Graduate Degrees in Physics

Physics

Graduate Degrees in Physics

Highly ranked nationally and internationally, CU Boulder鈥檚 Department of Physics is an ideal next step in your academic career. We offer a top-notch education and unbeatable research opportunities for our graduate students, all on a beautiful campus that supports and enhances academic, career and personal advancement.

Our physics program is primarily for students pursuing a PhD. Doctoral programs in chemical physics and geophysics are offered jointly with the Department of Chemistry and with the other departments that participate in the interdepartmental geophysics program.

U.S. News & World Report (2022) ranks CU physics No. 14 overall and No. 4 among public universities in the country.

Shanghai Ranking (2022) lists CU physics No. 15 in the world, which is No. 9 among all universities in the U.S. and No. 3 among public universities in the U.S.听

Pathways to CU Physics is an innovative program that trains and prepares underrepresented students for graduate studies in physics through research experience and inclusive mentoring.

Degree Options & Application Requirements

Physics

Doctor of Philosophy

30 credit hours of graduate coursework
30 hours of doctoral dissertation
Graduate study and opportunities for basic research are offered in experimental and theoretical physics in the following subfields: atomic and molecular physics; biophysics; chemical physics; condensed matter physics; elementary particle physics; geophysics; laser and optical physics; nuclear physics; physics education research; plasma and space physics; quantum information science; and renewable energy.
Note regarding master鈥檚 degree: Graduate students are generally admitted only to the PhD program in physics. Therefore, graduate students who have completed their PhD comprehensive exam or who are unable to complete the PhD program may earn a Master of Science en route to a PhD. In certain circumstances, students can be admitted to the graduate program for a terminal master's degree, in which case the prerequisites are the same as for the doctoral program.

GRE/GMAT Requirements

Submission of GRE test scores is optional. However, it is recommended to submit general and physics subject GRE scores for applicants interested in the specific research subfields of AMO theory; elementary particle theory; plasma theory; quantum condensed matter and materials theory, and quantum information theory.听

Application Deadlines

Dec. 15

听For program details, review the .

Chemical Physics

Doctor of Philosophy

30 credit hours of graduate coursework
30 credit hours of doctoral dissertation
Chemical physics is a discipline at the interface between chemistry and physics. Chemical physics applies physical methods and theory to study molecular and collective properties of matter. The focus is on understanding complex phenomena from gas phase molecular dynamics, to nanoscale, mesoscale and biological phenomena, through model systems and fundamental physical principles.

GRE/GMAT Requirements

Please contact the department for more information.

Application Deadlines

Dec. 15

听For program details, review the .

Geophysics

Doctor of Philosophy

30 credit hours of graduate coursework
30 credit hours of doctoral dissertation
The interdisciplinary doctoral program in geophysics encourages students with a variety of undergraduate backgrounds to pursue graduate study in the physics of the Earth, with special emphasis on the interior of the planet. Students specialize in one of the subfields of geophysics while gaining a broad, general background in the discipline and in-depth education in the relevant aspects of the parent fields of geology, physics and engineering.

GRE/GMAT Requirements

Please contact the department for more information.

Application Deadlines

Dec. 15

听For program details, review the .

Research Areas

Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
Biophysics
Chemical Physics
Condensed Matter Physics
Geophysics
High Energy Physics
Nuclear Physics
Physics Education Research
Plasma Physics
Gravitational Physics
Astrophysics and Planetary Sciences
History and Philosophy of Science
Graduate Research Opportunities
Pathways to Physics
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Fabrication Facilities

Funding Opportunities

We understand funding opportunities play a major role in helping you to decide whether a program is right for you. At CU Boulder, PhD students are supported through research and teaching assistantships. Students are also encouraged to apply for their own sources of funding.

Explore General Funding听听Explore Department-Specific Funding

Graduate Student Resources

Student success is best met with holistic support and resources. CU Boulder offers robust resources, programming and opportunities to help students establish meaningful connections, adjust to graduate student life and find assistance when they need it. Whether it鈥檚 academic, social, or health and wellness support, the university provides an array of resources to meet the diverse needs of our students.
听

Go to Admissions

麻豆视频

Graduate Degrees in Physics

Degree Types