, 2027. The application fee is $50 (waived through Jan. 15, 2027).

Apply through the official page: https://www.uidaho.edu/graduate-studies/admissions

Explore more study programmes

Engineering