Physics (Ph.D.)
https://www.unh.edu/program/doctor-philosophy/physics
Beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year, the Physics Ph.D. is pausing admissions to the program. Current students will continue to have access to the same high-quality education and resources until they graduate.
The Physics Ph.D. program prepares students for a career in industry, education, research or academia. Students will progress from studying a core curriculum encompassing fundamental areas of physics to taking elective classes in their area of interest. They will then conduct original research in a particular research area, leading to their PhD dissertation and defense.
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| PHYS 805 | Experimental Physics (or equivalent demonstrated experimental proficiency) | 4 |
| PHYS 935 | Statistical Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 939 | Classical Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 941 & PHYS 942 | Electromagnetic Theory I and Electromagnetic Theory II | 6 |
| PHYS 943 & PHYS 944 | Quantum Mechanics I and Quantum Mechanics II | 6 |
| PHYS 806 | Introduction to Physics Research and Teaching (two semesters, taken during the first year in the program) | 1 |
| Electives | ||
| Select four additional 3+ credit elective courses, of which 2 may be at the 800 level 1 | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 35 | |
- 1
For Space Science students, these courses must include PHYS 951 Plasma Physics, PHYS 953 Magnetohydrodyamics of the Heliosphere, and one of PHYS 987 Magnetospheres, PHYS 954 Heliospheric Physics.
Additional Information
Students are required to:
- demonstrate proficiency in teaching,
- pass the written comprehensive exam, and
- pass an oral qualifying exam on a thesis proposal.
Degree candidates are required to:
- register for a minimum of two semesters of PHYS 999 Doctoral Research,
- pass the oral dissertation defense, and
- successfully submit the final dissertation to the Graduate School.
- Students will master the theoretical concepts in advanced mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics at the graduate level.
- Students will have an advanced understanding of the mathematical methods, both analytical and computational, required to solve complex physics problems at the graduate level.
- Students will be proficient in experimental physics.
- Students will develop and demonstrate proficiency in teaching at the undergraduate level.
- Students will have a specialized knowledge of their chosen field of advanced research in physics.
- Students will be able to present advanced scientific ideas effectively in both written and oral form.
- Students will be well prepared for postgraduate study in physics and related disciplines, as well as advanced careers in a multitude of fields ranging from scientific and technical to financial.