Graduate Degree Programs in Physics

The Department offers graduate programs leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Physics.

The Master of Science degree is not a prerequisite for the Doctor of Philosophy degree. Research is organized into small groups of faculty members, post-doctoral associates, graduate students, and undergraduate students working on closely related projects. The principal active areas include experimental and theoretical condensed matter physics, experimental and theoretical elementary particle physics, synchrotron radiation physics, structural and computational biophysics; magnetism, and electrodynamics. Classes are generally small and informal, and thesis research is carried out in close collaboration with the faculty research advisor.

In recognition of the value of teaching experience in strengthening an individual's understanding of his or her field of study and as an aid in making career decisions, the department requires full-time students to participate in instructional activities.

Each new graduate student is assigned a graduate student advisor and must obtain the approval of the advisor each semester before registering for any graduate classes.

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Master of Science in Physics

• 32 credit hours
• written comprehensive examination
• optional dissertation and oral defense

The requirements for the Master of Science in physics are the completion of 32 credit hours in coursework approved by the faculty advisor and the passing of a written M.S. comprehensive examination. For those interested in research, seven to nine credit hours of PHYS 591 (Thesis Research) may be applied to the 32-credit hour requirement. The basic program of coursework must include 2 credits of PHYS 585 Colloquium and the M.S. core:

PHYS 501 Methods of Theoretical Physics I,
PHYS 505 Electromagnetic Theory,
PHYS 508 Analytical Dynamics,
PHYS 509 Quantum Theory I.

The remaining course requirements may be satisfied by additional graduate or advanced undergraduate electives.

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Doctor of Philosophy in Physics

• 84 credit hours, including Master's degree studies
• written qualifying examination
• comprehensive examination
• dissertation and oral defense

A minimum of 84 credit hours is required for the the Doctor of Philosophy degree in physics. Students who have received an M.S. degree from another university may petition for transfer of up to 32 credit hours applicable toward the Ph.D. degree. The requirements for the degree consist of a program of 84 credit hours approved by the faculty advisor; passing the Ph.D. qualifying and comprehensive examinations; and the completion of a research thesis supervised by a faculty member and approved by a thesis committee.

The required coursework includes 4 hours of PHYS 585 Colloquium and the Ph.D. core:

PHYS 501 Methods of Theoretical Physics I,
PHYS 505 Electromagnetic Theory,
PHYS 508 Analytical Dynamics,
PHYS 509 Quantum Theory I,
PHYS 515 Statistical Mechanics,

plus at least three specialized or advanced physics graduate courses chosen from:

PHYS 502 Methods of Theoretical Physics II,
PHYS 507 Electrodynamics,
PHYS 510 Quantum Theory II,
PHYS 511 Advanced Quantum Mechanics I,
PHYS 512 Advanced Quantum Mechanics II,
PHYS 533 Group Theory in Physics,
PHYS 537 Physics of the Solid State I,
PHYS 538 Physics of the Solid State II,
PHYS 545 Elementary Particle Physics,
PHYS 553 Quantum Field Theory,
PHYS 561 Radiation Biophysics,
PHYS 570 Introduction to Synchrotron Radiation.

The remaining course requirements may be satisfied by additional graduate or advanced undergraduate electives and PHYS 691 Ph.D. Thesis Research.

Students are encouraged to participate in faculty research programs and seminars early in their graduate careers. Thesis work may follow from these activities.

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Physics Division, 3101 South Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60616
Phone: 312.567.3480     FAX: 312.567.3494
Physics Webmaster (segre@iit.edu)