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The Department of Physics offers Doctor in Philosophy in Physics degree. The program includes the essential components of a Physics Ph.D. education and includes expertise that can only be found at The University of Texas at El Paso, with a strong focus on quantum science. The program includes the primary core courses, generally necessary for launching STEM careers for physics Ph.Ds., but also includes courses based on our internationally competitive leadership capabilities at the nexus of density-functional-theory based design of quantum systems, quantum-computing, quantum magnetism, and quantum sensing.  The main goal of the proposed Ph.D. program is to provide our students with a unique broad-based, integrative education that includes acquiring fundamental knowledge, using fundamental knowledge to provide new outside-the-box solutions to societal needs including climate change, and to develop problem-solving skills that are important for potential employers.

Admission requirements:

 Admission to the Physics PhD program will require:

• Official transcripts and proof of degree (diplomas): bachelor’s or master’s degree in physics, applied mathematics, or engineering from an accredited institution in the United States, or proof of equivalent education in a foreign institution, will be considered. Documents are in a language other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation. The entering students should have a minimum 3.3 grade point average in their bachelor’s and/or master’s degree.
• Statement of purpose (SOP): An essay written by the applicant on career goals, academic and research interests is required. The SOP should clearly state the research groups the applicant is interested in joining.
• Three letters of recommendation from people knowledgeable in the field.
• English language proficiency test scores that are valid for 2 years for some international applicants: A minimum internet-based iBT of 79 (same as 550 for previous paper-based or 217 computer-based test scores) or 6.5 for IELTS or 110 for Duolingo is required for international applicants whose first language is not English and who have not completed a degree at a university in the U.S. or another English-speaking country. Click for a list of English language proficiency exempt countries.

Application deadlines:

• Fall: December 1
• Apply online through Â鶹¹ÙÍø Graduate School: /graduate/apply-now/apply-now.html

International applicants: Please visit the webpage for international applicants for more information and requirements.

Degree Requirements:

• A total of 72 credit hours beyond a Bachelor’s degree or 54 credit hours beyond a physics Master’s degree.
• Pass the qualifying exams by the end of the fourth (4th) semester.
• Successfully present and defend a proposal for dissertation.
• Successfully present and defend a dissertation.

Students entering with a B.S. in physics:

All students who follow a standard track must take 72 graduate credit hours which includes 51 CR from required courses, 3 CR from prescribed electives, 18 CR from free electives.

The required courses are:

Prescribed electives: (3 Cr)

Free electives: (18 Cr)

Students entering with an M.S. in physics:

Students entering the program with a M.S. degree from an accredited higher education institution are required to complete at least 54 Cr. The students entering with a M.S. degree may be allowed to transfer up to 18 credits. In such cases the students may have to take at least 9 CR of required courses, 12 CR of prescribed, and 3 CR of free elective courses.

Candidacy exams:

The candidacy exam encompasses the qualifier exam and the Ph.D. proposal defense. All full-time students are required to take the qualifying exams after their fourth semester of coursework. The students will be required to choose a research advisor and committee by the end of the fourth semester at the latest. After passing the qualifying exam, when the students successfully defend a PhD proposal based on their initial research, they will become Ph.D. candidates. All students admitted to the program will be admitted with the expectation that they will complete an internationally competitive Ph.D. dissertation within five years of enrollment. 

Dissertation:

A dissertation is an absolute requirement for completing the Ph.D. degree. As is always the case, students will also have to complete their Ph.D. defense prior to receiving their degree. All Ph.D. defenses will be open to the public.