Graduate Degrees in Physics

Physics

Highly ranked nationally and internationally, CU Boulder’s 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.

Degree Types

PhD

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. 

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 Chemical Physics Geophysics
Physics

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’s 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.
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   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.
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   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.
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   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   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’s academic, social, or health and wellness support, the university provides an array of resources to meet the diverse needs of our students.  

Graduate Student Organizations

Explore ways to connect with other graduate students on campus, online and off campus, locally and internationally.

Diversity, Equity, Access & Inclusion

Learn about our commitment to ensuring our graduate education is accessible and welcoming for all students.

Health & Wellness

Find resources with contact and location information for a broad range of services.

Leadership Development

Attend regular, graduate-specific workshops and seminars to hone practical and professional skills before entering the job market.

Peer Mentoring Program

Connect with an established graduate peer mentor who serves as your guide through the graduate student experience.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Go to Admissions