Graduate Degree in Physics

Program Overview

The UC Berkeley Ph.D. program in Physics equips students with a strong foundation in classical and modern physics, preparing them for leadership roles in the scientific field. Students benefit from a diverse faculty, weekly colloquia and seminars, and access to renowned research facilities. Graduates are well-positioned for careers in academia and industry, contributing to the nation's scientific leadership.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The UC Berkeley Ph.D. program in Physics welcomes approximately 45 students each year from around the world. The program focuses on equipping students with a strong foundation in classical and modern physics, leading them to become leaders in the scientific field.

Assessment:

Students must pass written examinations in classical and modern physics (preliminary exams) at the beginning of each semester.

Teaching:

The Physics Department at Berkeley boasts a diverse faculty spanning the full spectrum of modern physics. Students are encouraged to establish research connections with these faculty members after completing their preliminary exams. The department also offers weekly colloquia, over a dozen specialized weekly seminars, and a weekly department tea, fostering an intellectually stimulating and friendly environment for students to interact with distinguished visitors from around the globe.

Careers:

Upon graduation, Ph.D. recipients from Berkeley are well-prepared to contribute to the nation's scientific leadership, both in academia and industry.

Other:

• The Physics Department only admits graduate students for the fall semester.
• The application deadline for Fall 2024 admission is December 11, 2023.
• The normative time to Ph.D. is six years.
• The department fosters a positive environment for students, faculty, and staff, enhanced by the beauty and cultural richness of the San Francisco Bay Area.
• The department's location provides access to resources like the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Space Sciences Laboratory, Molecular Design Institute, and other departments on campus.
• Berkeley boasts nationally-ranked programs in various fields, including Astronomy, Molecular and Cell Biology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mathematics, which are valuable resources for physics students.
• Annual social events include the department picnic and holiday party.