The Ph.D. degree in Physics provides training of professionals to conduct independently conceived programs of research or teaching in universities or research laboratories. Original research is required in fundamental or applied areas of physics, and the Ph.D. dissertation must be orally defended. Two years of graduate coursework, plus four years of research are typical.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of these programs will be able to:
Demonstrate cognitive skills important to a physicist, including the following:
Demonstrate a core knowledge and understanding of the foundations of physics.
Communicate and teach results of their work to peers, to various target groups within the physics community and to people outside the discipline.
January 2026
Kent Campus
800 E. Summit St.,
Kent,
Ohio,
44240, Midwest, United States
August 2025
Kent Campus
800 E. Summit St.,
Kent,
Ohio,
44240, Midwest, United States
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
Minimum 550 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
Minimum 79 TOEFL IBT score (internet-based version)
Minimum 77 MELAB score
Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
Minimum 58 PTE score
Minimum 110 Duolingo English score
Application Deadlines: Fall Semester: Priority deadline: February 1; Spring Semester: September 1
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.