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Physics students in Dr. Swa Hla's lab at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ University
Physics Graduate Degrees

Earn a Graduate Physics Degree and Accelerate Your Career

Physics & Astronomy graduate students study with internationally renowned faculty and take advantage of distinctive facilities at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ University.

Research areas 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 also are possible.

The John E. Edwards Accelerator Laboratory, the MDM Observatory, and a scanning tunneling microscope are just a few of the specialized labs available to graduate students.

Physics Doctoral and Master's Degrees

Choose a Research Area

Experimental and theoretical studies take place in these areas. Inter-disciplinary and inter-departmental programs also are possible.

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    Astrophysics and Cosmology

    Learn the physical principles behind the workings and evolution of the universe and its structures, including stars, black holes, galaxies, and cosmological large-scale structure. Combine observational and theoretical studies with the option of a thesis or dissertation project in observational or theoretical astrophysics. Observational work can be completed with Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ University’s share of the MDM observatory and/or other national and international observatories.

    Astrophysics and Cosmology
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    Biophysics

    Learn the physics, mathematics and life science principles involved in this strong interdisciplinary field of research, where concepts of physics, mathematics and biology combine. Our Quantitative Biology Institute, the interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program and the Bioengineering Program facilitate this advanced training. Work in collaboration with biologists, bioengineers and mathematicians and learn how to utilize emerging computing technologies.

    Biophysics
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    Nanoscience

    Learn the basic principles that govern the physics of condensed matter physics, including phenomena at atomic, nano-, meso- and macroscopic scales for crystalline solids and amorphous materials. The program combines experimental and theoretical studies in all these areas. Conduct experimental work with state-of-the-art Athens facilities and/or in collaboration with national facilities. Research on theoretical physics range from analytic model development to computational physics.

    Nanoscience
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    Nuclear and Particle Physics

    Learn the basic principles that govern sub-atomic particles, from the quark-and-gluon substructure of nucleons to how complex nuclei are composed. The program includes both theoretical and experimental components as well as the application of nuclear physics to astrophysics. Experimental work is performed in the on-campus Edwards Accelerator Laboratory or at external facilities including the Thomas Jefferson and Brookhaven national laboratories. Theoretical research includes computational investigations as well as analytic models.

    Nuclei & Particles
 

Physics Graduate Financial Aid

Virtually all graduate students in the Department of Physics & Astronomy are supported financially, usually via a Teaching Assistantship (TA) during their first one or two years and a Research Assistantship (RA) thereafter. There are no separate forms on which to apply for financial aid. On the online application, under department funding, check all of the boxes that apply.

Physics Graduate Financial Aid

Tools physicists might use to student electricity
 

Careers with a Physics Graduate Degree

Students achieving the M.S. in Physics and Astronomy can go on and pursue further graduate studies or obtain positions as professional scientists. The M.S. is the minimal professional qualification for most physicist/astrophysicist positions in the United States.

The Ph.D. degree qualifies graduates to pursue work as a professional physicist and readies them for a variety of careers involving analytical thinking, and experimental or computational skills. More than 75% of our students go on to postdoctoral research positions at other universities and/or national laboratories, an essential step toward 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 universities or colleges.

Physics & Astronomy Careers & Internships

Keith Hawkins gets recent grad award from Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ University
 

PandA GradS

PandA GradS (Physics and Astronomy Graduate Students) is a student organization that was founded in 2020 for the betterment of the physics graduate students' lives and well-being while in the department. The goal of the group is to not only foster camaraderie between students of all fields and years, but also to keep everyone informed of any important opportunities, duties, and/or events pertaining to their academic progress.

In addition to invited speakers, game nights, community outreach, hikes, and other activities, the group oversees the planning of the annual OHIO Physics & Astronomy fall picnic, as well as the Graduate Student Panel in the spring semester for first-year students.

PandA GradS meets fortnightly during the semester on Friday evenings directly following the departmental colloquium. For more information, contact the faculty advisor, .

An open house held in the Clippinger lobby

Contact Us

Graduate Chair: Dr. Daniel Phillips