Physics PhD

Students choose physics at UB because it combines excellence with diversity. By acquiring a rigorous foundation of basic knowledge and skills, as well as hands-on research experience, our graduates are equipped with the necessary tools to embark in any career which values technical aptitude and analytical thinking, as well as the ability to adapt to changes. Most of our graduates are employed as university or college faculty, or in senior technical or managerial positions in industrial, commercial, or research institutions.

Required Courses (18 credits)

All PhD candidates must take and pass a minimum of 30 credit hours in formal graduate courses approved by the Department of Physics with an average grade equivalent to “B” or higher:

PHY 507LEC - Quantum Mechanics I Credits: 3
PHY 508LEC - Quantum Mechanics II Credits: 3
PHY 509LEC - Classical Dynamics Credits: 3
PHY 513LEC - Electrodynamics Credits: 3
PHY 519LEC - Statistical Physics I Credits: 3
PHY 551LAB - Graduate Physics Laboratory I Credits: 3
or
PHY 552LAB - Graduate Physics Laboratory II Credits: 3

Electives (minimum 12 credits)

The following two courses are required:
PHY 601TUT - Departmental Colloquium 1 Credits: 1 - 1st year
PHY 602LEC - Departmental Colloquium Credits: 1 - 2nd year
Research Ethics

Note:

PHY 503 and PHY 504 , as well as any undergraduate courses taken for graduate credits, are excluded. Students who must take remedial or undergraduate courses during the first two semesters will require more than two years to complete their course work.

Research/Dissertation (maximum 42 credits)

PHY 598TUT - Independent Study Credits: 1 - 3
PHY 599TUT - Supervised Teaching Credits: 1 - 3
PHY 600TUT - Graduate Research Credits: 1 - 12
PHY 602LEC - Departmental Colloquium Credits: 1

Total Credit Hours: 72

3.0 Degree GPA required

Instruction Method

In Person (100 percent of courses offered in person)

Full/Part Time Options

Full Time

Credits Required

72 Hours

Time-To-Degree

5 Years

Application Fee

$75

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).

Online programs/courses may require students to come to campus on occasion. Time-to-degree and number of credit hours may vary based on full/part time status, degree, track and/or certification option chosen. Time-to-degree is based on calendar year(s). Contact the department for details.