phd in physics how many years

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How to Get a Ph.D. in Physics

Last Updated: August 22, 2023 Approved

This article was co-authored by Sean Alexander, MS . Sean Alexander is an Academic Tutor specializing in teaching mathematics and physics. Sean is the Owner of Alexander Tutoring, an academic tutoring business that provides personalized studying sessions focused on mathematics and physics. With over 15 years of experience, Sean has worked as a physics and math instructor and tutor for Stanford University, San Francisco State University, and Stanbridge Academy. He holds a BS in Physics from the University of California, Santa Barbara and an MS in Theoretical Physics from San Francisco State University. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 149,534 times.

Physics can be an exciting field to go into! You can pursue a career in academics, in government research, or in the private sector. To start on the road to getting a PhD, develop your science and math skills. If you're still in high school and college, you have ample time to focus on your science education; if not, don't be deterred. Even without a science degree, you can find and apply to a PhD program of your choice. After that, all you need to do is complete your PhD program; it's not an easy task, but it's one you can achieve if you set your mind to it.

Developing Your Education in High School and College

• It can help to find a role model. If there are physicists in your community, try contacting them to see if they'll help you in your pursuit. Many may be willing to have you shadow them for a period of time.
• Don't forget to invest time in math classes, as well, as math is essential to physics.
• Make sure you are well-rounded, though. To do well on college entrance exams, it helps to be proficient in as many subjects as possible.

• To do well on these exams, you'll need to prep ahead of time. Your school may offer prep courses, but you can also purchase study guides that have practice tests. Taking practice tests gives you an idea of what the actual exam will be like, so you can go into the test with less anxiety. [3] X Research source

• Though not necessary, it can help to know whether you want to go into theoretical or experimental physics, though it's not a requirement. [4] X Research source

• Ask your professors about opportunities in your college and surrounding area.

Applying to a Graduate Program

• You do not need to be a genius to get a PhD. Graduate school is hard work, but success depends on your dedication more than on your ability.

• Like the SAT and ACT, you can find any number of prep courses and prep materials for the GRE. You can also find practice tests to take online.

• Keep in mind that in some cases, schools will collapse a master's program and PhD into one program. So when you choose a master's program, you may very well be choosing your PhD program, as well.
• 4 Try to meet and talk to physicists. Look into physics talks for the general public in your area or contact a physics department directly. Most places will be happy to give you information and point you to resources about graduate programs.

Determining Your Research Focus

• Take the time to gain some experience. Apply for lab positions so you can get a feel for what it's like to do research in a lab full time.

• Choosing a school with professors whose research you enjoy is a great way to focus your work. As your work gets more individual, you want to work with professors who have similar interests.

• Submit all the appropriate paperwork for your application, including your transcripts, academic references, and your basic application. [10] X Research source
• In many cases, you'll need to write a personal statement or research proposal, as well.

Working on Your PhD

• Try to focus classes on the area you want to write on.
• Outside of class, read as much as you can in your area.

• The best way to get started is to attend department functions so you can start getting to know your professors better, as well as their interests.
• It can also help to talk with older students informally, so you can get an idea of who will be a good fit for you.

• Part of managing your time well is learning to shift your schedule when you need to. If something is taking longer than it should, realize you'll need to cut something else from your day.

• You should also take advantage of courses teaching things like writing grant proposals, which is a great skill to have.

Researching and Writing Your Dissertation

• If you're still looking, consider taking classes with potential advisors. You can also ask to meet with them, though be sure to do your research ahead of time by reading articles the professor has published.
• "What are your expectations for a research student?"
• "How do you offer criticism?"
• "How often will we meet?"
• "How quickly will you get back to me with revisions?"
• Once you've narrowed down your choices, approach the professor and ask them to be your research advisor. If you have an interdisciplinary project, you may need more than one advisor.

• Start with the outline. You fill in the verbiage last, usually. Figure out what you need to say, and divide it into chapters. Work on the supporting figures next. You'll need plenty of figures and tables to support your conclusions. Additionally, reviewers on your committee may not read every word, but they usually look at all of the figures and read the captions to get the gist of what's going on.
• When you write, only write. Give yourself a time span where you allow yourself no option of doing anything else but writing. Sometimes it helps to write in the same office/coffee shop/etc. with another student working on their thesis, if you both can keep each other on task. You can take breaks together and take the heat off a bit.

• However, by the time you're doing your defense, your paper should have been reviewed multiple times by your advisor, which means you shouldn't have any trouble passing.

Expert Q&A

• Don't let money hold you back. Most physics departments will support their students through teaching assistantships or research assistantships. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Is your interest more focused on learning or on doing science?
• Would you enjoy actively doing research in physics? All programs require you to take classes or pass exams, but most of your work during a PhD program will be dedicated to doing research.
• What would you pursue once you get a PhD? If what you are after is a particular job or line of work, consider whether you need a PhD for it.
• Are you comfortable with spending a few additional years in a university? Most PhD programs in the United States will take 5-6 years on average.

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://mkaku.org/home/articles/so-you-want-to-become-a-physicist/
• ↑ https://www.princetonreview.com/college/sat-act
• ↑ Sean Alexander, MS. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 14 May 2020.
• ↑ https://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/about/?WT.ac=grehome_greabout_b_150213
• ↑ https://www.elsevier.com/connect/9-things-you-should-consider-before-embarking-on-a-phd
• ↑ http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/pcphpdphy/apply
• ↑ http://web.eecs.umich.edu/~imarkov/advisor.html
• ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2015/12/07/what-its-like-to-get-a-phd-in-experimental-physics/#43b503524fe0
• ↑ http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2012/08/what_is_the_value_of_a_science_phd_is_graduate_school_worth_the_effort_.html

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Department of Physics and Astronomy

Ph.D. in Physics Requirements Guide

Course Requirements | Qualifying Examination | Ph.D. Dissertation

 Course Requirements

The Graduate School requires a total of 72 hours of credit (formal coursework plus registered research hours) prior to receiving the Ph.D. Within these 72 hours, the Ph.D. program in physics requires 28 hours of formal coursework 1 including:

• Six core courses covering the foundations of physics, as detailed below, totaling 16 credit hours;
• One graduate-level course totaling 3 or more hours in the Department of Physics and Astronomy but outside the student’s field of specialization (a “breadth course”);
• Additional graduate-level courses to make a total of 28 semester hours in any subject relevant to the student’s overall program of graduate study and research;
• Six semesters of Physics Colloquium, three of which should be taken before the qualifying exam; and,
• A minimum of two semesters of Teaching Practicum are to be taken at any time before the thesis defense.

A student must earn a grade of B or higher in each course counted towards these 28 hours. Satisfactory grades (“S”) have to be obtained in PHYS 8001: Physics Colloquium, and PHYS 8003:Teaching Practicum.

Core courses provide the foundation for deeper connections to elective coursework and research. There are two ways to satisfy each core course requirement:

• Take and pass the course with a grade of B or higher; or
• Take and pass an alternate written exam on the material covered by that particular course with a score equivalent to a grade of B or higher.

Students are not permitted to retake core courses. Instead, a student who receives a B- or lower grade in any core course has a second chance to meet the course requirement by taking and passing the corresponding alternate written exam. These students who fail to satisfy any one of the core course requirements due to a low course grade and failure on the alternate written exam may be dropped from the Ph.D. program at the discretion of the Graduate Program Committee.

Transfer Credit

Students who have taken graduate courses elsewhere may petition the Graduate Program Committee to have those courses evaluated for transfer credit to avoid unnecessary duplication and speed up the student’s entry into research. In order to transfer any number of core courses for credit, transfer students must take any one of the core courses offered at Vanderbilt and earn a grade of A- or better.

Core Course Requirements

Students concentrating in physics must complete the following courses in the first two years of graduate study:

• Physics 8000: Research Seminar
• Physics 8010: Particle and Continuum Mechanics
• Physics 8020: Advanced Electrodynamics I
• Physics 8030: Quantum Mechanics I
• Physics 8040: Statistical Mechanics
• One of the following courses:  
• Physics 8021: Advanced Electrodynamics II
• Physics 8031: Quantum Mechanics II
• Physics 8152: Quantum Mechanics of Solids
• CPBP 8306: Introduction to Chemical and Physical Biology

Breadth Courses and Electives

One “breadth course” is required of all students. These are advanced graduate-level courses (typically 8XXX level) from physics or related fields outside the student’s field of specialization. The elective courses may be filled from any graduate-level courses that are appropriate for the student’s program; DGS approval is needed for courses offered outside the Department of Physics and Astronomy. The chart in Appendix A shows breadth and elective courses available in the department.

The Departmental Colloquium is another required course aimed to provide breadth in the student’s education. The colloquium course PHYS 8001 has to be passed with a satisfactory grade three times before the qualifying exam, and six times before the thesis defense.

Teaching Requirement

Teaching experience is important for the student’s learning and future career. The Teaching Practicum: PHYS 8003  is required of all students for a minimum of two semesters. Typically, the graduate students in the department would teach for five to six semesters.

Return to top

The Qualifying Examination

The doctoral degree in physics requires students to write and defend a dissertation that presents the results of independent research. To progress to that point, each student must first pass the Qualifying Examination to become a doctoral candidate. 2 According to the Graduate School Catalog , “the purpose of the Qualifying Examination is to test the student’s knowledge of the field of specialization, to assess familiarity with the published research in the field, and to determine whether the student possesses those critical and analytical skills needed for a scholarly career.” In the physics Ph.D. program, the Qualifying Examination requires each student to independently write and orally defend a research proposal. The topic is of the student’s choosing, and may be the same as their current research. The Qualifying Examination is administered by the student’s Ph.D. committee, and only the committee members and the student are present. Passing the Qualifying Examination marks the student’s formal entry into dissertation research under the supervision of the thesis adviser and the Ph.D. committee. The Qualifying Exam should not be seen as a hurdle, but as an important part of one’s training to become an independent scientist.

Ph.D. Committee

The Ph.D. Committee administers the Qualifying Examination and subsequently monitors the student’s progress toward the completion of the thesis. The committee comprises at least four members of the graduate faculty. To ensure consistency among Qualifying Examinations, at least one member of the committee should be a current or recent member of the Graduate Program Committee; and by Graduate School rule, at least one member of the committee must be from outside the department or program in which the student plans to do the dissertation research. The composition of the committee is proposed by the adviser in consultation with the student and must be approved in writing by the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) to ensure breadth and level of expertise.

Preparing for the Qualifying Examination

The Qualifying Examination in the department is taken during the fourth semester (under exceptional circumstances, a student may petition the Graduate Program Committee to delay the Qualifying Exam until the fifth semester 3 ). By Graduate School rules, students taking the Qualifying Exam must have completed all requirements for formal coursework (Section 1) with a GPA of 3.0 or better in all courses taken for credit. The steps needed to prepare for the Qualifying Examination are detailed in the table and the corresponding notes.

QE 1: Ph.D. Committee Formation

The student should get involved in research as soon as possible certainly no later than the summer after the first year of study. During the first two years of study, a student may explore research opportunities in several groups, but the faculty Ph.D. adviser must be selected at least one semester before an anticipated Qualifying Examination date.

The student and the adviser agree on the other members of the Ph.D. Committee. The student then contacts members of the committee to ascertain their willingness to serve. Once the composition of the Ph.D. Committee is decided and all the proposed committee members have agreed to serve, the student completes the Request to Appoint Committee form, and submits it to the DGS for approval and notification of the Graduate School. During the annual exam cycle, the committee membership should be finalized and the form submitted by February 1.

QE 2: Proposal Abstract

The student prepares a one-page abstract that outlines the proposal’s research topic, hypothesis, and specific aims and presents it to the Ph.D. adviser for review and critique. The student would then revise the abstract as needed in order to arrive at an abstract suitable for submission to the full Ph.D. Committee. After the abstract is approved by the Ph.D. adviser, the student will submit the abstract electronically (pdf preferred) to the Ph.D. Committee and the DGS by February 15. The abstract will be reviewed by the student’s Ph.D. Committee, focusing on the following questions:

• Is the research topic appropriate?
• Is the hypothesis well-formed and testable?
• Is the scope sufficiently focused (doable during a typical graduate career of three to four years)?
• Is the hypothesis consistent with the research plan?

The Ph.D. Committee chair will collect comments from the Ph.D. Committee and will provide the student with written feedback on the appropriateness of the proposal in approximately one week. The student will take the input into consideration in preparing the full eight-page proposal.

QE 3: Scheduling the Qualifying Exam

The student should contact all committee members to set a date for the oral part of the Qualifying Examination. Once a date is agreed upon, the student fills out a Request to Schedule Qualifying Exam form after obtaining the approval of the adviser and the DGS and no later than three weeks before the proposed date. The deadline to submit the form for approval to the DGS is March 1 in the spring semester of the exam. Note that the Graduate School issues the notice of the examination at least two weeks in advance.

QE 4: Research Proposal

After receiving the written comments on the proposal abstract, the student will proceed to prepare a full proposal. The written proposal must not exceed eight pages (single-spaced, 12-pt font). Within this space, the proposal should have four sections:

• Rationale or Background – This section provides background information and justification for the proposal. An important part of preparing the proposal is a thorough review of the current literature. This review should be concisely summarized here.
• Description of the specific hypothesis to be tested (about one paragraph).
• Specific Aims or Research Objectives. This section will largely follow the previously approved abstract, but the student can make changes as the proposal gets more fully developed.
• Research – This section should detail the experimental/theoretical plan to meet the specific aims. The student is advised to number the specific aims and use the same numbering scheme for subsections of the Research Plan. This section should describe the experimental/theoretical strategies and design, but it should not provide the sort of detailed Materials & Methods section one would find in a journal article. This section should sketch anticipated outcomes and some discussion of how the plan might be adjusted with different outcomes.

The written proposal should certainly cite the relevant literature and include a bibliography. The bibliography itself does not count against the eight-page limit. The student may include figures and tables in the text, but these do count against the page limit. As with the abstract, the written proposal must be the student’s independent work, but they are encouraged to seek advice from the Ph.D. adviser and other experts. The student may also seek assistance with grammar/English usage so long as these critiques are disclosed in a footnote or endnote. The student will submit the proposal to the Ph.D. Committee and the DGS by April 1. The student may seek critique from the full Ph.D. Committee for further revisions of the proposal before the oral examination.

During the oral Qualifying Examination, the student defends the research proposal. The exam is limited to a maximum of two hours. The student is allotted a maximum of 15 minutes to provide an overview of the proposal. This is a strict limit, so committee members are asked to restrict questions to points of clarification during the student’s presentation. The remainder of the two hours is reserved for the committee to ask questions in which the student should be prepared to discuss the general background of the proposal and its significance; to discuss relevant experimental approaches, including their theoretical bases and limitations; to outline anticipated results; and to interpret the meaning of these results. The student should be particularly prepared to discuss the interpretation of alternative results proposed by the committee. Although the primary focus of the questions will be on the research proposal, the committee may and likely will probe into the student’s core knowledge of physics and astronomy.

Students are strongly encouraged to prepare for the oral examination by gathering student peers for mock oral exams.

Copies of the student’s prepared slides must be made available to the committee members at least one working day before the examination. By rule of the Graduate School, attendance at the Qualifying Examination is limited to only the Ph.D. Committee members and the student.

The Ph.D. Committee will decide within one day whether or not the student has passed the Qualifying Examination. Within one week, the committee will provide a written report to the student and to the GPC describing the student’s performance on the examination. Even if the student was judged to have passed the examination, the report should address any deficiencies in preparation that were evident during the examination. If the student was judged to have failed the examination, the report should note the serious deficiencies that caused this failure; the committee may also offer their judgment on whether retaking the examination would be in the best interest of the student. A second attempt at passing the Qualifying Examination must be completed before the beginning of the subsequent fall semester. By Graduate School rule, only two attempts are allowed to pass the Qualifying Examination.

The Ph.D. Dissertation

Proposal for the ph.d. dissertation.

After passing the Qualifying Examination, the student is officially admitted to candidacy for the Ph.D. and will develop a topical focus for the Ph.D. dissertation grounded in the subfield chosen for that examination. The dissertation topic should be an original research proposition that advances the frontiers of science in the field of specialization. While consultation with the adviser will be crucial to this process, it is to be emphasized that the proposal for the dissertation is the responsibility of the student . Within two semesters of passing the Qualifying Examination, the student will present a specific proposal to the Ph.D. Committee. This proposal can be, and likely should be, based on the proposal that the student successfully defended during the Qualifying Examination. At this stage, the proposal should contain at the minimum a chapter-by-chapter outline of the dissertation, a report on the research already carried out, and a specific plan for completing the remainder. As a general rule, students should plan to complete the dissertation within three years of passing the Qualifying Examination, so that the dissertation can be submitted five to six years after entering the Graduate School. By Graduate School rule, all requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy must be completed within four years of passing the Qualifying Examination.

Annual Meetings of the Ph.D. Committee

After the dissertation topic is approved, the student will meet with the Ph.D. Committee at least annually to report on research completed to date, publications planned or in progress, and an estimate of the time, resources, and analysis required to complete the dissertation project. The committee members may ask questions, critique the work presented by the student, or make suggestions about the project. The Chair of the Ph.D. Committee (usually the Ph.D. adviser) is responsible for preparing a brief written report of the meeting that will be sent to the candidate and to the Director of Graduate Studies. This report may also be reviewed by the Graduate Program Committee as it monitors student progress.

Publication Requirements

The research in any dissertation project is expected to contribute measurably to scientific progress in the field of specialization; thus, publication in peer-reviewed journals is an essential component of the Ph.D. research program. While the venue, number, and timing of publications vary according to the subfield, students should expect to play a major role in a first paper no later than the end of the third year of graduate study. By the time the dissertation is completed, the student must present to the Ph.D. Committee at least one paper that has been accepted in a peer-reviewed journal. The Ph.D. Committee may make an exception when the student is a member of a large collaboration that has long lead times for publication. In such cases, the student must present a manuscript that has been approved by the appropriate review committee for submission to a refereed journal. The Ph.D. Committee is responsible for verifying that the number and quality of the student’s publication record are appropriate for the field of specialization.

Completion of the Dissertation and the Ph.D. Defense

The Graduate School website gives essential information about the format of the Ph.D. dissertation and the defense. The defense is a public examination, and should be characterized by a spirited scientific debate on the strengths and weaknesses of the thesis presented by the student. In addition, the department stipulates the following:

• The Ph.D. adviser will inform the Dean of the Graduate School at least two weeks in advance of the date and place of the defense so that the event can be published in the Vanderbilt University electronic calendar. The department administrative staff will advertise the dissertation title, date, and place of the defense in order to promote attendance by faculty, research staff, and other students.
• The Ph. D. candidate must present a complete copy of the thesis to the committee members at least two weeks before the defense. This is both a departmental and Graduate School requirement.
• At the defense, the candidate will present the critical points of the dissertation for no more than 45 minutes; during this presentation, questioning will be generally restricted to matters of clarification. After the presentation is finished, questioning by attendees other than the Ph.D. Committee will be permitted for about half an hour.
• After the public questioning is concluded, the committee will continue the questioning of the candidate in an executive session for up to an hour. The Ph.D. Committee will then caucus in private to evaluate the defense and assign a grade.

The possible grade outcomes for the defense are:

• Pass conditional upon changes made to the dissertation recommended by members of the committee, or

In case two, the committee may grant discretion to the principal adviser to enforce the changes to be made to the thesis recommended by the committee. The members may sign the paperwork certifying completion of a passing dissertation, but the adviser will submit the committee’s report to the Graduate School only after the changes made are satisfactory in the opinion of the adviser.

Below are the core, elective, and breadth courses offered in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

1 The Graduate School requires only 24 semester hours of formal coursework. The departmental requirement is higher because of the number and breadth of courses required to properly prepare for a career in physics. Additional coursework may be recommended by individual advisers. Exams are offered annually just before the start of the fall and spring semesters for material covered in courses offered during the fall or spring semesters. The students taking the exam are required to sign up by notifying the DGS by August 1/December 20 for the fall/spring exams, respectively. Note that exceptionally well-prepared incoming students may take and pass one or more of the alternate written exams to place out of the corresponding core course(s). A failure to pass the exam before the respective course is taken is not going to count against the two chances to satisfy the course requirement. Return to text

2 Advancing to candidacy makes one eligible to register for dissertation research credits (PHYS 9999). Return to text

3 The Graduate School requirement is that the Qualifying Examination must be passed by the end of the eighth semester. Postponing it beyond this time does not allow for the completion of an acceptable dissertation project in the desired degree time frame of approximately five years. Return to text

Requirements for a Doctorate in Physics

An advanced degree in physics at Caltech is contingent upon an extensive research achievement. Students in the program are expected to join a research group, carry out independent research, and write publications for peer-reviewed journals as well as a thesis. The thesis work proposed to a Caltech candidacy committee then presented and evaluated by a Caltech thesis committee in a public defense. Initially, students are required to consolidate their knowledge by taking advanced courses in at least three subfields of physics. Students must also pass a written candidacy exam in both classical physics and quantum mechanics in order to progress into the research phase of the degree.

Graduates of our program are expected to have extensive experience with modern research methods, a broad knowledge of contemporary physics, and the ability to perform as independent researchers at the highest intellectual and technical levels.

The PhD requirements are below and are also available in the Caltech Catalog, Section 4: Information for Graduate Students .

Plan of Study

The plan of study is the set of courses that a student will take to complete the Advance Physics Requirement and any courses needed as preparation to pass the Written Candidacy Exams (see below). Any additional courses the student plans to take as part of their graduate curriculum may be included in the plan of study but are not required. Students should consult with their Academic Advisor on their Plan of Study and discuss any exception or special considerations with the Option Representative. 

Log in to REGIS and navigate to the Ph. D. Candidacy Tab of your Graduate Degree Progress page. Add you courses into the Plan of Study section. When complete, click the "Submit Plan of Study to Option Rep" button. This will generate a notice to the Option Rep to approve your plan of study. Once you complete the courses in the Plan of Study, the Advanced Physics Requirement is completed.

Written Candidacy Exams

Physics students must demonstrate proficiency in all areas of basic physics, including classical mechanics (including continuum mechanics), electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, statistical physics, optics, basic mathematical methods of physics, and the physical origin of everyday phenomena. A solid understanding of these fundamental areas of physics is considered essential, so proficiency will be tested by written candidacy examinations.

No specific course work is required for the basic physics requirement, but some students may benefit from taking several of the basic graduate courses, such as Ph 106 and Ph 125. In addition, the class Ph 201 will provide additional problem solving training that matches the basic physics requirement.

Exam I: Classical Mechanics and Electromagnetism       Topics include: TBA

Exam 2: Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics      Topics include: TBA

Both exams are offered twice each year (July and October) Email  [email protected]  to sign up

Nothing additional. Sign up for the exam by emailing Mika Walton. The Student Programs Office will update your REGIS record once you pass the exams.

Advanced Physics Requirement

Students must establish a broad understanding of modern physics through study in six graduate courses. The courses must be spread over at least three of the following four areas of advanced physics. Many courses in physics and related areas may be allowed to count toward the Advanced Physics requirements.  Below are some popular examples.  Contact the Physics Option Representative to find out if any particular course not listed here can be used for this requirement. 

Physics of elementary particles and fields (Nuclear Physics, High Energy Physics, String Theory)

                 Ph 139 Intro to Particle Physics                 Ph 205abc Relativistic Quantum Field Theory                 Ph 217 Intro to the Standard Model                 Ph 230 Elementary Particle Theory (offered every two years)                 Ph 250 Intro to String Theory (offered every two years)

Quantum Information and Matter (Atomic/Molecular/Optical Physics, Condensed-Matter Physics, Quantum Information)   

                Ph 127ab Statistical Physics                 Ph 135a Intro to Condensed Matter Physics                 Ph 136a Applications of Classical Physics (Stat Mech, Optics) (offered every two years)                 Ph 137abc Atoms and Photons                 Ph 219abc Quantum Computation                 Ph 223ab Advanced Condensed Matter Physics

Physics of the Universe (Gravitational Physics, Astrophysics, Cosmology)             

                Ph 136b Applications of Classical Physics (Elasticity, Fluid Dynamics) (offered every two years)                 Ph 136c Applications of Classical Physics (Plasma, GR) (offered every two years)                 Ph 236ab Relativity                 Ph 237 Gravitational Waves (offered every two years)                 Ay 121 Radiative Processes

Interdisciplinary Physics (e.g. Biophysics, Applied Physics, Chemical Physics, Mathematical Physics, Experimental Physics)

                Ph 77 Advanced Physics Lab                   Ph 101 Order of magnitude (offered every two years)                 Ph 118 Physics of measurement                 Ph 129 Mathematical Methods of Physics                 Ph 136a Applications of Classical Physics (Stat Mech, Optics) (offered every two years)                 Ph 136b Applications of Classical Physics (Elasticity, Fluid Dynamics) (offered every two years)                 Ph 229 Advanced Mathematical Methods of Physics

Nothing additional. Once you complete the courses in your approved Plan of Study, the Advanced Physics Requirement is complete.

Oral Candidacy Exam

The Oral Candidacy Exam is primarily a test of the candidate's suitability for research in his or her chosen field. Students should consult with the executive officer to assemble their oral candidacy committee. The chair of the committee should be someone other than the research adviser.

The candidacy committee will examine the student's knowledge of his or her chosen field and will consider the appropriateness and scope of the proposed thesis research during the oral candidacy exam. This exam represents the formal commitment of both student and adviser to a research program.

See also the Physics Candidacy FAQs

After the exam, your committee members will enter their result and any comments they may have. Non-Caltech committee members are instructed to send their results and comments to the physics graduate office who will enter the information on their behalf. Once all "pass" results have been entered, the Option Rep will be prompted to recommend you for admission to candidacy. The recommendation goes to the Dean of Graduate Studies who has the final approval to formally admit you to candidacy.

Teaching Requirement

Thesis advisory committee (tac).

After the oral candidacy exam, students will hold annual meetings with their Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC). The TAC will review the research progress and provide feedback and guidance towards completion of the degree. Students should consult with the executive officer to assemble their oral candidacy committee and TAC by the end of their third year. The TAC is normally constituted from the candidacy examiners, but students may propose variations or changes at any time to the option representative. The TAC chair should be someone other than the research Adviser. The TAC chair will typically also serve as the thesis defense chair, but changes may be made in consultation with the Executive Officer and the Option Rep.

What to do in REGIS?

Login to Regis, navigate to the Ph. D. Examination Tab of your Graduate Degree Progress page, and scroll down to the Examination Committee section. Enter the names of your Thesis Advisory Committee members. Click the "Submit Examination Committee for Approval" button and this will automatically generate notifications for the Option Rep and the Dean of Graduate Studies to approve your committee. Enter the date, time and location of your TAC meeting and click "Submit Details." Your committee members will automatically be sent email reminders with the meeting details.

PhD Defense

The final thesis examination will cover the thesis topic and its relation to the general body of knowledge of physics. The candidate should send the thesis document to the defense committee and graduate office at least two weeks prior to the defense date. The defense must take place at least three weeks before the degree is to be conferred. Please refer to the  Graduate Office  and  Library  webpages for thesis guidelines, procedures, and deadlines.

• Date, time, and location of your exam and click the "Submit Examination Details" button. You committee members will automatically be sent email reminders with the exam details. 
• Commencement Information and click the "Submit Commencement Information" button (at least 2 weeks prior to defense)
• Marching Information and click the "Submit your Marching Information" button (at least 2 weeks prior to commencement)

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For Graduate Students

The MIT Department of Physics has a graduate population of between 260 and 290 students, with approximately 45 students starting and graduating each year. Almost all students are pursuing a PhD degree in Physics, typically studying for 5 to 7 years and with the following degree structure:

Elements of the Doctoral Degree in Physics:

This is a roadmap for the path through our doctoral program. Each category is an element needed to complete your degree. Further information is available by clicking the accordion and links.. Read our Doctoral Guidelines PDF for more complete information.

Core Requirements – Written Exams/Classes

Students demonstrate knowledge in 4 four areas. Each of the Core Requirements can be satisfied either by:

• passing a written exam ; or
• receiving a qualifying grade in a related class.

A B+ grade or above in the related subject satisfies the requirement in:

• Classical Mechanics ( 8.309 )
• Electricity & Magnetism ( 8.311 )
• Quantum Mechanics ( 8.321 )
• Statistical Mechanics ( 8.333 )

See the Written Examination section of the General Doctoral Examination page for more information and schedule for the upcoming written examination .

Required Classes – Specialty & Breadth

In addition to the demonstrated proficiency in the 4 subject in the Written Exams, graduate students must take 4-5 additional subject classes in Physics Specialty and Breadth areas .

• The Specialty Area builds proficiency related to the student’s research area, with 2 subject classes required (3 in NUPAT and 3 in NUPAX ( effective Fall 2023 )) from the pre-approved Specialty Area chart.
• The Breadth Area extends the student’s knowledge beyond their research area with 2 subject classes in different areas of Physics. The pre-approved Breadth Area chart lists many options.
• Oral Exams are given in each Research Areas
• Team of 3 faculty examiners
• Research Supervision Form
• Research Co-Supervision Form
• Starting research work with the Supervisor’s Group
• After completing the Oral Exam
• Forming a Committee and Submitting a Thesis Proposal

Thesis Committee and Proposal

• Generally by the beginning of third year, after completing Oral Exam
• Submitting a Thesis Committee Proposal
• Completing the Committee
• Holding the first meeting
• Thesis Proposal Cover Sheet
• PHD Thesis Proposal Form
• SM Thesis Proposal Form

Preparing to Complete the Degree – Final Year

• Submitting any necessary requests for any subject substitutions, if needed.
• Consulting with Thesis Supervisor about scheduling the Thesis Defense
• International Students – Consulting International Students Office with post-completion plans
• Writing up Research in final Thesis document

Defense of Thesis Research

Student defends Thesis Research to Committee Members

Written Thesis

• Formatting Thesis

Thesis Submission and Degree Completion

• Submission of Written Thesis for MIT Archives
• Fill out the  Degree Application  through the student section of  WebSIS . Petitioning to be on the degree list for a particular commencement is required. Note that it is easier to be removed from the degree list to be added, so students are encouraged to apply for the degree list if there is any reasonable chance they will complete the PhD in the coming term.
• Full Guidelines and Policies for the MIT Physics PhD program
• Progress Benchmarks and Nominal Timetable (found under Academic Issues section)
• Written General Exam Samples and Study Materials
• Catalog of Class Subject Descriptions
• In-depth information for Prospective Applicants
• Graduate cost of attendance

Note: For more detailed information regarding the cost of attendance, including specific costs for tuition and fees, books and supplies, housing and food as well as transportation, please visit the SFS website .

How Long Does a PhD in Physics Take?

How Long Does it Take to Get a Ph.D. in Chemistry?

Earning a Ph.D. is a grueling endeavor, even for the best of students. But the payoff can be spectacular. From reaching the pinnacle of a career in research to earning more money within your chosen profession, there are many reasons to pursue a master’s degree or Ph.D.

A Ph.D. can take years of challenging course work filled with demanding hours in labs and being hunched over research material while living off of a small stipend or fellowship. However, the investment of your time and labor pays off in a heftier salary in a shorter amount of time than other degrees can offer. Earning a Ph.D. opens doors to opportunities you may not have known existed or expected.

Length of Time a Ph.D. Can Take

The time it takes to complete any degree depends on the design of the program , the subject that the student is studying and the specific requirements of the college and other areas that need to be met in order to graduate.

The first two to three years of a doctoral program typically concentrate on a base of required classes with a sprinkling of elective courses. The research components of the classes can eat up a graduate student’s time.

A Ph.D. in physics has a duration of about five years. A doctorate degree can be obtained in about this amount of time, typically between four to six years.

What is a Dissertation?

The average length of a dissertation program is about eight years. Education and humanities degrees take longer than hard sciences such as astronomy or physics. A dissertation is a lengthy essay and complex work on a specific subject. It is completed as a requirement of a Doctor of Philosophy Degree .

The difference between a thesis and a dissertation is the level of degree. A thesis is a compilation of research that showcases what you have learned and your knowledge of the master’s program. It is turned in before the student can graduate. A dissertation is ongoing during the graduate student’s doctoral study and is an opportunity for the students to include new knowledge, practice or theory they may have discovered during their program.

Included in a dissertation is:

• Introduction 
• Abstract model of what the student is attempting to prove.
• Validation of the model and proof of theorems
• Measurements and significant data
• Additional results that have been collected that point to the central thesis
• Conclusions and future work, limitations or special cases that a student foresees

Career Paths for a Ph.D.

Once you obtain your Ph.D., you can become a leader in your field. Most careers that require a Ph.D. are research oriented.

Ph.D. careers include:

• Systems Engineer
• Computer Engineer
• Computer and Information Research Scientist
• Mathematician or Statistician
• College Administrator
• Healthcare Administrator
• Cultural and Linguistic Preservationist

Income for Ph.D.

The median income for someone with a Ph.D. immediately upon graduation and gaining employment in their field of interest is about $80,000. That is roughly 20 percent more than a master’s degree will get a graduate. The more competitive the field, the more money there is to earn. A Ph.D. in engineering, aeronautics, technology, math or science can earn a graduate a six-figure income within the first year of employment.

Astronomer Education Requirements

An astronomer is also a scientist who studies the universe and its celestial objects to discern how the universe works. Most astronomers have earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in astronomy, physics or a related field during their school career.

To get a Ph.D. in astronomy you will need more than just an advanced graduate degree. The astronomer education requirements include a proficiency in math and science in both a laboratory and observatory setting along with problem solving and critical thinking skills.

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• Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: Physicists and Astronomers
• Princeton University: Department of Physics: Introduction to the Graduate Program
• Boston University: PhD in Physics
• Grad School Hub: What Is The Average Time to Obtain a Ph.D.?
• American Astronomical Society: Planning Your Education
• Franklin University: What is a Doctorate: Everything You Need to Know

Kimberley McGee is an award-winning journalist with 20+ years of experience writing about education, jobs, business trends and more for The New York Times, Las Vegas Review-Journal, Today’s Parent and other publications. She graduated with a B.A. in Journalism from UNLV. Her full bio and clips can be seen at www.vegaswriter.com.

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The PhD in Physics is a full-time period of research which introduces or builds upon, research skills and specialist knowledge. Students are assigned a research supervisor, a specialist in part or all of the student's chosen research field, and join a research group which might vary in size between a handful to many tens of individuals.

Although the supervisor is responsible for the progress of a student's research programme, the extent to which a postgraduate student is assisted by the supervisor or by other members of the group depends almost entirely on the structure and character of the group concerned. The research field is normally determined at entry, after consideration of the student's interests and the facilities available. The student, however, may work within a given field for a period of time before their personal topic is determined.

There is no requirement made by the University for postgraduate students to attend formal courses or lectures for the PhD. Postgraduate work is largely a matter of independent research and successful postgraduates require a high degree of self-motivation. Nevertheless, lectures and classes may be arranged, and students are expected to attend both seminars (delivered regularly by members of the University and by visiting scholars and industrialists) and external conferences. Postgraduate students are also expected to participate in the undergraduate teaching programme at some time whilst they are based at the Cavendish, in order to develop their teaching, demonstrating, outreach, organisational and person-management skills.

It is expected that postgraduate students will also take advantage of the multiple opportunities available for transferable skills training within the University during their period of research.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the research programme, students will have demonstrated:

• the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, through original research or other advanced scholarship, of a quality to satisfy peer review, extend the forefront of the discipline, and merit publication;
• a systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of an academic discipline or area of professional practice;
• the general ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline, and to adjust the project design in the light of unforeseen problems;
• a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry; and
• the development of a PhD thesis for examination that they can defend in an oral examination and, if successful, graduate with a PhD.

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the  Postgraduate Open Day  page for more details.

See further the  Postgraduate Admissions Events  pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.

Key Information

3-4 years full-time, 4-7 years part-time, study mode : research, doctor of philosophy, department of physics, course - related enquiries, application - related enquiries, course on department website, dates and deadlines:, lent 2024 (closed).

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Easter 2024 (Closed)

Michaelmas 2024 (closed), easter 2025, funding deadlines.

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.

Similar Courses

• Physics MPhil
• Planetary Science and Life in the Universe MPhil
• Computational Methods for Materials Science CDT PhD
• Mathematics MPhil
• Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics PhD

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PhD Physics / Overview

Year of entry: 2024

• View full page

The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent).

Other combinations of qualifications and research or work experience may also be considered. Please contact the admissions team to check.

Full entry requirements

Apply online

In your application you’ll need to include:

• The name of this programme
• Your research project title (i.e. the advertised project name or proposed project name) or area of research
• Your proposed supervisor’s name
• If you already have funding or you wish to be considered for any of the available funding
• A supporting statement (see 'Advice to Applicants' for what to include)
• Details of your previous university level study
• Names and contact details of your two referees.

Programme options

Programme description

The  Department of Physics and Astronomy at Manchester is one of the largest and most active physics departments in the UK. We have a long tradition of excellence in both teaching and research, and have interests in most areas of contemporary research.

The Department has a strong presence in a number of Manchester-based centres for multidisciplinary research: The National Graphene Institute, the Photon Science Institute, the Manchester Centre for Non-Linear Dynamics, and the Dalton Nuclear Institute. In addition, the Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire is a part of the department.

Strong research activity exists in a broad range of physics topics funded by the Research Councils including EPSRC, STFC, BBSRC, the EU and industry. All the research groups offer well-equipped laboratories and computing facilities and are involved in a wide range of collaborative projects with industry and other academic departments in the UK and overseas. 

The postgraduate research environment is well funded and world-class as demonstrated by our ranking in REF2021.  Supervision is provided by academic staff, who are leaders in their fields, with independent pastoral back-up. Transferable skills training is available and there are some school teaching opportunities.

For more information about research themes within the department please visit our themes page or view available projects within the department on our Postgraduate Research projects page . 

To be announced.

The programme fee will vary depending on the cost of running the project. Fees quoted are fully inclusive and, therefore, you will not be required to pay any additional bench fees or administration costs.

All fees for entry will be subject to yearly review and incremental rises per annum are also likely over the duration of the course for Home students (fees are typically fixed for International students, for the course duration at the year of entry). For general fees information please visit the postgraduate fees page .

Always contact the Admissions team if you are unsure which fees apply to your project.

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.

To be considered for many of our scholarships, you’ll need to be nominated by your proposed supervisor. Therefore, we’d highly recommend you discuss potential sources of funding with your supervisor first, so they can advise on your suitability and make sure you meet nomination deadlines.

For more information about our scholarships, visit our funding page or use our funding database to search for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

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Our internationally-renowned expertise across the School of Natural Sciences informs research led teaching with strong collaboration across disciplines, unlocking new and exciting fields and translating science into reality.  Our multidisciplinary learning and research activities advance the boundaries of science for the wider benefit of society, inspiring students to promote positive change through educating future leaders in the true fundamentals of science. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .

Programmes in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

• Physics and Astronomy

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You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website .

PhD Program

**updated** graduate student guide coming soon, expected progress of physics graduate student to ph.d..

This document describes the Physics Department's expectations for the progress of a typical graduate student from admission to award of a PhD.  Because students enter the program with different training and backgrounds and because thesis research by its very nature is unpredictable, the time-frame for individual students will vary. Nevertheless, failure to meet the goals set forth here without appropriate justification may indicate that the student is not making adequate progress towards the PhD, and will therefore prompt consideration by the Department and possibly by Graduate Division of the student’s progress, which might lead to probation and later dismissal.

Course Work

Graduate students are required to take a minimum of 38 units of approved upper division or graduate elective courses (excluding any upper division courses required for the undergraduate major).  The department requires that students take the following courses which total 19 units: Physics 209 (Classical Electromagnetism), Physics 211 (Equilibrium Statistical Physics) and Physics 221A-221B (Quantum Mechanics). Thus, the normative program includes an additional 19 units (five semester courses) of approved upper division or graduate elective courses.  At least 11 units must be in the 200 series courses. Some of the 19 elective units could include courses in mathematics, biophysics, astrophysics, or from other science and engineering departments.  Physics 290, 295, 299, 301, and 602 are excluded from the 19 elective units. Physics 209, 211 and 221A-221B must be completed for a letter grade (with a minimum average grade of B).  No more than one-third of the 19 elective units may be fulfilled by courses graded Satisfactory, and then only with the approval of the Department.  Entering students are required to enroll in Physics 209 and 221A in the fall semester of their first year and Physics 211 and 221B in the spring semester of their first year. Exceptions to this requirement are made for 1) students who do not have sufficient background to enroll in these courses and have a written recommendation from their faculty mentor and approval from the head graduate adviser to delay enrollment to take preparatory classes, 2) students who have taken the equivalent of these courses elsewhere and receive written approval from the Department to be exempted. 

If a student has taken courses equivalent to Physics 209, 211 or 221A-221B, then subject credit may be granted for each of these course requirements.  A faculty committee will review your course syllabi and transcript.  A waiver form can be obtained in 378 Physics North from the Student Affairs Officer detailing all required documents.  If the committee agrees that the student has satisfied the course requirement at another institution, the student must secure the Head Graduate Adviser's approval.  The student must also take and pass the associated section of the preliminary exam.  Please note that official course waiver approval will not be granted until after the preliminary exam results have been announced.  If course waivers are approved, units for the waived required courses do not have to be replaced for PhD course requirements.  If a student has satisfied all first year required graduate courses elsewhere, they are only required to take an additional 19 units to satisfy remaining PhD course requirements.  (Note that units for required courses must be replaced for MA degree course requirements even if the courses themselves are waived; for more information please see MA degree requirements).

In exceptional cases, students transferring from other graduate programs may request a partial waiver of the 19 elective unit requirement. Such requests must be made at the time of application for admission to the Department.

The majority of first year graduate students are Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs) with a 20 hour per week load (teaching, grading, and preparation).  A typical first year program for an entering graduate student who is teaching is:

First Semester

• Physics 209 Classical Electromagnetism (5)
• Physics 221A Quantum Mechanics (5)
• Physics 251 Introduction to Graduate Research (1)
• Physics 301 GSI Teaching Credit (2)
• Physics 375 GSI Training Seminar (for first time GSI's) (2)

Second Semester

• Physics 211 Equilibrium Statistical Physics (4)
• Physics 221B Quantum Mechanics (5)

Students who have fellowships and will not be teaching, or who have covered some of the material in the first year courses material as undergraduates may choose to take an additional course in one or both semesters of their first year.

Many students complete their course requirements by the end of the second year. In general, students are expected to complete their course requirements by the end of the third year. An exception to this expectation is that students who elect (with the approval of their mentor and the head graduate adviser) to fill gaps in their undergraduate background during their first year at Berkeley often need one or two additional semesters to complete their course work.

Faculty Mentors

Incoming graduate students are each assigned a faculty mentor. In general, mentors and students are matched according to the student's research interest.   If a student's research interests change, or if (s)he feels there is another faculty member who can better serve as a mentor, the student is free to request a change of assignment.

The role of the faculty mentor is to advise graduate students who have not yet identified research advisers on their academic program, on their progress in that program and on strategies for passing the preliminary exam and finding a research adviser.  Mentors also are a “friendly ear” and are ready to help students address other issues they may face coming to a new university and a new city.  Mentors are expected to meet with the students they advise individually a minimum of once per semester, but often meet with them more often.  Mentors should contact incoming students before the start of the semester, but students arriving in Berkeley should feel free to contact their mentors immediately.

Student-Mentor assignments continue until the student has identified a research adviser.  While many students continue to ask their mentors for advice later in their graduate career, the primary role of adviser is transferred to the research adviser once a student formally begins research towards his or her dissertation. The Department asks student and adviser to sign a “mentor-adviser” form to make this transfer official.  

Preliminary Exams

In order to most benefit from graduate work, incoming students need to have a solid foundation in undergraduate physics, including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics, special relativity, thermal and statistical physics and quantum mechanics, and to be able to make order-of-magnitude estimates and analyze physical situations by application of general principles. These are the topics typically included, and at the level usually taught, within a Bachelor's degree program in Physics at most universities. As a part of this foundation, the students should also have formed a well-integrated overall picture of the fields studied. The preliminary exam is meant to assess the students' background, so that any missing pieces can be made up as soon as possible. The exam is made up of four sections.  Each section is administered twice a year, at the start of each semester.  

For a longer description of the preliminary exam, please visit Preliminary Exam page

Start of Research

Students are encouraged to begin research as soon as possible. Many students identify potential research advisers in their first year and most have identified their research adviser before the end of their second year.  When a research adviser is identified, the Department asks that both student and research adviser sign a form (also available from the Student Affairs Office, 378 Physics North) indicating that the student has (provisionally) joined the adviser’s research group with the intent of working towards a PhD.  In many cases, the student will remain in that group for their thesis work, but sometimes the student or faculty adviser will decide that the match of individuals or research direction is not appropriate.  Starting research early gives students flexibility to change groups when appropriate without incurring significant delays in time to complete their degree.

Departmental expectations are that experimental research students begin work in a research group by the summer after the first year; this is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged.  Students doing theoretical research are similarly encouraged to identify a research direction, but often need to complete a year of classes in their chosen specialty before it is possible for them to begin research.  Students intending to become theory students and have to take the required first year classes may not be able to start research until the summer after their second year.  Such students are encouraged to attend theory seminars and maintain contact with faculty in their chosen area of research even before they can begin a formal research program. 

If a student chooses dissertation research with a supervisor who is not in the department, he or she must find an appropriate Physics faculty member who agrees to serve as the departmental research supervisor of record and as co-adviser. This faculty member is expected to monitor the student's progress towards the degree and serve on the student's qualifying and dissertation committees. The student will enroll in Physics 299 (research) in the co-adviser's section.  The student must file the Outside Research Proposal for approval; petitions are available in the Student Affairs Office, 378 Physics North.   

Students who have not found a research adviser by the end of the second year will be asked to meet with their faculty mentor to develop a plan for identifying an adviser and research group.  Students who have not found a research adviser by Spring of the third year are not making adequate progress towards the PhD.  These students will be asked to provide written documentation to the department explaining their situation and their plans to begin research.  Based on their academic record and the documentation they provide, such students may be warned by the department that they are not making adequate progress, and will be formally asked to find an adviser.  The record of any student who has not identified an adviser by the end of Spring of the fourth year will be evaluated by a faculty committee and the student may be asked to leave the program. 

Qualifying Exam

Rules and requirements associated with the Qualifying Exam are set by the Graduate Division on behalf of the Graduate Council.  Approval of the committee membership and the conduct of the exam are therefore subject to Graduate Division approval.  The exam is oral and lasts 2-3 hours.  The Graduate Division specifies that the purpose of the Qualifying Exam is “to ascertain the breadth of the student's comprehension of fundamental facts and principles that apply to at least three subject areas related to the major field of study and whether the student has the ability to think incisively and critically about the theoretical and the practical aspects of these areas.”  It also states that “this oral examination of candidates for the doctorate serves a significant additional function. Not only teaching, but the formal interaction with students and colleagues at colloquia, annual meetings of professional societies and the like, require the ability to synthesize rapidly, organize clearly, and argue cogently in an oral setting.  It is necessary for the University to ensure that a proper examination is given incorporating these skills.”

Please see the  Department website for a description of the Qualifying Exam and its Committee .   Note: You must login with your Calnet ID to access QE information . Passing the Qualifying Exam, along with a few other requirements described on the department website, will lead to Advancement to Candidacy.  Qualifying exam scheduling forms can be picked up in the Student Affairs Office, 378 Physics North.   

The Department expects students to take the Qualifying Exam two or three semesters after they identify a research adviser. This is therefore expected to occur for most students in their third year, and no later than fourth year. A student is considered to have begun research when they first register for Physics 299 or fill out the department mentor-adviser form showing that a research adviser has accepted the student for PhD work or hired as a GSR (Graduate Student Researcher), at which time the research adviser becomes responsible for guidance and mentoring of the student.  (Note that this decision is not irreversible – the student or research adviser can decide that the match of individuals or research direction is not appropriate or a good match.)  Delays in this schedule cause concern that the student is not making adequate progress towards the PhD.  The student and adviser will be asked to provide written documentation to the department explaining the delay and clarifying the timeline for taking the Qualifying Exam.

Annual Progress Reports

Graduate Division requires that each student’s performance be annually assessed to provide students with timely information about the faculty’s evaluation of their progress towards PhD.  Annual Progress Reports are completed during the Spring Semester.  In these reports, the student is asked to discuss what progress he or she has made toward the degree in the preceding year, and to discuss plans for the following year and for PhD requirements that remain to be completed.  The mentor or research adviser or members of the Dissertation Committee (depending on the student’s stage of progress through the PhD program) comment on the student’s progress and objectives. In turn, the student has an opportunity to make final comments. 

Before passing the Qualifying Exam, the annual progress report (obtained from the Physics Student Affairs Office in 378 Physics North) is completed by the student and either his/her faculty mentor or his/her research adviser, depending on whether or not the student has yet begun research (see above).  This form includes a statement of intended timelines to take the Qualifying Exam, which is expected to be within 2-3 semesters of starting research.  

After passing the Qualifying Exam, the student and research adviser complete a similar form, but in addition to the research adviser, the student must also meet with at least one other and preferably both other members of their Dissertation Committee (this must include their co-adviser if the research adviser is not a member of the Physics Department) to discuss progress made in the past year, plans for the upcoming year, and overall progress towards the PhD.  This can be done either individually as one-on-one meetings of the graduate student with members of the Dissertation Committee, or as a group meeting with presentation. (The Graduate Council requires that all doctoral students who have been advanced to candidacy meet annually with at least two members of the Dissertation Committee. The annual review is part of the Graduate Council’s efforts to improve the doctoral completion rate and to shorten the time it takes students to obtain a doctorate.)

Advancement to Candidacy

After passing the Qualifying Examination, the next step in the student's career is to advance to candidacy as soon as possible.  Advancement to candidacy is the academic stage when a student has completed all requirements except completion of the dissertation.  Students are still required to enroll in 12 units per semester; these in general are expected to be seminars and research units.  Besides passing the Qualifying Exam, there are a few other requirements described in the Graduate Program Booklet. Doctoral candidacy application forms can be picked up in the Student Affairs Office, 378 Physics North.

Completion of Dissertation Work

The expected time for completion of the PhD program is six years.  While the Department recognizes that research time scales can be unpredictable, it strongly encourages students and advisers to develop dissertation proposals consistent with these expectations.  The Berkeley Physics Department does not have dissertation defense exams, but encourages students and their advisers to ensure that students learn the important skill of effective research presentations, including a presentation of their dissertation work to their peers and interested faculty and researchers.

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How Long Does It Take To Get a PhD?

A PhD program typically takes four to seven years, but a variety of factors can impact that timeline.

A PhD , or doctorate degree , is the highest degree you can earn in certain disciplines, such as psychology, engineering, education, and mathematics. As a result, it often takes longer to earn than it does for a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

While many PhD programs are designed to be finished in four or five years, the average completion time is much longer when you factor in the time it takes to research and write a dissertation. In 2020, for example, doctoral students took between six and twelve years to complete their PhDs [ 1 ]. By comparison, you can complete a master's degree in one to three years.

In this article, we'll explore the requirements of a PhD, what often ends up adding to the length of time, and important factors you should consider when deciding whether it’s the right choice for you.

PhD requirements + general timeline

Doctoral programs typically require PhD candidates to take take advanced courses, pass a comprehensive exam (sometimes called "comps"), and produce an original body of research, such as a dissertation, to obtain the degree. In some cases, you may also be expected to fulfill a teaching assistantship or research assistantship, both of which are meant to prepare you for a career in academia or research.

PhD requirements

The precise requirements you'll need to complete in order to get your PhD vary from one program to another, but some common tasks include:

Advanced coursework: Graduate-level coursework that explores a number of advanced sub-topics related to your field

Comprehensive exam: An exam that requires you to show knowledge of your field, such as its history, important figures, major theories or research, and more

Dissertation: An original body of research you contribute to your field

PhD timeline

The specifics of a PhD program vary by college and university, but the following estimates give you an idea of what to expect during your time in graduate school:

Year 1: Complete advanced coursework.

Year 2: Complete advanced coursework and begin preparing for your comprehensive exams.

Year 3: Study, take, and defend your comprehensive exams. Begin researching your dissertation proposal.

Year 4: Submit your dissertation proposal to your committee chair, and, once approved, begin working on your dissertation.

Year 5: Finish writing your dissertation and submit for committee approval. Defend your dissertation and apply for graduation.

Note that while this timeline gives a general timeline of how long it will take to complete a PhD program, it's very common for candidates to take more than one year to research and compose their dissertation.

Read more: Should You Go Back to School? 7 Things to Consider

PhD timelines by focus

Some PhD programs take longer to complete than others. For example, earning a doctorate in a science and engineering field typically takes less time than earning a doctorate in the arts or humanities, according to data from the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) [ 1 ]. The list below shows the median length of time it took doctorate students to earn their degree in 2020:

Physical and Earth Sciences: 6.3 

Engineering: 6.8 years

Life sciences: 6.9 years

Mathematics and computer science: 7 years

Psychology and Social Sciences: 7.9 years

Humanities and arts: 9.6 years

Education: 12 years

Learn more: What Is a Terminal Degree and Do I Need One?

Why does it take so long to complete a PhD?

There are a few reasons why it takes more time to complete a PhD compared to other advanced degrees.

1. Dissertations

Once a doctoral student has successfully passed their comps, they are considered “All But Dissertation” or “ABD.” Yet, the number of students who successfully complete their PhD program remains low—estimates show that nearly 50 percent of students drop out, often after reaching the dissertation phase [ 2 ].

The dissertation phase can often take much longer to complete than the other requirements of a PhD. Researching and writing a dissertation takes significant time because students are expected to make an original and notable contribution to their field.

2. Assistantship obligations

Teaching and research assistantships are beneficial because they can help pay for a PhD program, but they may also take time away from working on your dissertation. Some students are expected to teach at least one class per semester on top of their other obligations as graduate students.

For universities that reduce the teaching or research load that students have as part of their assistantship, times to completion tend to improve. Humanities students at Princeton University began finishing their degree in 6.4 years (compared to 7.5 years) thanks to the institution's financial support and the reduced number of classes students taught [ 3 ].

3. Other responsibilities

Doctoral students tend to be older. Graduate students pursuing a PhD in science or engineering were an average of 31.6 years old by the time they earned their degree in 2016, according to the National Science Foundation [ 4 ]. In effect, some PhD students may have competing obligations, such as family. If a student’s funding has run out, and they have to find full-time work, it also may affect the time they can dedicate to writing their dissertation.

Is a PhD right for you?

People pursue PhDs for various reasons: Some want a job that requires the degree, such as teaching at a university, while others want the challenges or intellectual engagement that a graduate program offers. Identifying why you want to earn a PhD can help indicate whether it’s your best choice.

If your career aspirations don't require a PhD, it might be better to focus on gaining professional experience. Or if you're interested in an advanced education, a master's degree may be a better option. It takes less time to complete than a PhD and can lead to more career opportunities and larger salaries than a bachelor's degree.

Learn more: Is a Master’s Degree Worth It?

Benefits of a PhD

The primary advantage of earning a PhD is your increased demand and marketability in the workforce.

In 2018, less than 5 percent of the United States population had a doctorate degree, compared to about 48 percent with a bachelor's degree and 21 percent with a master's degree, according to the US Census Bureau [ 5 ]. As a member of this elite group, the potential for advanced roles, promotions, or pay raises may be greater.

Even before you have a degree in hand, working toward a PhD gives you opportunities to hone valuable skills , including writing, research, and data analysis . Furthermore, completing a PhD program can demonstrate to potential employers that you have specialized knowledge and the fortitude to finish such an advanced degree.

Costs of a PhD

Beyond the time they take to complete, PhD programs can be expensive. The average cost of a PhD program in the United States is just under $100,000. At some schools, the cost of a PhD can even exceed $200,000 [ 6 ]. While many institutions offer funding support in the form of assistantships or scholarships, many PhD students still graduate with student loan debt. In 2023, the average student loan debt for PhD was $134,797 [ 7 ].

Another factor to consider is the loss of income you might incur while you're working toward your degree. Some graduate students accept teaching or research assistantships to help fund the cost of their program, but these may not pay as much as full-time positions. Working on your education may also mean pausing the professional experience you’d gain in the workforce—and potentially losing out on promotions and raises. However, it’s worth noting that graduate degree holders earn much more over the course of their lifetime than bachelor’s degree holders, according to the US Social Security Administration [ 8 ].

Read more: How to Pay for Graduate School: 8 Ways

Set yourself up for success

A PhD is a major accomplishment. As you think about your long-term goals and whether a PhD will help you achieve them, it's important to understand ways you can set yourself up for success. According to the University of Georgia, success in a PhD program often means [ 9 ]:

Understanding the demands and expectations of the program

Receiving adequate program orientation

Getting support from peers and faculty

Feeling a sense of belonging as a member of an academic community

These conditions underscore the importance of choosing the right program and school to fit your personal and professional goals. Take time to research the ways your potential institution offers financial support, mental health support, and career placement support, among other program features.

An advanced degree can be a lucrative credential. You can earn your master’s in a number of in-demand fields from top universities on Coursera. Earn a degree in computer science , business , management , or public health , all while enjoying greater flexibility than an in-person degree program tends to offer. Earning your master's can also help you discern whether a PhD makes sense for your larger objectives.

Article sources

Survey of Earned Doctorates. " Path to the doctorate , https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsf22300/report/path-to-the-doctorate." Accessed January 30, 2024.

International Journal of Higher Education. “ Who Are the Doctoral Students Who Drop Out? , https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1188721.pdf.” Accessed January 30, 2024.

The New York Times. " Exploring Ways to Shorten the Ascent to a PhD , https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/03/education/03education.html." Accessed January 30, 2024.

National Science Foundation. " Science and Engineering Doctorates , https://www.nsf.gov/statistics/2018/nsf18304/report/age-at-doctorate-award-what-are-the-overall-trends-and-characteristics/characteristics-of-doctorate-recipients-sex.cfm." Accessed January 30, 2024.

US Census Bureau. " About 13.1 Percent Have a Master’s, Professional Degree or Doctorate , https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2019/02/number-of-people-with-masters-and-phd-degrees-double-since-2000.html." Accessed January 30, 2024.

Education Data Initiative. " Average Cost of a Doctorate Degree , https://educationdata.org/average-cost-of-a-doctorate-degree." Accessed January 30, 2024.

Education Data Initiative. " Average Graduate Student Loan Debt , https://educationdata.org/average-graduate-student-loan-debt." Accessed January 30, 2024.

Social Security Administration. " Education and Lifetime Earnings , https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/research-summaries/education-earnings.html." Accessed January 30, 2024.

 A Data-Driven Approach to Improving Doctoral Completion. " Chapter 2: Description of Projects , https://cgsnet.org/cgs-occasional-paper-series/university-georgia/chapter-2." Accessed January 30, 2024.

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Coursera staff.

Editorial Team

Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

How long does it take to get a PhD in Theoretical Physics?

PhD in Physics Graduation and Admission Requirements Those wishing to complete their PhD in Physics can expect it to take between four to five years and require two years of classroom study along with two to three more years of research and laboratory work for their dissertation.

Table of Contents

Which institute is best for Theoretical Physics?

• Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR Mumbai)
• International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS)
• IIT Kanpur.
• Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP), Kolkata.
• IIT Kharagpur (IITKGP)
• IIT Madras (IITM)
• Centre for Theoretical Physics JMI Delhi.
• Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISERs)

Where should I study theoretical physics?

• Stanford University. Stanford University has the third best “U.S. News & World Report” ranking for general physics and the top ranking for theoretical physics.
• The University of California at Berkeley.
• Harvard University.
• Princeton University.

Is it good to do PhD in theoretical physics?

There are many benefits of receiving a PhD in Theoretical Physics. Program participants learn how to use mathematics to conduct lab tests, and they learn how to identify natural phenomena. Students can learn how to be problem solvers in any situation. The cost of a PhD degree can vary.

Which University has the best physics?

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
• Stanford University.
• University of California–Berkeley.
• California Institute of Technology.
• University of Chicago.
• University of Tokyo.

Does MIT have theoretical physics?

The MIT Center for Theoretical Physics (CTP) is the hub of theoretical nuclear physics, particle physics, and quantum information research at MIT. It is a subdivision of MIT Laboratory for Nuclear Science and Department of Physics.

Which country is best for Phd in physics?

USA. The USA is already way ahead as compared to other countries in the field of technology, education & research. The country is home to the number #1 University in the world. Listed below are the top universities in the USA offering physics programs along with their QS World University Rankings 2022.

How hard is it to become a theoretical physicist?

Becoming a theoretical physicist usually requires a doctorate in physics or mathematics, post-doctoral experience, and several years of job experience applying physics. Working to become a theoretical physicist can take many years of learning and experience.

What jobs do theoretical physicists do?

• Conduct research on physical phenomena using computers and data analysis.
• Develop theories based on observations and calculations.
• Create methods to apply physical laws and theories.
• Develop and refine existing theories using calculations.

Who is the most famous theoretical physicist?

Albert Einstein (arguably the greatest theoretical physicist of all time), who has revised at the most fundamental level Newton’s concepts of space and time, his dynamics and theory of gravity.

How long is a PhD in Theoretical Physics?

The DPhil in Theoretical Physics is a research-based course of three to four years in duration.

Is Theoretical Physics competitive?

Theoretical physics can be a very competitive field to enter after graduating.

What Ivy League is best for physics?

• No. 1 Yale University.
• No. 3 Princeton University.
• No. 4 Cornell University.
• No. 5 Columbia University.
• No. 6 Brown University.
• No. 7 University of Pennsylvania.
• No. 8 Dartmouth College.

Who is the best physics in the world?

• Galileo Galilei.
• Albert Einstein.
• James Clerk Maxwell.
• Michael Faraday.
• Marie Curie.
• Richard Feynman.
• Ernest Rutherford. New Zealand-born Rutherford (1871-1937) is considered one of the greatest of all experimental physicists.
• Paul Dirac. One of the most revered – and strangest – figures in physics.

What is MIT University known for?

While MIT is perhaps best known for its programs in engineering and the physical sciences, other areas—notably economics, political science, urban studies, linguistics, and philosophy—are also strong. Admission is extremely competitive, and undergraduate students are often able to pursue their own original research.

How much does a theoretical physicist make?

Salary Ranges for Theoretical Physicists The salaries of Theoretical Physicists in the US range from $55,610 to $185,230 , with a median salary of $98,391 . The middle 50% of Theoretical Physicists makes between $84,902 and $98,390, with the top 83% making $185,230.

How good is MIT for physics?

The MIT Physics Department is one of the best places in the world for research and education in physics. In recent years, they’ve produced the largest numbers of undergraduate and doctoral degrees in physics of any university in the U.S. and their successes are widely admired and emulated.

Is quantum physics theoretical physics?

Short answer: Theoretical physics is one of two branches of physics: theoretical and experimental. Like other types of physics, quantum physics has both a theoretical physics branch and an experimental physics branch.

Which is best country for physicists?

1. United States of America. The physical sciences account for one-quarter of the United States’ research in the Nature Index, and the country has held its own as the world’s largest producer of high-quality articles in the field.

Does MIT do astrophysics?

MIT hosts a vibrant interdisciplinary program of research and education in Astronomy and Astrophysics.

Are theoretical physicists in demand?

Theoretical Physics graduates are sought after, but there are a lot of competing degrees such as Computer Science and Pure Math. For better career opportunities, it is better to advance to a Masters or a Doctorate.

How do I become a NASA physicist?

To be hired as a NASA scientist, you need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in physics, astrophysics, astronomy, geology, space science or a similar field. With a master’s degree or a Ph. D., however, you’ll start at a higher salary.

Do theoretical physicists need computer science?

Short answer: yes, generally in one of three categories: Theory of “practical systems” (loosely speaking) Material science/solid state/condensed matter.

Does NASA hire theoretical physicists?

Yes, you can work for NASA while being an astrophysicist/theoretical physicist. They employ people from a variety of professions, not just aerospace engineers and astronauts.

How many theoretical physicists are there in the world?

According to an article from Physics Today[1], there is a range between 372,000 and 964,000 based on national physics society membership from the 34 most populous counties and adjusting for the estimated total world population.

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PhD in Physics

• Updated on  
• Apr 28, 2023

A Doctorate of Philosophy or PhD in Physics is a natural science course that involves the study of laws of nature and matter. This doctoral program generally runs for 3-years but the course duration may vary from one university to another. Being an interdisciplinary field, the knowledge gained while pursuing PhD in Physics can be put to use in other fields like nuclear sciences, astronomy, Electronics, etc. This doctoral program provides with you an array of areas to specialize in. Some of which are Biophysics, Nanomaterials, Robotics, Semiconductors, Kinetics, Advanced Thermodynamics, Condensed Matter Physics, Artificial Intelligence , Photonics, Quantum Mechanics, Ferromagnetic Materials, and Nuclear Physics. This blog aims to elaborate on the various essentials of a PhD in Physics including the eligibility criteria, syllabus, and top universities to pursue this course.

This Blog Includes:

• PhD in Physics: Skills Required

PhD Physics Syllabus

Phd in physics: eligibility criteria, phd physics admission process, universities abroad to pursue phd in physics, universities in india to study phd in physics, career prospects after phd in physics, phd in physics : skills required.

Before detailing the central features of a PhD in Physics, let us understand the skills required to ace in this field: 

• Strong Research Skills: As a PhD student, you will be required to define a problem, identify its sources and look for probable solutions. 
• Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills: Having an analytical attitude, you will be able to easily comprehend large volumes of data, evaluate and defend the topics, approach problems systematically, and draw conclusions.
• Leadership and Interpersonal Skills: From conducting meetings and collaborating on new projects to mentoring students and colleagues, a candidate pursuing PhD in Physics will have to put these skills to effective use.  
• Project Management and Organizational Skills: Conducting research work at the doctoral level is a tedious process as you will be required to complete many projects in tandem. It thus becomes important to identify goals, set realistic targets, and work towards achieving the goals. 
• Excellent Written and Verbal Communication Skills: As a doctorate student, you will be required to share complex research findings in a concise way through poster presentations, research papers, conference talks, and teaching. Having a strong grasp of language will assist in writing detailed thesis and reports and presenting them to scholars across the globe.

Also Read: MPhil in Physics

The admission process for enrolling in a doctoral program in physics is very holistic. The candidate not only has to satisfy the eligibility requirements but should also have a good number of quality research papers and patents. Even though the eligibility criteria to pursue a  PhD in English differs from one university to another, there are some common requirements accepted across most of the higher educational institutes:

• The candidates should hold an M.Sc. or M.Phil. degree in Physics or Material Science.
• They must have secured 60 % or the equivalent. 
• A valid score in English Proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS is required. 

Apart from this, the candidate also has to submit a Statement of Purpose(SOP) , Letter of recommendation (LOR) , Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV), and Transcripts. 

The admissions process for a student interested in pursuing a PhD in physics in India will be very different from that required by universities abroad. Admission to the PhD Physics program is determined by entrance exams such as the CSIR/ UGC-JRF , CSIR/UGC, JEST/ GATE , etc. Personal interviews will be used to further identify the qualified candidates. Some institutions also offer direct admission to deserving applicants who have earned a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 60% overall.:

The application procedure will rely on the requirements of the university of your desires. But these are the steps you ought to take:  

• Give Leverage Edu a call, and the team of experts will assist you in narrowing down the top universities. Make sure you send your application to several universities. 
• Gather all necessary documents. 
• Consider the deadlines and begin the applications for housing, student visas, and scholarships/student loans.
• Accept the offer letter.
• Don’t forget to have your visa authorized.

Here is a list of some of the universities offering a PhD in Physics :

• JMI New Delhi – Jamia Millia Islamia
• IIT Bombay – Indian Institute of Technology
• LPU Jalandhar – Lovely Professional University
• Christ University, Bangalore
• Jadavpur University, Kolkata
• IIT Madras – Indian Institute of Technology
• IISc Bangalore – Indian Institute of Science

Also Read: Career in Physics

A PhD in Physics degree opens an array of career opportunities in both India and abroad. You can work in government and private organizations in various roles. Below mentioned are some of the most suitable job profiles you can work in :

• Professor /Lecturer
• Scientific or Technical Writer
• Patent Attorney
• Nuclear Engineer
• Consulting Physicist
• Research Scientist
• Medical Science Liasion
• Intellectual Property Rights Professional
• Data analyst
• Astrophysicist
• Meteorologist
• Geophysicist
• Nanotechnologist
• Radiation protection Practitioner
• Telecommunications researcher

If not the generic fields, a PhD in Physics degree holder can also work in some alternative, non-Academic work profiles like:

• Market Research Analyst
• Intelligence Analyst
• Quantitative Analyst
• Venture Capitalist
• Healthcare Information Specialist
• Operations Research Analyst

Ans: With an average yearly compensation of INR 8 LPA, graduates with a PhD in physics will be well-positioned to obtain research or physicist-level positions.

Ans: Students have a wide range of career options to choose from, including those as a Senior Research Scientist, Industrial R&D Lab professionals, Lecturers & Professors, Author & Writer, Journalist, Editor & Critics, Human Services Workers, Independent Consultant, Philosophical Journalist, and more.

Ans: Doctor of Philosophy or PhD Physics is a 3-year doctorate program

We thus have familiarised you with the important details regarding PhD in Physics. If you have a university in mind but are not sure about how to get started with the admission process then don’t worry. You can contact Leverage Edu. The counselors and mentors will help you browse through the best universities and will make your study abroad journey smooth.

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How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD?

If you aspire to rise to the top of your field, then you may have your sights set on a PhD.

Earning a doctoral degree can be a years-long process, but choosing an accelerated doctoral online program may help you complete your program more quickly.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Whether you’re wanting to earn one of the highest paying doctoral degrees or you have a specific one in mind, this guide can help walk you through how long it takes to complete your PhD program.

For a traditional, campus-based PhD program, the average time to finish a PhD is 8 years. Fulfilling the program’s requirements will often demand a serious investment of your time.

Even still, some people are able to finish their programs in just 3 to 6 years. Multiple factors may influence the overall length of your program.

Required Credit Hours

Many PhD programs require you to earn 120 credit hours before entering the exam and dissertation phases.

Fortunately, there are PhD programs without such high credit-hour demands. For example, at some universities, you may earn a PhD with only 60 credit hours.

Full-Time vs. Part-Time Schedule

Enrolling in a doctoral program part-time may allow you to keep up with your regular job. You’ll have to decide whether you prefer the flexibility of part-time schooling or the faster schedule of full-time studies.

Final Project Requirements

Many PhD programs end with the completion of a dissertation. This assignment may take years to complete, so PhD students often end up in the all-but-dissertation (ABD) phase for quite some time.

University Scheduling

Some schools promote their ability to help you through the PhD process faster than normal. Accelerated class schedules with eight-week online courses may speed your studies along. Focused attention from dissertation advisors may help as well.

PhD Program Components

Before you enroll in a PhD program, it’s important to know some of the basic requirements:

Prerequisites

Most schools require you to already hold a master’s degree, but some offer bachelor’s-to-PhD programs.

Length to Completion

On average, it takes eight years to earn a PhD. Even still, completing doctoral coursework and a dissertation in three to four years is not unheard of.

Topic of Interest

PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be getting a philosophy degree. Your field of study will depend on your interests and the programs that your university offers. You may tailor your doctoral focus though your choice of a dissertation topic.

Steps to Completion

You’ll take advanced classes before sitting for comprehensive exams. After passing your exams, you’ll likely begin working on a dissertation. You must defend your dissertation before finishing your program.

Doctoral studies begin with a series of classes through which you may increase your knowledge of your field of study and learn about conducting research. These are advanced classes, so they should be more in-depth than the ones you took during your undergraduate and master’s programs.

The number of courses that you need to take can vary significantly. It’s not uncommon for PhD programs to require 120 credit hours of coursework. That amounts to about 40 classes.

At other schools, the requirements are lower. Your university’s program may involve just 60 credit hours or, possibly, even fewer. A less intense course load may significantly slash your time to completion.

Your university may require you to maintain a GPA above a minimum threshold. An unsatisfactory GPA may keep you from moving on to the next step of the PhD process.

Comprehensive Examinations

Universities often require students to demonstrate their readiness for a doctoral project before advancing to the next stage of their studies. Readiness is proven through comprehensive exams , which may also be known as:

• Preliminary examinations
• Major field examinations
• General examinations

Often, comprehensive exams take the form of written or oral tests. In other situations, faculty may assess students’ readiness on the basis of a portfolio evaluation or a written paper.

Dissertation and Defense

A dissertation, also known as a graduate thesis, is a body of work that presents original research in your field. This manuscript focuses on a unique idea and includes evidence to support your thesis. During your doctoral studies, there are classes designed to help prepare you for your dissertation work.

The dissertation process may take several years. Once your manuscript is complete, you must defend it to the doctoral program faculty. After your defense, you may need to do further work on your manuscript, or the committee may decide that your dissertation is complete.

Not all programs require a dissertation. Instead, there may be an alternative doctoral project. Although both dissertations and capstone projects are rigorous, projects can sometimes be completed within a shorter time frame.

Average Time to Complete PhD by Field of Study

Students in some disciplines usually take a lot more time to finish their doctoral work than students in other fields.

If you’re studying in the following scientific fields, you may be more likely to earn your on-campus degree in seven years or less:

• Physics — average of five years
• Psychology — average of five to seven years

On the other hand, if your field of study relates more to the humanities, your on-campus degree program may take longer:

• History — average of eight years
• English — average of eight years
• Education — average of 13 years

These are the traditional figures. There are ways to finish faster.

Why Does It Take So Long to Finish a Traditional PhD?

Some schools require doctoral students to take around 40 classes, which, in a traditional on-campus setting, may take years. After completing the coursework, you must write your dissertation and defend it. The dissertation process alone might take multiple years.

Doctoral programs online may help shorten the PhD process to three or four years. Fewer credit hours may be required, and the classes may be delivered in an accelerated format.

Schools with an emphasis on quick doctoral programs may also offer dissertation advisors to efficiently guide students through that phase. Alternatively, some universities allow students to complete capstone projects that don’t take as long as dissertations.

Getting a PhD Online vs. Campus

Online education has changed students’ options for earning a PhD. These days, aspiring students may choose whether to attend classes on a college campus or online.

Traditional programs may require you to relocate to the university’s campus and attend school full-time. On average, it takes just over eight years to complete those programs. The benefits of choosing an online school instead may include:

Faster Progress

Accelerated eight-week courses may allow you to finish your course load sooner. You may complete your entire program in just three or four years.

Multiple Start Dates

Online programs often let you join throughout the year, so you don’t have to put your studies on hold until the fall semester.

Flexibility

Not being required to move to campus or come to class at set times may allow you to work your studies around your schedule.

Equal Status

Online programs are just as rigorous as on-campus ones. As long as your university is accredited, your degree will be just as valuable as one from a traditional university setting.

Cost-Savings

Finishing your doctoral studies faster may mean that you pay less tuition.

How to Finish Your PhD in Less Time

Although you can’t earn a doctoral degree overnight, you shouldn’t have to spend the majority of your working years striving toward PhD-completion. The following tips for accelerating the PhD process may help you finish your studies more quickly than the average doctoral student.

1. Use What You Already Know

Every school requires a minimum number of credit hours that you must earn in the pursuit of your degree. To help you meet this threshold, some schools will allow you to transfer in credits from other doctoral programs. Universities may also give you credit for your professional experience. Reducing your class load may save you both time and money.

2. Look for Short Classes

Accelerated course schedules are one of the best ways to speed through the degree process. Every eight weeks, you’ll begin a new set of classes. Over the course of a year, there may be five different sessions during which you can take classes.

3. Work on Your Dissertation Throughout the Program

Traditionally, dissertation work begins once the classroom portion of your studies is over. Quick doctoral programs may allow you to begin the dissertation process while you’re still taking other classes. This approach, known as an embedded dissertation, may reduce the likelihood that you’ll drop out before finishing your final project. It might also speed up your doctoral timeline.

4. Ask for Help

A lack of support can lead some doctoral students to drop out. On the other hand, having a good support system can help you push through and finish your program more quickly. Build a team of family, friends, and academic mentors who can encourage you, guide you, and lend practical help when you’re feeling overwhelmed by school.

Why Get a PhD?

You may need to earn a doctoral degree to achieve your career goals . For example, if you want to become a clinical psychologist, this level of study is essential. Many scientific and research positions require doctoral studies. University faculty typically need to hold terminal degrees as well.

Even if a doctorate is not a requirement for your desired line of work, it may help you achieve greater success. You might be granted higher levels of responsibility, and you may earn more money. In some fields, those who hold PhDs make around 20% more than those with master’s degrees, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics .

Do You Have to Have a Master’s Degree to Get a PhD?

Many schools consider a master’s degree an essential prerequisite for PhD admission. If you don’t already have a master’s degree, a bachelor’s-to-doctorate program may allow you to earn a master’s and a PhD for less time and money than it would take to pursue them separately.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD After a Master’s?

You may be able to complete your doctoral program in three to four years if you opt for an accelerated online program. On average, traditional on-campus PhD programs take around eight years to complete.

How Hard Is It to Finish a PhD?

Doctoral studies are challenging. That shouldn’t come as a surprise; if doctorates were easy to acquire, nearly every college graduate would end up with a PhD behind his or her name.

Approximately 50% of students who begin a PhD program don’t end up finishing. Many quit within two years of starting. Another large portion gives up upon reaching the dissertation phase.

Although all PhD programs are challenging, the flexible nature of online programs may help you find success. Choosing a doctoral track that doesn’t require a dissertation may help as well.

What Is the Easiest PhD to Get?

All PhD programs are demanding, but you might have an easier time if you select a program that aligns with your interests and your career goals. The flexibility of online study may help your doctoral program seem less burdensome. In addition, capstone projects are sometimes easier than writing dissertations.

If earning a doctoral degree in a short time frame is important to you, then consider the many potential benefits that online programs have to offer. Within just a few years, you may be able to place the letters “PhD” at the end of your name.

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This question is about physicist education .

How long does it take to get a Ph.D. in physics?

It takes four to six years to get a Ph.D. in physics. This does not include the time taken beforehand to complete a bachelor's degree in physics or a related field, which is typically four years.

Most students are awarded a master's degree after two years of working in their Ph.D. programs. From there, they work on reaching their Ph.D. in physics. This process takes eight to ten years in total.

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Is it possible to get a PhD in physics in 3 years? If not, why? [closed]

Almost every two weeks I get to know another PhD Student who needs much more time to obtain his/her PhD than he/she actually thought he/she would need. I would like to know if this is a specific Problem of my university/ my country or if this is completely normal. Besides that, I would like to know why you think that the PhD students actually need so much time to get their PhD. When talking about needing more time than planned, I mean that instead of needing 3 years they often need between 4-6 years.

Some observations that I have made on my own are:

-Often the PhD students are loaded with work that does not relate to their PhD-project. This means for example, that they have to do a lot of work for their professor, do some teaching, supervise undergradute students,... But I think the "worst" part here is that often they are loaded with work by their professors. -The Project gets longer and longer. Even if they accomplish their project withing two years, the students will be told to do something new. This may even happen several times. - As a consequence from the last point that I mentioned a lot of the PhD students do not work as much as they would if they knew that they only have to finish their project and then they are finished. Since they know that even if they "finish" their work, they will get an additional task and won't be finished. Therfore, the motivation to finish the work as quickly as possible is rather low.

I also have the impression that in theoretical physics it is rather possible to obtain a PhD degree within 3 years, but not in experimental physics. I have recently heard that the average PhD student in physics needs 4.5 years.

What are your experiences? Do you share my expressions or am I wrong? Is there a way to "make sure" at the beginning of your thesis that you won't need 5 years for it?

If there is the same problem in other areas of research, of course I would like to hear about this, too.

• 1 if this is a specific problem of my university/country -- well, what is your country? Also, what makes you think you should be able to do it in 3 years, is someone telling you that is expected? –  Austin Henley Commented Feb 16, 2017 at 23:08
• Well, that's normally the amount of time in which a phd is supposed to be done. At least in Germany ;) –  anonymous Commented Feb 16, 2017 at 23:12
• I'm voting to close this question as off-topic as it's too specific to the OP's work, personal values, and institution. –  tonysdg Commented Feb 16, 2017 at 23:49
• 5 If 3 years really is the normal time for completing a PhD, then yes, it is possible to complete a PhD in 3 years. By definition. –  JeffE Commented Feb 17, 2017 at 1:38
• "This means for example, that they have to do a lot of work for their professor, do some teaching, supervise undergradute students,... But I think the "worst" part here is that often they are loaded with work by their professors.". Strongly agree –  Muhammad Faizan Khan Commented Feb 17, 2017 at 4:51

I have personally known only 2 people who got their PhD in 3 years in the US (though in Computer Science, not in Physics). I don't think it's impossible in Physics either, especially if you already have a masters going into the PhD, and if you have some research experience already so you can hit the ground running.

The problem generally with time to completion of a degree is simply that to do it in the near-minimum amount of time requires everything to go more or less according to plan, and you either have to get pretty lucky or just accept any outcome of your research efforts. I believe the root cause is simply that having a PhD where you have done the absolute minimum required, in the absolute minimum of time, has an uncertain (and perhaps limited) value.

If you've learned all you really needed to learn, can demonstrate appropriate mastery, fulfill all program requirements, and have established the level of knowledge, skill, and experience required to move on to whatever you want to do after your PhD - fantastic! Based on the fact that average time to completion is higher than 3 years, this suggests that a large portion of people don't find that 3 years was enough for them.

There are myriad reasons for why time to completion of degrees is well beyond the minimum on average, but you could roughly condense them to: personal factors, adviser factors, and program factors. Some people just don't achieve the minimum to get approved for the PhD in 3 years, and some people just go way, way beyond the minimum before officially completing their program. What's most important is that you are clear - or get clear - on what you want to get out of your program, and what you want to do after you have completed it, and then plan appropriately to get the most out of the opportunity you have. That may mean a completion time that is lower or higher than average, but what is most important is that you get what you came for in the first place.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged phd physics .

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Ph.D Physics

Ph.D Physics is a three to five-year-long doctorate course that deals with physics and also has disciplines like Atomic and Condensed Matter Physics, Laser Physics, Particle Physics, and so on. There are many job opportunities available to students after completion of PhD in Physics degree. Some of the popular roles include Lab Supervisor, Subject Matter Expert, Researcher & Technician, Teacher & Lecturer, Scientist, Consulting Physicist, Senior Physicist, Technical Writer, Scientific Officer cum Tutor.

Ph.D Physics Course Details

About PhD Physics

Wikipedia explains PhD in Physics course details as “Physics is the natural science that studies matter, its motion and behaviour through space and time, and the related entities of energy and force. Physics is one of the most fundamental scientific disciplines, and its main goal is to understand how the universe behaves.” PhD in Physics course duration ranges between three to five years, depending on the specialization.

Table of Contents

• PhD Physics Eligibility Criteria
• PhD Physics Admission Process
• Popular PhD Physics Entrance Exams
• Top PhD Physics Colleges
• Fees Structure for PhD Physics
• Syllabus and Subjects for PhD Physics
• Why Choose a PhD Physics?

Preparation Tips for PhD Physics

• PhD Physics Salary

Career Options After PhD Physics

• Skills to Excel

Eligibility Criteria for PhD Physics Course

PhD in Physics admission is given to the students based on them meeting the eligibility criteria. The eligibility for PhD in Physics includes students must possess a bachelor's Degree, M.Phil. degree or M.Sc Physics or Material Science with at least 60% total score. Additionally, part of the eligibility for PhD in Physics is the entrance exams. PhD physics eligibility does not have an age limit.

How To Get Admission in a PhD Physics Course? 

PhD in Physics in India admission can be done through online and offline methods. The PhD in Physics courses admission online can be done through the college website. And the offline method is through going to the admission office and submitting the official paperwork. The course falls under the umbrella of  PhD and thus the admission process does not change according to the specialization. Mentioned below are the details of the admission process in general:

How to Apply?

To apply to the PhD Physics course, students must visit the official website of the college and find out the exact requirements. To apply to the course, students can either fill the admission form online or they can visit the admission form in person. After filling the forms, the students must pay the admission fee and submit all the required documents.

Selection Process

 Based on the scores obtained in the entrance exam combined with scores obtained in under graduation and other national level exams the university will release a rank list, based on which students are called for a counselling session. Some Universities provide admissions via direct method/ management quota, which is based on skills possessed and marks obtained at the undergraduate level.

Popular Entrance Exams for PhD Physics

According to the PhD Physics course details, admission in the PhD Physics course is not provided unless aspirants pass the entrance exams. PhD Physics full form is Doctor of Philosophy in Physics. Following are a few such entrance exams:

A Quick Glance at the PhD Physics Entrance Exams

PhD Physics entrance exams details can be found online by going to the college website. When pursuing the course, it is very important that the students ensure that they research the general pattern of the exams. Listed below are the general guidelines for these exams:

• These exams are Computer-Based Test
• The question paper will have Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ).
• Duration is 180 minutes.

Top 10 PhD Physics Colleges in India

There are plenty of best institutes for PhD Physics in India that provide students with all the vital faculty and facilities they need to gain a good education. Some of the best colleges for PhD in Physics are listed below: 

Fee Structure for PhD Physics 

PhD in Physics course fee is not fixed and can vary according to many factors. The factors which affect the PhD in Physics fees in India include the PhD Physics duration, location, faculty, and facilities. The average fees structure for the best universities for PhD in Physics in India is around INR 2.5 - 5 LPA.

Syllabus and Subjects for PhD Physics 

Doctorate of Philosophy or PhD Physics is a three to five years doctorate program. Students seek a full-time frame of free exploration, students with research abilities, and expert information. The course has both core and elective subjects as part of the curriculum. The PhD in course subjects are:

• Quantum Optics and Laser Physics
• Matter Physics
• Solid State Physics and Materials Science
• High Energy Physics
• Nonlinear Optics
• Electronic Science.

Read More On  PhD Physics Syllabus and Subjects

Why Choose PhD Physics?

Students often wonder about PhD Physics course details before choosing the course. Before deciding on a career, students come across queries like, "What is a PhD in Physics course?" and "Why choose a PhD Physics degree?”. To clearly understand answers to these questions and know more about PhD Physics course, we have framed the following three pointers:

What is PhD Physics All About?

PhD Physics course prepares the students for research, topic specialists in a particular field of their advantage, and opens professional scopes for them in numerous areas. The PhD Physics course focuses on Physics and also has disciplines like Atomic and Condensed Matter Physics, Laser Physics, Particle Physics, and so on. This course concentrates on the characteristic laws in optics, traditional and quantum mechanics, power and attraction, stargazing and astronomy, biomedical material science, etc. The PhD Physics course comprises research-based subjects.

What Does a PhD Physics Graduate Do?

The PhD in Physics duration in India is between three to five years, depending on the specialization and research students choose to pursue. PhD Physics is a research-based degree and the syllabus is an overview of the Physics subjects and research topics are based on the candidate's quest for exploration.

Physicist: A Physicist is a theoretical analyst and researcher. They develop ideas using mathematical modelling techniques and computer simulation. They make predictions and explain behaviours. experimental research – design controlled experiments to test how well theories stand up.

Reasons Why PhD Physics Can Fetch You a Rewarding Career?

PhD in Physics doctorate degree will help candidates to work in various sectors like educational, medical services, drug(pharmaceutical), research sectors, and so forth. The candidates will get opportunities to improve research skills, collaborative findings, analytics abilities, and other areas of specialization. Overall a PhD Physics helps the graduates to pursue their career path in both academic and corporate sectors.

Demand: There is a considerable demand for the graduates of this role in the job market. The graduates through their education are able to learn the concepts in great detail and depth, due to which they become experts in their field and specialization.

Read More On  PhD Physics Jobs

When pursuing a PhD Physics course, it is an essential requirement for the students to prepare themselves for the course and the exams. Listed below are some of the essential tips that the students should take: 

Get to know the Syllabus: The syllabus of the course is one of the essential factors which a student should focus upon as this helps a student to focus during the time of the examination.

Make a Plan: Make a course plan that can help the student to plan according to the study of the work which enables them to keep both balanced.

Connect With Fellow Students and Experts: Start connecting with peers and experts who can help you with providing a clear idea of the course along with scope and knowledge exchange that might help you to excel in this course.

Keep Updated: It is required for the students to keep themselves on the latest Hotel Management techniques used by popular names in the field.

Salary of a PhD Physics Graduate

The average PhD Physics salary in India is around INR 5 - 7 LPA [Source: PayScale]. This salary can change and increase due to many factors like education, designation, and location. Graduates can further increase this salary by obtaining higher education.

Read More On  PhD Physics Salary

There are plenty of job opportunities available for the PhD in Physics graduates. They can work in both the public and private sectors. Owing to the knowledge and level of education the graduates get, the graduates are able to handle very difficult job roles. The most common roles the graduates work as are:

• Lab Supervisor
• Subject Matter Expert
• Researcher & Technician
• Teacher & Lecturer
• Consulting Physicist
• Senior Physicist
• Technical Writer
• Scientific Officer cum Tutor

Skills That Make You The Best PhD Physics Graduate

There are many skills that PhD Physics graduates need to have to ensure that they succeed in their careers. Some of these skills are listed below:

• Flexible Temperament
• Ability to Work Under Pressure
• Time Management Skills
• Quantitative Ability Skills
• Logical Reasoning Skills
• Scientific Skills
• Research Skills

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• Science Education and Careers

Is it possible to get a PhD in Physics in 2 years in the US?

• Thread starter 1v1Dota2RightMeow
• Start date Oct 11, 2016
• Tags Career advice Phd Phd advice Phd program Physics Years
• Oct 11, 2016

A PF Electron

• Physicists uncover new phenomena in fractional quantum Hall effects
• Researchers observe 'locked' electron pairs in a superconductor cuprate
• Theoretical research holds promise for advancing modular quantum information processing

A PF Asteroid

I've never heard of anyone doing it in two years. Even four years is unusual, I doubt that is the average; 5-6 years is more typical. Typically the first year is spent on course work - it is possible to save some of this time if you can test out of all of the required courses. Then you have to identify a thesis advisor, find a thesis topic, and do quality research that merits a PhD. It just takes time. What is your background? Have you taken graduate level courses in Mechanics, E-M, QM, and Statistical Physics?  

A PF Molecule

A pf universe.

tionis said: True story.

phyzguy said: I've never heard of anyone doing it in two years.

For the 10 youngest Ph.D. awarded see http://www.gradschoolhub.com/10-youngest-people-ever-to-achieve-a-doctorate-degree/ Interestingly even by graduating from college as a teenager most of these people still took more than two years to earn their doctorate. So compare yourself to these persons and draw your own conclusions.  

Vanadium 50 said: Then you should have no trouble posting a reference.

A PF SuperCluster

phyzguy said: Typically the first year is spent on course work - it is possible to save some of this time if you can test out of all of the required courses.

jtbell said: Where (in the US) can you test out of graduate courses?

Let's say that I can get a phd in 2 years. Would you recommend it? Is there anything to be gained from spending more time on it (even if the extra time is unnecessary)?  

A PF Planet

Gordon Drake did it 50 years ago and went on to a distinguished career in theoretical atomic physics (and to become an editor at Phys. Rev. A), but he did an M.Sc. before his Ph.D. (3 years of grad study), though at a different university. I believe he did his B.Sc. in three years (but don't have a reference), so B.Sc, M.Sc., and Ph.D. in a total of six years. Look at years in which degrees were awarded at http://www1.uwindsor.ca/physics/dr-gordon-drake-1 An outlier.  

1v1Dota2RightMeow said: Let's say that I can get a phd in 2 years. Would you recommend it? Is there anything to be gained from spending more time on it (even if the extra time is unnecessary)?

I am completely lost in what I think I should be doing with my life and career. I never had someone to give me advice growing up so I've kept it all stifled until now, but now I need serious advice on my life. I like technology, psychology, philosophy, business/economics. I have ideas in a huge number of fields that will result in massive improvements for all humanity that will combine biomedical engineering, computer science, and business. I'm working on completing my bachelor's in physics right now, but the question of whether or not I should get my PhD is coming up. I'm 24 years old, but I'll finish my bachelor's at 25 and then begin my PhD at 27 due to family constraints. Is it even worth it? I figure that the best use of a PhD will be to get me a steady job. I can't really imagine myself doing research and working at a university all my life. I have too many ideas in too many different fields. I'd feel suffocated. My current plan is to get my PhD done at age 31, and THEN begin to work on the things that really give me enjoyment in life. Yes, I know this sounds absolutely ridiculous, but I've received so much resounding advice from older people saying to just get the PhD because it is invaluable in your later years. Please feel free to be as brutally honest as possible. I need someone to lay it straight, regardless of my feelings.  

phyzguy said: What is your reason for wanting a PhD? Personal satisfaction? Do you want a faculty or research position somewhere? Do you just want to learn some things? Answering these will help answer your question.

tionis said: I read it in a book about string theory a few years ago

Vanadium 50 said: I don't believe this. In practically every university - if not every university - the thesis defense is public. You don't just decide to do this in Aspen (where they don't have a cafeteria, just a kitchen).

Why can you only start at 27? is it financial issues? Also where would you be willing to live? Are you willing to relocate? If not can be done about getting a PhD earlier, what would you do in those two years? Interesting that you'd find university research suffocating. By the way, if you are thinking of going to interdisciplinary research (as it seems to be the case) look at institutes that offer this. I agree with the advice of getting a PhD. I can't speak from myself, since I will be applying (younger than you) for next year, but that is what I hear: both academia and industry values a PhD. Now this is my opinion, but I think you should focus on one thing, at least for now, even though you like going off in many different directions. A PhD would be great for that too.  

In the summer of 1983, many theorists gathered at the resort station Aspen in Colorado to ponder about the whole issue. Paul goes there and along the side, he has another job – to conduct a Ph.D viva voce examination of a candidate named Neil Turok of Imperial College , London , whose thesis had been sent earlier to Paul for scrutiny. And this is where Neil enters the picture and let us now turn to his part of the story. But before that, a few parting words from Paul: “Because both Neil and his adviser, David Olive, were attending the Aspen workshop, Neil’s oral presentation was arranged to take place at the Aspen Institute on some afternoon during our time there – a fanciful location for a thesis defence, to be sure. Although Neil’s thesis was mostly mathematical in nature, with only one section somewhat related to cosmology, I decided to focus on that portion during the oral presentation. I wanted to test whether he had any serious interest in this area. I was very impressed by the outcome. Although he was obviously new to cosmology, Neil displayed an unusual combination of technical prowess, creativity, and self-confidence. I passed him, of course. But in addition to that, I made a mental note to follow this talented fellow’s career and look for an opportunity to collaborate with him in the future.” That had to wait for many years though.

Turok took three years at Imperial, but normally in the UK system one already has completed one's classwork and received a masters before starting a PhD.  

1v1Dota2RightMeow said: My current plan is to get my PhD done at age 31, and THEN begin to work on the things that really give me enjoyment in life.

A PF Singularity

1v1Dota2RightMeow said: Personal satisfaction and to be able to work almost anywhere. But my curiosity is also a factor here. I do want to learn about the universe. But then the question is this: can't I just learn endlessly from my house? Why do I need the degree in that case? It seems meaningless in that scenario. Please help.

1v1Dota2RightMeow said: I like technology, psychology, philosophy, business/economics. I have ideas in a huge number of fields that will result in massive improvements for all humanity that will combine biomedical engineering, computer science, and business.

Is it even worth it? I figure that the best use of a PhD will be to get me a steady job. I can't really imagine myself doing research and working at a university all my life. I have too many ideas in too many different fields. I'd feel suffocated.

My current plan is to get my PhD done at age 31, and THEN begin to work on the things that really give me enjoyment in life.

And by the way, what do you think is "theoretical physics" that you seem to want to do here? Zz.  

A PF Organism

Here in Electrical Engineering 4 years is what we aim for for a PHD, the very odd few have done it in less.  

A PF Mountain

The shortest I've heard in the U.S. was something like three years and the very few examples are all really exceptional and did not get their PhDs recently. People rarely even get them in four these days. Even people who could do so often elect to stay longer to get more publications.  

ZapperZ said: What do you think is involved in a PhD program? Just "reading books"? There are several issues here: 1,. There is a difference between learning physics and being a physicist. The former you MIGHT get by "reading books" and papers. The latter is an OCCUPATION that requires MORE than just learning a specific material. Read my "So You Want To Be A Physicist" essay and figure out for yourself if everything I wrote in there you can simply acquire from books. Do you still think it is a "meaningless" endeavor? 2. What makes you think you can teach yourself, even by just reading books, the necessary material? What makes you think you have the capability to comprehend what you read? How would you know the difference between something that is "important" versus something that is just "interesting"? 3. How will you be able to judge that you have mastered the knowledge? Just because you've read an entire book does not mean you've learned and understood the material. Many of my students can claim the same thing, yet, many of them still crashed in exams that tested them on that material. How will you know that you're not one of them? It is extremely annoying that many people seem to think that the process of learning physics involves nothing more than just "reading books". I would never go to doctor whose training involves only "reading books" (ignoring the fact that a medical degree will not be granted to someone without medical internships). Not only is this a rather wrong and naive view of what is involved in a physics program, but it ignores a whole HUGE part of physics, which is experimental work. Zz.

ZapperZ said: And by the way, what do you think is "theoretical physics" that you seem to want to do here? Zz.

1v1Dota2RightMeow said: I guess I had high aspirations to be like Leonardo da Vinci (substitute in anyone you want who has mastered many fields). I enjoy learning, but on my own terms. That, combined with an interest in many fields, compelled me to want to be like da Vinci, Cicero, and Charlie Munger.

Will it make me happy to be able to simply know very terse and difficult topics in all my areas of interest? Then what becomes of that thing I do for money, oh what's it called...oh - a job ?? If I'm learning so many things, which one do I pick to make me money so that I can live off of?

Here's my awkward and probably-likely-to-fail plan: finish my Bachelor's degree in a year, work at whatever company hires me for a bit while I build up my side businesses that I want to try. Then, once those businesses are stable, I go back to finish my PhD. Feel free to rip this apart if you think it will fail for any reason.

• Oct 12, 2016

The average time a physicist spends in graduate school (masters and PhD) is 7.5 years according to the American Physical Society. That includes several years of graduate level coursework, a qualifying exam, defending a PhD topic, doing the research, sometimes meeting a minimum number of publications, and then defending the PhD itself. I've known some to get out in as little as 4 years. I've known some to take more than 12. I was right on average myself. No, physics careers are not either 'theoretical or experimental'. Even with a PhD, very few people do just theory (and theorists are far more likely to be employed at universities than anywhere else). Many people do computational work of some sort, or working with data that they didn't gather themselves directly. It sounds like you want to get a PhD because you think it will make you happy, or more employable. The fact is that it's not going to do either if that's why you're doing it. The jobs that require a PhD in physics are few and far between; it's not going to set you up for a career anywhere you want to live unless you're willing to teach high school (and get qualified to do so, because while a PhD will qualify you to teach at a university, it will NOT qualify you to teach at a high school). A PhD is not a test of how many books you can read, or what you can memorize. It's going to ask you to make an original contribution to your field. Have you done any research up to this point? Have you worked on an original project with anyone? Do you even know if you're going to enjoy it?  

Vanadium 50 said: Turok took three years at Imperial, but normally in the UK system one already has completed one's classwork and received a masters before starting a PhD.

Lucas SV said: Is that not true in the U.S? What are generically the requirements to start a PhD in the U.S?

In the US one usually enters a PhD program after a BS and picks up an MS (or not) along the way.  

eri said: The average time a physicist spends in graduate school (masters and PhD) is 7.5 years according to the American Physical Society. That includes several years of graduate level coursework, a qualifying exam, defending a PhD topic, doing the research, sometimes meeting a minimum number of publications, and then defending the PhD itself. I've known some to get out in as little as 4 years. I've known some to take more than 12. I was right on average myself.

StatGuy2000 said: Do PhD students in physics in the US generally are funded past the 5 year mark?

ZapperZ said: "Funding" is not that straight-forward of an issue. If the student receives a RA, then the funding depends on the PI that is supporting the student. So however long the research grant is, and often, one gets moved from one research grant to another, then the student will continue to get funding as long as the PI is willing to support him/her. If the student is not receiving RAship, but rather continue to be a TA, then the department pays for his/her tuition and stipend. It is then up to the student's advisor to decide when that student should finish. Unless the school itself puts a limit on the length of time that a student can stay on, then there is no official cut-off period other than what the students and his/her advisor decide. Zz.

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How Long Does It Take to Get a Ph.D. Degree?

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Earning a Ph.D. from a U.S. grad school typically requires nearly six years, federal statistics show.

(CAIAIMAGE/TOM MERTON/GETTY IMAGES)

A Ph.D. is most appropriate for someone who is a “lifelong learner.” 

Students who have excelled within a specific academic discipline and who have a strong interest in that field may choose to pursue a Ph.D. degree. However, Ph.D. degree-holders urge prospective students to think carefully about whether they truly want or need a doctoral degree, since Ph.D. programs last for multiple years.

According to the Survey of Earned Doctorates, a census of recent research doctorate recipients who earned their degree from U.S. institutions, the median amount of time it took individuals who received their doctorates in 2017 to complete their program was 5.8 years. However, there are many types of programs that typically take longer than six years to complete, such as humanities and arts doctorates, where the median time for individuals to earn their degree was 7.1 years, according to the survey.

Some Ph.D. candidates begin doctoral programs after they have already obtained master’s degrees, which means the time spent in grad school is a combination of the time spent pursuing a master’s and the years invested in a doctorate. In order to receive a Ph.D. degree, a student must produce and successfully defend an original academic dissertation, which must be approved by a dissertation committtee. Writing and defending a dissertation is so difficult that many Ph.D. students drop out of their Ph.D. programs having done most of the work necessary for degree without completing the dissertation component. These Ph.D. program dropouts often use the phrase “ all but dissertation ” or the abbreviation “ABD” on their resumes.

According to a comprehensive study of  Ph.D. completion rates  published by The Council of Graduate Schools in 2008, only 56.6% of people who begin Ph.D. programs earn Ph.D. degrees.

Ian Curtis, a founding partner with H&C Education, an educational and admissions consulting firm, who is pursuing a Ph.D. degree in French at Yale University , says there are several steps involved in the process of obtaining a Ph.D. Students typically need to fulfill course requirements and pass comprehensive exams, Curtis warns. “Once these obligations have been completed, how long it takes you to write your dissertation depends on who you are, how you work, what field you’re in and what other responsibilities you have in life,” he wrote in an email. Though some Ph.D. students can write a dissertation in a single year, that is rare, and the dissertation writing process may last for several years, Curtis says.

[ READ: What Is a Doctorate or a Doctoral Degree?  ]

Curtis adds that the level of support a Ph.D. student receives from an academic advisor or faculty mentor can be a key factor in determining the length of time it takes to complete a Ph.D. program. “Before you decide to enroll at a specific program, you’ll want to meet your future advisor,” Curtis advises. “Also, reach out to his or her current and former students to get a sense of what he or she is like to work with.”

Curtis also notes that if there is a gap between the amount of time it takes to complete a Ph.D. and the amount of time a student’s funding lasts, this can slow down the Ph.D. completion process. “Keep in mind that if you run out of funding at some point during your doctorate, you will need to find paid work, and this will leave you even less time to focus on writing your dissertation,” he says. “If one of the programs you’re looking at has a record of significantly longer – or shorter – times to competition, this is good information to take into consideration.”

Pierre Huguet, the CEO and co-founder of H&C Education, says prospective Ph.D. students should be aware that a Ph.D. is designed to prepare a person for a career as a scholar. “Most of the jobs available to Ph.D. students upon graduation are academic in nature and directly related to their fields of study: professor, researcher, etc.,” Huguet wrote in an email. “The truth is that more specialization can mean fewer job opportunities. Before starting a Ph.D., students should be sure that they want to pursue a career in academia, or in research. If not, they should make time during the Ph.D. to show recruiters that they’ve traveled beyond their labs and libraries to gain some professional hands-on experience.”

Jack Appleman, a business writing instructor, published author and Ph.D. candidate focusing on organizational communication with the  University at Albany—SUNY , says Ph.D. programs require a level of commitment and focus that goes beyond what is necessary for a typical corporate job. A program with flexible course requirements that allow a student to customize his or her curriculum based on academic interests and personal obligations is ideal, he says.

[ READ: Ph.D. Programs Get a Lot More Practical.  ]

Joan Kee, a professor at the University of Michigan  with the university’s history of art department, says that the length of time required for a Ph.D. varies widely depending on what subject the Ph.D. focuses on. “Ph.D. program length is very discipline and even field-specific; for example, you can and are expected to finish a Ph.D, in economics in under five years, but that would be impossible in art history (or most of the humanities),” she wrote in an email.

Jean Marie Carey, who earned her Ph.D. degree in art history and German from the  University of Otago  in New Zealand, encourages prospective Ph.D. students to check whether their potential Ph.D. program has published a timeline of how long it takes a Ph.D. student to complete their program. She says it is also prudent to speak with Ph.D. graduates of the school and ask about their experience.

Bennett urges prospective Ph.D. students to visit the campuses of their target graduate programs since a Ph.D. program takes so much time that it is important to find a school that feels comfortable. She adds that aspiring Ph.D. students who prefer a collaborative learning environment should be wary of graduate programs that have a cut-throat and competitive atmosphere, since such students may not thrive in that type of setting.

[ READ: 4 Fields Where Doctorates Lead to Jobs.  ]

Alumni of Ph.D. programs note that the process of obtaining a Ph.D. is arduous, regardless of the type of Ph.D. program. “A Ph.D. is a long commitment of your time, energy and financial resources, so it’ll be easier on you if you are passionate about research,” says Grace Lee, who has a Ph.D. in neuroscience and is the founder and CEO of Mastery Insights, an education and career coaching company, and the host of the Career Revisionist podcast.

“A Ph.D. isn’t about rehashing years of knowledge that is already out there, but rather it is about your ability to generate new knowledge. Your intellectual masterpiece (which is your dissertation) takes a lot of time, intellectual creativity and innovation to put together, so you have to be truly passionate about that,” Lee says.

Erin Skelly, a graduate admissions counselor at the IvyWise admissions consulting firm, says when a Ph.D. students struggles to complete his or her Ph.D. degree, it may have more to do with the student’s academic interests or personal circumstances than his or her program.

“The time to complete a Ph.D. can depend on a number of variables, but the specific discipline or school would only account for a year or two’s difference,” she wrote in an email. “When a student takes significantly longer to complete a Ph.D. (degree), it’s usually related to the student’s coursework and research – they need to take additional coursework to complete their comprehensive exams; they change the focus of their program or dissertation, requiring extra coursework or research; or their research doesn’t yield the results they hoped for, and they need to generate a new theory and conduct more research.”

Skelly warns that the average completion time of a Ph.D. program may be misleading in some cases, if the average is skewed based on one or two outliers. She suggests that instead of focusing on the duration of a particular Ph.D. program, prospective students should investigate the program’s attritition and graduation rates.

“It is worthwhile to look at the program requirements and the school’s proposed timeline for completion, and meet current students to get their input on how realistic these expectations for completion are,” Skelly says. “That can give you an honest idea of how long it will really take to complete the program.”

Searching for a grad school? Access our  complete rankings  of Best Graduate Schools.

Tim Walz career timeline: From high school teacher to Kamala Harris' vice-presidential pick

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris chose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate on Tuesday.

The Minnesota governor was selected by Harris to join the ticket over a short list of other contenders, including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro , Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly , Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg .

A former teacher, coach, veteran and member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Walz was elected as Minnesota's governor in 2018.

He is expected to be introduced as Harris' running mate at a campaign rally Tuesday in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Here's what to know about Tim Walz.

Tim Walz is Kamala Harris' VP pick: Minnesota governor named running mate: Live updates

April 1964: Tim Walz born in West Point, Nebraska

Walz was born April 6, 1964 in West Point, Nebraska. The 60-year-old Minnesota governor grew up in Nebraska, graduating from Butte High School in 1982.

After high school, Walz enlisted in the Army National Guard, according to his Minnesota Governor bio.

He graduated with a bachelor of science in social science education from Chadron State College in 1989. He spent a year teaching abroad before he returned to the U.S. to serve full time in the National Guard, and worked as a high school social studies teacher and football coach.

He graduated with a Master of Science in educational leadership from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2001.

1994: Tim and Gwen Walz marry

Walz married his wife, Gwen , in 1994. The couple has two children, Hope and Gus. The family lived in Mankato, Minnesota for nearly 20 years before moving to Saint Paul when he was elected governor.

Gwen Walz, whose maiden name is Whipple, was born in Glencoe, Minnesota and grew up in western Minnesota, according to her Minnesota First Lady website. She met Walz when she was an English teacher in Nebraska, and the couple moved to Mankato, Minnesota in 1996, where they both worked at Mankato West High School .

As teachers, the Walzs established a summer trip to China for their students, traveling there nearly every summer through 2003.

2004: Tim Walz gets involved in politics

Walz began his political career in by volunteering for John Kerry's 2004 presidential campaign. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat in 2007, beating the incumbent, Republican Gil Gutknecht.

He was reelected in 2008, again in 2010, and in 2012, 2014 and 2016.

2018: Tim Walz elected Minnesota Governor

Walz was elected as Minnesota's governor in 2018, running after former Gov. Mark Dayton announced he would not seek a third term. He won reelection in 2022.

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Cringy moves and a white b-girl’s durag prompt questions about Olympic breaking’s authenticity

Australia’s Rachael Gunn, known as B-Girl Raygun, competes during the Round Robin Battle at the breaking competition at La Concorde Urban Park at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin)

Australia’s Rachael Gunn, known as B-Girl Raygun, competes during the Round Robin Battle at the breaking competition at La Concorde Urban Park at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Lithuania’s Dominika Banevic, known as B-Girl Nicka, competes during the B-Girls quarterfinals at the breaking competition at La Concorde Urban Park at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin)

American artist Snoop Dogg stands on stage prior to the breaking competition at La Concorde Urban Park at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin)

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PARIS (AP) — From the Australian b-girl with the meme-worthy “kangaroo” dance move to the silver-medal winning Lithuanian in a durag, breaking’s Olympic debut had a few moments that raised questions from viewers about whether the essence of the hip-hop art form was captured at the Paris Games.

Rachael Gunn, or “b-girl Raygun,” a 36-year-old professor from Sydney, Australia, quickly achieved internet fame, but not necessarily for Olympic-level skill. Competing against some b-girls half her age, she was swept out of the round-robin stage without earning a single point, and her unconventional moves landed flat while failing to match the skill level of her foes.

At one point, Gunn raised one leg while standing and leaned back with her arms bent toward her ears. At another, while laying on her side, she reached for her toes, flipped over and did it again in a move dubbed “the kangaroo.”

B-Girl Raygun competes during the Round Robin Battle on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Gunn has a Ph.D. in cultural studies, and her LinkedIn page notes she is “interested in the cultural politics of breaking.”

“I was never going to beat these girls on what they do best — their power moves,” said Gunn. “What I bring is creativity.”

Clips of her routine have gone viral on TikTok and elsewhere, and many cringed at her moves platformed on the Olympic stage as a representation of hip-hop and breaking culture.

“It’s almost like they are mocking the genre,” wrote one user on X.

Some of it was ‘weird to see’

Many Black viewers, in particular, called out Lithuania’s silver medalist b-girl Nicka, (legally named Dominika Banevič) for donning a durag during each of her battles. Durags, once worn by enslaved Africans to tie up their hair for work, are still worn by Black people to protect and style their hair. They became a fashionable symbol of Black pride in the 1960s and 1970s and, in the 1990s and early 2000s, also became a popular element of hip-hop style. But when worn by those who aren’t Black, durags can be seen as cultural appropriation. Banevič is white.

Lithuania’s Dominika Banevic, known as B-Girl Nicka, competes during the B-Girls quarterfinals. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin)

2024 Paris Olympics:

• What to know about the closing ceremony : A skydiving Tom Cruise and performances from Billie Eilish, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Paris Olympics mainstay Snoop Dogg highlighted the French capital’s au revoir to the Olympics.
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• When are the next Summer Games? The Olympics will always have Paris . But next up for the Summer Games: Los Angeles 2028 . See how the City of Angels is preparing to follow the City of Light.

Actor Kevin Fredericks responded on Instagram to Banevič donning the headwear by saying it looked “weird to see somebody who don’t need it for protective style or waves to be rocking the durag.”

The 17-year-old breaker ultimately won the silver medal after losing in the final to Japan’s b-girl Ami (Ami Yuasa).

For her part, Banevič has credited the breakers from the 1970s in the Bronx — the OGs — or “original gangsters” in hip-hop who created the dance — for her own success and breaking style.

“It’s a huge responsibility to represent and raise the bar every time for breaking because they did an amazing job. Big respect for the OGs and the pioneers that invented all those moves. Without them, it wouldn’t be possible,” she said. “Without them, breaking wouldn’t be where it is today. So I’m grateful for them.”

Concerns over losing breaking’s roots

Friday night’s slips “may have alienated too many new viewers to garner the anticipated response from our Olympic premiere,” said Zack Slusser, vice president of Breaking for Gold USA and USA Dance, in a text message to the Associated Press.

“We need to change the narrative from yesterday’s first impression of breaking as Olympic sport. There were significant organizational and governance shortcomings that could have been easily reconciled but, unfortunately, negatively impacted Breaking’s first touching point to a new global audience.”

The challenge for Olympic organizers was to bring breaking and hip-hop culture to a mass audience, including many viewers who were skeptical about the dance form’s addition to the Olympic roster. Others feared the subculture being co-opted by officials, commercialized and put through a rigid judging structure, when the spirit of breaking has been rooted in local communities, centered around street battles, cyphers and block parties. Hip-hop was born as a youth culture within Black and brown communities in the Bronx as a way to escape strife and socio-economic struggles and make a statement of empowerment at a time when they were labeled as lost, lawless kids by New York politicians.

Refugee breaker Manizha Talash, or “b-girl Talash,” channeled that rebellious vibe by donning a “Free Afghan Women” cape during her pre-qualifier battle — a defiant and personal statement for a 21-year-old who fled her native Afghanistan to escape Taliban rule. Talash was quickly disqualified for violating the Olympics’ ban on political statements on the field of play.

Refugee Team’s Manizha Talash, known as Talash wears a cape which reads “free Afghan women.” (AP Photo/Frank Franklin)

Both American b-girls were eliminated in Friday’s round-robin phase, a blow to the country representing the birthplace of hip-hop in what could be the discipline’s only Games appearance. B-girl Logistx (legal name Logan Edra) and b-girl Sunny (Sunny Choi) both ranked in the top 12 internationally but came up short of the quarterfinals.

“Breaking for the Olympics has changed the way that some people are dancing,” said Choi, referring to some of the flashier moves and jam-packed routines. “Breaking changes over time. And maybe I’m just old-school and I don’t want to change. ... I think a lot of people in our community were a little bit afraid of that happening.”

The b-boys take the stage on Saturday to give Olympic breaking another chance at representing the culture.

Associated Press Race & Ethnicity Editor Aaron Morrison contributed to this report from New York.

AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games

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Regents Professor Lawrence Que Jr. retires after 41 years at University of Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (8/13/2024) – Regents Professor Lawrence “Larry” Que Jr. retired from the Department of Chemistry on May 26th, 2024, after serving the University of Minnesota for more than four decades. Que’s tremendous impact in the field of bioinorganic chemistry earned him the title of Regents Professor in 2009 and election to the National Academy of Sciences in 2022. 

The early years

Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, Que’s chemistry career began in the undergraduate chemistry program at the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, Philippines. He earned his bachelor’s degree 1969 before arriving at the University of Minnesota to continue his chemistry education in the PhD program, which he completed in 1973. During his PhD, Que was advised by Louis H. Pignolet. Throughout his doctoral studies, Que used NMR spectroscopy to research intramolecular rearrangement reactions of transition metal complexes. He went on to conduct postdoctoral research under Professor Richard H. Holm at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1973-74) and under Professor Eckard Münck at the University of Minnesota (1975-77) which set the stage for his lifelong career in bioinorganic chemistry.

With his affinity for and expertise in iron chemistry firmly in place by 1977, Que started his independent career as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Cornell University. While at Cornell, Que utilized Resonance Raman spectroscopy to study dioxygenases; these enzymes would ultimately form the bedrock of Que’s research for the next 40 years. 

Return to Minnesota

In 1983, Que returned to the University of Minnesota, this time as a member of the faculty.  “Returning to Minnesota was the best decision I ever made for my career,” Que says. “I fell in love with this department during graduate school. I was very happy to have the opportunity to return, it’s been an honor to contribute to building our program for the last four decades.”

Described in more than 550 publications, Que’s research spanned the subfields of stereochemistry, catalysis, and crystallography. He established himself as an expert and innovator in bioinorganic chemistry, playing a pioneering role in understanding the function that nonheme iron centers play in dioxygen activation in biology. His work produced the first synthetic models for high-valent iron-oxo intermediates, which are crucial for understanding the electronic structures, spectroscopic properties, and reactivities of these units. Additionally, Que led efforts to create functional models for various iron oxygenases, including catechol dioxygenases, α-ketoglutarate-dependent oxygenases, and cis-dihydroxylating arene dioxygenases. These chemical tools aim to perform two specific types of chemical reactions that enable stereospecific alkane hydroxylation and highly enantioselective olefin cis-dihydroxylation. These advancements could lead to more environmentally friendly and sustainable alternatives to current heavy-metal oxidation catalysts. Que’s key dioxygen discoveries were published in ACS  Chemical Reviews in 2004, in an article titled  “Dioxygen Activation at Mononuclear Nonheme Iron Active Sites:  Enzymes, Models, and Intermediates ;” this paper would turn out to be the most cited work of his career. His prolific research portfolio garnered invitations to present more than 400 lectures around the world. 

Over the years, Que’s research group focused on the topics of iron, oxygen, and biocatalysis in the area of bioinorganic chemistry, The group’s primary effort, involving a combination of biochemical, synthetic inorganic, and spectroscopic approaches, was aimed at elucidating the oxygen activation mechanisms of nonheme iron enzymes, designing functional models for such enzymes, trapping and characterizing reaction intermediates, and developing bio-inspired oxidation catalysts for green chemistry applications. Que advised 55 graduate students and 80 postdoctoral researchers over the course of his career. Over 50 Que Group alumni have tenure-track or tenured faculty positions in colleges or universities.

Que’s critical dioxygen research earned him the title of  Regents Professor in 2009. A quote from the citation for the award reads “Undoubtedly, Professor Que is currently the top bioinorganic chemist in the world. In his chosen field, oxygen activation of iron-containing enzymes and biomimetic compounds, his group, in my estimation, is at least three years ahead of his closest competitors. Almost single-handedly he has developed the major fraction of the synthetic chemistry of iron in high-oxidation states. This chemistry is vital to our understanding of many processes in biochemistry, to the development of new drugs, and most importantly, to developing a green chemistry that can alleviate the problems caused by pollutants and pathogens that afflict human health." The Regents Professorship is the highest honor the University of Minnesota bestows on its faculty. The title recognizes faculty who have made exceptional contributions to the University through teaching, research, scholarship, or creative work, and contributions to the public good.

Beyond his research success, Que demonstrated significant commitment to service to the University across his career. He is credited with establishing the University of Minnesota as a world-renowned center of excellence in bioinorganic chemistry. He organized the International Conference on Oxygen Intermediates in Nonheme Metallobiochemistry (1996) and the Ninth International Conference on Biological Inorganic Chemistry (1999). From 1999 to 2002 – and again from 2008 - 2012 – he served as the inaugural PI on the National Institutes of Health  Chemistry-Biology Interface Training Grant that brings faculty and students from various departments together. He also led the effort to establish the University of Minnesota Center for Metals in Biocatalysis, which allowed faculty and students from multiple units to collaborate in exploring the roles of metals in biology.

Que was the first editor-in-chief of the Springer  Journal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry (JBIC)  and served the journal for 20 years .  JBIC – the official journal of the Society of Biological Inorganic Chemistry since 1996 – is a peer-reviewed journal promoting the field of biological inorganic chemistry internationally. The publication aims to provide insight into systems of metals in biology at biochemical, molecular, and cellular levels.

For his research, service, and mentorship, Que has been honored with many awards over the course of his career. These honors include the 3M/Alumni Distinguished Professorship (1999), the National Institutes of Health MERIT Award (2000), the UMN Distinguished Teaching Professorship (2000), the Royal Society of Chemistry Inorganic Reaction Mechanisms Award (2011), and the American Chemical Society Award in Inorganic Chemistry (2017). He was also elected a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2001, a fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry in 2008, and a fellow of the American Chemical Society in 2011. In 2022, Que was elected to the National Academy of Sciences. Membership in the NAS is one of the highest honors given to a scientist or engineer.

LQ Fest: 40 Years of Fun with Iron Chemistry at the University of Minnesota

In July 2023, the Department of Chemistry hosted LQ Fest: 40 Years of Fun with Iron Chemistry at the University of Minnesota in honor of Que. 19 of Que’s collaborators, mentees, and even his daughter, Emily Que – who is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at the University of Texas at Austin – presented lectures, stories, and memories related to Que’s research and career. When recalling the event he said “I’ve loved my job. I’ve loved the people that I’ve worked with. I spent the last 50 years of my life dedicated to chemistry, and I never looked back. The event was a wonderful opportunity to get together with many people that I’ve cared about to celebrate my career.” 

The next chapter

“Nothing changes, really. I’ve always thought about chemistry, and I’ll continue to think about chemistry all the time,” Que said. In this next chapter of life, Que is adopting a  come what may attitude. He says he is looking forward to spending more time with his grandchildren in Texas and embarking on new adventures with his wife. 

Memories and Notes from the Chemistry Faculty

"Larry is an extraordinary scientist who has made incredible discoveries in the field of bioinorganic chemistry that have changed the way we think about how important iron-containing enzymes work. His passion for research is unparalleled, and his infectious enthusiasm has made a difference in the lives of many students over his career. His leadership was critical in making UMN a respected centerpiece of high quality bioinorganic chemistry research and teaching, well-known across the globe. On a personal level, I am deeply grateful for his mentorship during my career at the University of Minnesota; his insights and advice made a major difference in my life! Thank you, Larry, and congratulations on your retirement!" – Professor Bill Tolman, Dean, College of Arts & Sciences, St. Thomas University

"The University of Minnesota Department of Chemistry has been lucky to count Prof. Larry Que among our faculty. His chemical creativity and passion have had a big impact on bioinorganic chemistry as a field, and his thoughtfulness as a colleague has had a major impact on our department community." – Professor Christy Haynes, Chemistry Department Head

"Larry has been a standout in the bioinorganic community, rising to the highest levels of academic achievement at the University of Minnesota as a Regent’s professor, and nationally, as a member of the National Academy of Sciences.  I have always appreciated his scholarly approach to studying catalysis at the fundamental level for connecting with biology.  When I joined the department in 2012, starting my lab’s research program in chemical biology, I always loved hearing from the outside community of what high regard they held for him as a giant in the field of iron-mediated (bio)catalysis.  I also benefited significantly from Larry’s effort for initiating our NIH T32 Chemistry and  Biology Interface training grant (CBITG), for which he served as the first director, and established a trajectory of continual funding for the next 25 years.  This grant has impacted the careers of well over 100 graduate students, and has been a true gem of the three departments of Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics (BMBB) and Medicinal Chemistry.  Beyond being a true iron man in his field, one of Larry’s main legacies is a long track record of highly successful trainees, which was on full display at last year’s retirement party, Larry Que Fest. He’s leaving our department having made an indelible mark and will be deeply missed. " – Professor William C.K. Pomerantz

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Iconic Irani cafes serving creamy chai and fresh samosas face extinction in Indian city

A lingering fragrance of bun maska (bread and butter), plates loaded with freshly cooked samosas and cups of piping hot and creamy Irani chai.

These are some of the sights you would typically find at a Persian-style cafe in India.

Popularly known as Irani cafes, these iconic restaurants - with their signature marble-topped tables, old-style clocks, chequered floors and a distinctive menu - have been a part of India's culture for more than 100 years.

And their influence has spread beyond India: Dishoom, one of London's most recognisable restaurant chains, was inspired by these cafes.

They came up in cities like Mumbai and Pune in the 18th and 19th centuries when there was an influx of Persian immigrants from Iran.

There's a third lesser known pocket of the country - the southern city of Hyderabad - where these cafes have been an intrinsic part of the local culture for decades.

But despite their many charms and the rich cultural heritage, the cafes of this city - like their counterparts in Pune and Mumbai - are on the verge of dying out, with owners blaming rising prices, competition from fast-food restaurants and changing consumer tastes.

Hyderabad has the highest number of Irani cafes after Mumbai even today. That's because the city was a centre for Iranian trade in the late 19th Century.

Persian was widely spoken under the rule of a Muslim Nizam, or prince. The Niloufer café, located in the old quarters of the city, was actually named after the Nizam's daughter-in-law, an Ottoman princess.

This was also a period when parts of modern-day Pakistan were still in India, with Iran as its neighbour, making the country easily accessible to Persian traders.

Most of the families who moved to Hyderabad - and other Indian cities - came to escape persecution and famine back home. Some came in search of better jobs and business.

Their arrival coincided with colonial rule when the British were actively promoting a tea drinking culture in the country.

When the Iranians arrived, they brought their own style of making tea giving rise to a distinct Iranian chai culture in the cities.

In Iran, people would drink it without milk, consuming it with a sugar cube in the mouth. Indians, however, would add milk and cream to the tea for taste.

"At first, the tea was sold under the name Chai Khana and only Muslims drank it," Hyderabad-based historian Mohammed Safiullah says. "But soon, people from all religions caught on to its distinct flavour."

By the 20th Century, Irani cafes were present in every nook and corner of Hyderabad.

The customers would sip on the lip-smacking tea as they would spend hours chatting away at the coffee shops.

At some cafes, patrons would also be able to play their favourite songs on a jukebox for a small fee.

Historians say these cafes played a crucial role in breaking down social barriers and religious taboos and became an important part of the city's public life.

"Irani cafes in Hyderabad have stood as symbols of secularism," historian Paravastu Lokeshwar said. "The names didn't have any religious connotations. People of all religions and castes patronised them."

Now they are under threat.

From an estimated 450 cafes over two decades ago, Hyderabad now has only 125 left, said Jaleel Farooq Rooz, owner of The Grand Hotel, a famous Irani cafe.

Mr Rooz's maternal grandfather came from Iran in 1951 and took over the hotel that was started by 12 Iranians in 1935.

"We used to sell 8,000-9,000 cups a day once. Now we sell just 4,000 cups a day," he told the BBC.

He cites competition from fast-food chains as one of the reasons. Now one of the most rapidly developing Indian cities, Hyderabad was a quiet little town until the early 1990s. Things changed in the mid-90s, when the city joined the IT boom in India and became a powerhouse of the industry.

The transformation was accompanied by a slew of economic reforms in the country, which allowed global fast-food chains and cafes to penetrate the Indian market. Similar to Iranian cafes, these food joints also offered extended seating options, but with far better amenities and more options.

Mr Rooz said most Irani cafes operated from rented premises as they required large spaces where patrons could relax and unwind over tea.

But rising real estate prices in Hyderabad have forced many owners to move to other work.

"Inflation also took a toll. Tea powder and milk prices have risen three times compared to five years ago," he added.

Others say the number of Iranian families entering the business has also gone down.

"The current generation is not interested in the café and restaurant business. They prefer other jobs and many migrate to other countries," said the owner of popular Farasha Restaurant, Mahmood, who goes by only one name.

But despite the challenges, there are still a few in the business who continue to swim against the tide.

Syed Mohammed Razak manages the Red Rose Restaurant in Hyderabad. His grandfather migrated from Tehran and established the City Light Hotel in the 1970s. Later, Mr Razak's father started the Red Rose Restaurant.

An engineer and graphic designer by profession, Mr Razak admits that "selling just chai and biscuits" is neither easy, nor profitable.

He has now introduced new dishes to the menu to attract more customers and is using his graphic designing skills to expand business and promote it online.

"I want to continue my family's legacy," he said.

And it's not just the owners, there are also loyal customers - many of whom have been frequenting these cafes for generations - who say they would always come back for "another cup of Irani chai".

"Irani tea is a part of my life, I love the taste and drink it every time I step out," said Yanni, who goes by only one name and is a regular at the Grand Hotel.

"There is nothing like it even today."

This article has been corrected on 12 August 2024 to clarify that traditional Irani tea was not made with milk or cream.