Doctor of Philosophy in Physics

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Students prepare for research by taking courses appropriate for a Ph.D. degree, and most obtain a master's degree as a first step. Each student has two chances to pass the Qualifying Examination. The ultimate goal is to successfully conduct an original research project with the help of a faculty adviser. This research is then comprehensively written up as a thesis and defended in a final oral examination. Our department is uniquely positioned within the University of Missouri System and the entire state. We have strong research programs in astrophysics atomic, molecular and optical (AMO) physics as well as condensed matter and materials physics. The AMO physics program is the only such program in the University of Missouri System. Our astrophysics program houses the only LIGO (gravitational wave) research group in the state. The department is heavily involved in interdisciplinary activities, in particular in materials research and high-performance computing.

College of Arts, Sciences, and Business