Program Overview
The UNLV Ph.D. in Physics program prepares students for careers in research or education. The program offers a customized curriculum, developing skills in data analysis, modeling, and experimentation. Graduates are well-equipped for positions in research, academia, and industry, with alumni holding tenure-track faculty positions and roles at national laboratories and private companies.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Objective:
The purpose of the Physics M.S. and Ph.D. degrees are to prepare students for a career in Physics Research or in education at the university level.
Description:
The Ph.D. in Physics program at UNLV provides students with a custom program designed by their advisor and advising committee. The program allows students to develop critical skills in data analysis, computer modeling, data measurement, high technology awareness/familiarity/expertise, ability to conduct independent scholarship/experimentation, leadership, writing/communication proficiency, mathematical expertise, creativity ("thinking outside of the box"), and critical thinking/analytical reasoning. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in research, education, and industry.
Outline:
Post-Bachelor's Track:
Required Courses:
- PHYS 700 - Mathematical Physics I
- PHYS 711 - Electromagnetic Theory I
- PHYS 712 - Electromagnetic Theory II
- PHYS 721 - Quantum Theory I
- PHYS 722 - Quantum Theory II
- PHYS 731 - Statistical Physics I
Elective Courses:
- 18 credits of 600- or 700-level AST or PHYS courses, or other advisor-approved courses.
Seminar Course:
- PHYS 796 - Graduate Seminar (6 credits, including three acceptable presentations)
Dissertation:
- PHYS 799 - Doctoral Dissertation (18 credits)
Post-Master's Track:
Required Courses:
- 6-12 credits from the following list of courses:
- PHYS 700 - Mathematical Physics I
- PHYS 711 - Electromagnetic Theory I
- PHYS 712 - Electromagnetic Theory II
- PHYS 721 - Quantum Theory I
- PHYS 722 - Quantum Theory II
- PHYS 731 - Statistical Physics I
Seminar Course:
- PHYS 796 - Graduate Seminar (0-6 credits, including three acceptable presentations)
Dissertation:
- PHYS 799 - Doctoral Dissertation (18 credits)
Assessment:
- Minimum grade of B- in each course
- Overall GPA of 3.00 or better
- Satisfactory performance on a written qualifying examination on advanced undergraduate physics
Careers:
Graduates of the UNLV Ph.D. in Physics program have obtained tenure-track faculty positions in four-year colleges, postdoctoral and technical staff member positions at NSTEC, Pacific Northwest Laboratory, and Los Alamos National Laboratory. Some have become senior scientists at private companies such as Acton Research.
