PhD Physics at University of North Dakota

Programme overview

Advance scientific knowledge and prepare for a dynamic career as a scholar and university-level professor. The study of physics offers endless insights into how our world works. A Ph.D. in Physics from UND offers a deep dive into the workings of the universe.

What you will study

Students seeking the Doctor of Philosophy degree at the University of North Dakota must satisfy all general requirements set forth by the School of Graduate Studies as well as particular requirements set forth by the Physics and Astrophysics Department. The degree is a research degree and is conferred only in recognition of high achievement in independent scientific research and scholarship. Required courses include PHYS 509 Methods of Theoretical Physics; PHYS 510 Methods of Theoretical Physics; PHYS 539 Quantum Mechanics; PHYS 540 Quantum Mechanics; PHYS 541 Theory Electricity Magnetism; PHYS 542 Theory of Electricity and Magnetism.

Career pathways

The Ph.D. program prepares graduates to conduct research, teach in higher education and serve in leadership roles at every level of scientific organization.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

The applicant must meet the School of Graduate Studies’ current minimum general admission requirements as published in the graduate catalog. Applicants who are seeking admission to School of Graduate Studies must meet all of the minimum general School of Graduate Studies admission requirements identified in the graduate catalog. In addition, prospective students must fulfill the requirements for admission to the graduate program in Physics and Astrophysics. Successful completion of a master’s degree (Some programs permit bypassing the master’s degree and allow for direct admission to the Ph.D. degree. Check specific department requirements for admission.) An overall GPA of 3.0 for all graduate work. Completed all undergraduate preparation. Presentation of scores on the GRE General Test and advanced physics test is recommended. Be recommended for doctoral work by the department.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,441 a year (2026-27). North Dakota resident rate. On-campus tuition for 2026/2027 as shown in the programme's tuition table (fall and spring semesters, rate band 'Arts & Science'); excludes mandatory student fees, housing and books. The same table lists Minnesota residents $17 Source

International applicants: USD 26,882 a year (2026-27). International student rate. On-campus tuition for 2026/2027 as shown in the programme's tuition table (fall and spring semesters, rate band 'Arts & Science'); excludes mandatory student fees, housing and books. Source

Terms run Fall (August-December), Spring (January-May) and Summer (May-August).

Graduate applications go through the UND admissions application with a $35 non-refundable fee (no waivers); each graduate program sets its own deadline, listed in the Program Finder.

International graduate applicants: Fall May 1, Spring Sept. 1, Summer Feb. 1, unless the program sets a specific deadline. Application fee $35.

Apply through the official page: https://und.edu/admissions/graduate/apply.html

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