Program Overview
Stevens Institute of Technology's Physics Ph.D. program offers exceptional research opportunities within state-of-the-art facilities, guided by renowned faculty and leveraging industry partnerships. Through rigorous coursework and qualifying examinations, students become qualified candidates to conduct original research, leading to a dissertation and career pathways in academia or research-intensive industries. The program emphasizes experiential learning, collaborative research, and the development of skills relevant to the modern technological landscape.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Stevens physics Ph.D. program provides students with leading-edge research experience coveted by academic and industrial employers. The Department of Physics is committed to advancing both science and scientists. Students will deepen and broaden their understanding of technology and physical science while learning about the latest experiential and theoretical innovations in these fields. Stevens' physics faculty are leaders in their fields, attracting significant government and industry funding, publishing in high-profile journals, and creating patents and start-up companies. The Department of Physics offers dynamic opportunities to explore leading-edge research in collaboration within and beyond the New York City metropolitan area.
Outline:
- Core Courses:
- PEP 642
- PEP 643
- PEP 644
- PEP 554
- PEP 528
- PEP 555
- PEP 510
- One 600-level advanced quantum mechanics course
- Required Coursework:
- PEP 667 Statistical Mechanics
- One 600-level quantum mechanics application course
- Two 700-level courses chosen in consultation with an academic advisor
- Three Ph.D. signature credits (can be in one or multiple approved courses)
- Qualifying Examination:
- Consists of two oral examinations.
- The first oral examination tests mastery of a set of core physics topics.
- The second oral examination tests the student's ability to discuss physics problems and current research topics with an examining committee of three faculty members.
- Candidates have two opportunities to pass each examination.
- The first attempt must be made within the first two years of study at Stevens.
- Upon successful completion of both examinations, they become qualified Ph.D. candidates.
- Doctoral Dissertation and Advisory Committee:
- Within six weeks after passing the qualification examination, a Ph.D. advisory committee shall be formed for each Ph.D. student.
- The committee consists of a major advisor on the physics department faculty, an additional physics department faculty member, and a third Stevens faculty member from any department other than physics.
- Additional committee members from Stevens or elsewhere may also be included.
- Students carry out an original research program under the supervision of the major advisor and advisory committee.
- The results of the research will be presented in a written dissertation.
- Upon approval of the advisory committee, the written dissertation will be defended by the student in an oral defense.
Assessment:
- Qualifying Examination: Two oral examinations testing mastery of core physics topics and the ability to discuss physics problems and current research topics.
- Doctoral Dissertation: An original research program presented in a written dissertation and defended orally.
Teaching:
- Faculty: Leaders in their fields, attracting significant government and industry funding, publishing in high-profile journals, and creating patents and start-up companies.
- Hands-on Research Experience: Students work closely with faculty in state-of-the-art laboratories.
- Collaborative Learning: Students join research groups with students at a variety of levels of experience and outstanding faculty.
- Experiential Learning: Students engage in experiential learning in state-of-the-art research labs and facilities.
- Guest Speaker Series: Brings real-world experience to the program.
Careers:
- Academic Positions: Many physics Ph.D. students receive job offers as professors and postdoctoral researchers immediately upon graduation.
- Industry Positions: Stevens' proximity to New York City's financial industry hub and its thriving start-up community provides opportunities for research collaborations, networking, and employment.
Other:
- Research Areas:
- Nonlinear On-Chip Quantum Photonics
- Topological Physics
- 2D Materials
- Coherence Optics
- Quantum Machine Learning
- Quantum LIDAR
- Quantum Gravity
- Other Fundamental and Applied Research Themes
- Partnerships: Stevens enjoys strong partnerships with leading universities and research centers in the region and around the world.
- Center for Quantum Science and Engineering (CQSE): Doctoral students may join the CQSE and participate in building the quantum internet.
- National Research Centers: Experience working in or with national research centers.
- Stevens Advantage: Stevens' proximity to New York City's financial industry hub and its thriving start-up community provides opportunities for research collaborations, networking, and employment.
- A Tech Forward Education: The educational experience in the program is designed to imbue students with the mindset, skills, and abilities needed to stay relevant in a rapidly-evolving technological and professional landscape.
