About PhD Program,
The Department of Physics offers Masters of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) graduate degree programs.
Our faculty members are currently conducting research and directing doctoral candidates in both experimental and theoretical topics in the major research areas of atomic, biological, condensed matter, materials, high-energy, nuclear, laser and molecular physics.
Students accepted into our PhD program are typically supported with either a Teaching Assistantship, Research Assistantship or a combination of both throughout their entire time in the department.
Graduates of our MS and PhD programs have gone on to a broad range of extremely successful careers around the world that span education, academia, national labs, and private industry.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
- Minimum Semester Hours Required
- CourseworkAt least 18 hours must be at the 500 level, of which no more than 4 hours may be in PHYS 595 or PHYS 596. Courses taken outside of the Department of Physics must be approved to fulfill these requirements. Students in the thesis option must count at least 5 and no more than 8 hours of PHYS 598. Credit in PHYS 598 may not be applied for the coursework-only option. Students found to be deficient in specific areas of physics on the basis of course work taken prior to entering the program may have to complete additional hours beyond the minimum 32 hours.
- Grade Point AverageAt least 2.75/4.00 for the final 60 semester (90 quarter) hours of undergraduate study.
PhD Funding Coverage,
This page provides information on funding opportunities for graduate students in physics. Graduate students interested in nationally competitive scholarships and external funding opportunities (such as the Fulbright Scholars Program, the Rhodes Scholars Program, or National Science Foundation (NSF) programs) should consult the UIC Office of External Fellowships (OEF) at the links below. Scroll down to view scholarships available through the Department of Physics, selected graduate college scholarships, and selected NSF programs.
The Graduate College offers a number of fellowships and awards, totaling almost $2 million, to graduate students. We also administer or liaise with funding agencies for additional opportunities. In Graduate College parlance, “fellowships” carry a stipend, for one or multiple years, as well as a tuition and partial fee waiver; they are used both to recruit new students and to help current students to complete their studies. “Awards” promote research, provide funds for a unique experience, or highlight achievement.
Application Requirement,
- Baccalaureate FieldNo restrictions. Prior academic work must include at least 20 semester hours of physics, including upper-level undergraduate electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, and classical mechanics.
- Grade Point AverageAt least 2.75/4.00 for the final 60 semester (90 quarter) hours of undergraduate study.
- Tests RequiredGRE General exam is required; GRE Physics subject exam is highly recommended, but not required.
- Minimum English Competency Test Score
- TOEFL iBT80, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21, OR,
- IELTS Academic5, with 6.0 in each of the four subscores, OR,
- PTE-Academic 54, with subscores of Reading 51, Listening 47, Speaking 53, and Writing 56.
- Letters of RecommendationThree required.
- Personal Statement
- Nondegree ApplicantsNondegree applicants must submit transcripts and a personal statement.
Application Deadline,
Feb 15, 2025
Application Fee,
$70 application fee (non-refundable)
