plato.phy.ohiou.edu

Program Overview:

The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers the Doctor of Philosophy degree. This involves a combination of course work and the completion of an original, scholarly piece of research that is then presented as a Ph.D. dissertation. The research activities of the department are broad. They currently include astrophysics, biophysics, condensed matter and surface science, nanoscience, nuclear physics, and particle physics. Both experimental and theoretical studies are in progress in these areas. Interdisciplinary and inter-departmental programs of study are also possible.

Admissions Policy:

Students entering this degree program are normally expected to have successfully concluded undergraduate work in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics, and should also possess a working knowledge of mathematics including calculus, ordinary differential equations, Fourier series, vector analysis, and the elements of partial differential equations. It is recommended that applicants take the Graduate Record Examination, including the advanced test for physics.

There are no specific deadlines, but most applications for financial aid are received by March 1 and most offers are made by April 15. Most students enter the physics program in the fall; although some add the preceding summer session. Entry during the academic year is possible although not generally encouraged. For all details concerning graduate programs, write to gradapp@phy.ohiou.edu.

Change Policy: No selective or limited admission requirements.

Transfer Policy: No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Opportunities: The Ph.D. qualifies the recipient to pursue work as a professional physicist. It also readies him/her for a variety of careers involving analytical thinking, and experimental or computational skills. More than 75% of our students go on to post-doctoral research positions at other Universities and/or National laboratories. These postdoctoral positions further their training and are considered an essential step towards securing a permanent academic or research position. A significant fraction of our recent graduates have used this career path to obtain a tenure-track position at a University.