Physics (Ph.D.)

Physics (Ph.D.) | Graduate

Advances in quantum science and physics will be instrumental for next-generation computing, new materials, and drug design. Our doctoral program in Physics provides a solid foundation in pure and applied physics and an opportunity for students to pursue in-depth investigations in dynamic areas of physics from quantum materials science to nuclear physics and nanoscience.

The Ph.D. in Physics at Howard’s Graduate School offers leading research programs in current and dynamic areas of physics, including quantum materials science, condensed matter and materials physics, elementary particle physics, nuclear physics, renewable energy, astrophysics, cosmology, biophysics, string theory, nanoscience, and optical spectroscopy. With such a rich offering of research areas, you'll have an opportunity to pursue research in most areas of contemporary physics. Like many of our graduate alumni, our program will prepare you to pursue physics-related careers in academia, industry, data science, research, or government. As a doctoral student in the Physics Ph.D. program, you'll gain a firm grounding in contemporary theoretical, experimental, and computational analysis approaches to physics. You'll also have access to innovative research laboratory capabilities that allow you to carry out independent, original research tailored to your individualized program of study.  A graduate seminar series provides our students with more specialized exposure to the latest research in the field and provides a venue for students to present their early-stage research and translate their research results effectively to various audiences. You'll also benefit from the close mentorship of faculty. Our Physics faculty are dedicated to advancing research in the field — but first and foremost, they’re committed to your professional development. 

Program Snapshot

      ❱  72 credit hours 
      ❱  Full-time
      ❱  On-campus format
      ❱  Degree: Ph.D.
      ❱  Dual degree: M.D./Ph.D.

Application Deadlines

Spring 2025 entry: 
      ❱  Nov. 15, 2024 (final deadline)

Fall 2025 entry: 
      ❱  Dec. 1, 2024 (early deadline)
      ❱  Feb. 15, 2025 (priority deadline)
      ❱  Apr. 15, 2025 (final deadline)

Applicants should submit their applications as early as possible for earlier consideration of departmental funding opportunities. Applicants have until the final deadline to apply. However, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the admissions cycle. 

• Degree Classification: Graduate
• Related Degrees: Ph.D.

Application for Admission

• Online GradCAS application
• Statement of purpose/ Statement of academic interest (500-1,000 words)
• GRE scores not required
• Official transcripts sent to GradCAS
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or the international equivalent
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Autobiographical statement (500-750 words; Your autobiographical statement should highlight your achievements in the field, such as publications as an undergraduate student and/or citations. Also, you can highlight life events that are relevant to your raining and education in the subject)

GRE Required?

• No

GRE Preferred Minimums

• GRE Verbal Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Quantitative Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Analytical Writing: N/A

GPA Required Minimums

• Overall GPA minimum: 3.0
• Undergrad GPA minimum: 3.0

Prerequisite Courses (Recommended)

The following course prerequisites are recommended, not required (Students deemed qualified but not having appropriate recommended training may be admitted provisionally). No expiration date for recommended prerequisites; a grade of at least a B is recommended in each course.

• Physics (advanced college-level lectures, labs not required, 9 semester credit hrs)
• Calculus-based Mathematics (college-level lecture, 3 semester credit hrs)
• Differential Equations (college-level lecture, 3 semester credit hrs)

Reference Requirements

Evaluator type accepted:

• Professor (Required)
• Supervisor/Manager
• Other

Evaluator type not accepted:

• Coworker
• Friend
• Family Member
• Clergy