Overview
Modern physics has entered a new era of expanding quantitative understanding of large-scale and multidisciplinary complex systems, impacting science, technology, medicine, and the national economy. The PhD in Physics will provide opportunities for students to obtain a broad background in classical and modern physics. It will specifically train professionals who are able to develop research-based solutions in the areas of gravitational wave astronomy, optical and radio astronomy, optical physics, nanophysics and materials physics, condensed matter physics, high- energy physics, biophysics and biomedical physics.
Admission Requirements
The general requirements for graduate admissions at UTRGV Physics PhD program are as follows.
- Awarded a baccalaureate degree or earned a Master's degree from an accredited university (Official transcripts are required).
- An earned GPA of 3.00 or better on a 4.00 scale in the previous finalized programs (undergraduate and/or graduate)
- GRE General test is optional. GRE School Code: 6570.
- Students whose native language is not English will be expected to provide test scores for either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The minimum scores are: 550 Paper-Based, 79 Internet-Based, IELTS Minimum Score 6.5.
- Two letters of recommendation.
In addition to these requirements, the Doctoral Program in Physics will also require students to have earned a:
- Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in a STEM field, with at least 3 upper division undergraduate core courses in physics from the following:
- Classical Mechanics
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Thermodynamics or Statistical Physics
- Quantum Mechanics
OR
- Master's degree (a) in physics or (b) in a related STEM field from an accredited university with at least three undergraduate core classes as given above.
Application for admission must be submitted prior to the published deadline. The application is available at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply.
Milestones for the Ph.D. in Physics program:
- Completion of 18 SCHs of required graduate coursework for students admitted with BS degrees. Purpose: Develop fundamental knowledge in Physics. TimeLine: 1.5 years.
- Pass Comprehensive Examination (only if GPA is less than 3.30/4.00). Thus, the Comprehensive Examination is waived for students having GPA 3.30 and higher. The Comprehensive Exam will consist of four half-day written exams covering four subjects at the advanced undergraduate/first-year graduate level. The four subjects will be Quantum Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Classical Mechanics, and Statistical Mechanics. Purpose: Test fundamental knowledge in Physics. Timeline: within one semester after completing the above step.
- Completion of 15/21 SCHs of elective graduate coursework for students admitted with BS/MS degrees. Purpose: Develop specialized knowledge in Physics. TimeLine: 1.5 years. Students are permitted to take up to 6 credit hours of coursework from another doctoral program within UTRGV, with approval from their advisor, the graduate committee, and the department chair.
- Pass Ph.D. Candidacy Examination. Purpose: Test capability to initiate original research in Physics. Timeline: within one semester after completing the above step. The Candidacy Examination will consist of an oral presentation where the student presents the plan of his dissertation explaining the physical aspects of it. The presentation is in front of a committee of three faculty members and directed by the student advisor.
- Defend Ph.D. Dissertation. Purpose: Test capability to present original research. Timeline: 1-1.5 years after completing the above step.
Program Requirements for Students with a Bachelor's Degree- 75 Hours
Required courses - 18 Hours
Prescribed Electives - 15 Hours
Graduate Research - 9 Hours
Advanced Doctoral Courses - 3 Hours
Doctoral Research - 15 Hours
Post-candidacy/Dissertation - 15 Hours
Program Requirements for Students with a Master's Degree in Physics- 63 Hours
Prescribed Electives - 21 Hours
Graduate Research - 9 Hours
Advanced Doctoral Courses - 3 Hours
Doctoral Research - 15 Hours
Post-candidacy/Dissertation - 15 Hours