A student wearing a face shield and plastic gloves works in a physics lab on campus. A student wearing a face shield and plastic gloves works in a physics lab on campus. A student wearing a face shield and plastic gloves works in a physics lab on campus.

Physics
Ph.D.

Overview of the Ph.D. in physics

Immerse yourself in research, and pursue advanced scientific training in physics and related disciplines like astronomy, quantum science, nuclear physics and theoretical and computational physics. Our Ph.D. in physics prepares you to conduct professional, independent, primary research.

AT A GLANCE

Degree Type
Doctorate
Format
On Campus
Credit Hours
60 Credit Hours
Go To Why This Program Program Highlights Careers & Outcomes

Earning a Ph.D. in physics

Our Ph.D. program opens the door to exciting research careers in academia, national laboratories or industry. 

You’ll work closely with faculty experts to pursue in-depth research into a subject that interests you. You’ll present your work at professional conferences and publish in scholarly journals.

With access to cutting-edge tools such as laser spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, high-performance computing facilities, materials characterization laboratory and nuclear physics laboratories, you’ll build the skills you need to conduct research at the highest level.

The Ph.D. in physics program accepts applications from candidates who have both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in physics or a related area of science.

Courses What Will Transfer DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

Highlights of Ph.D. in physics program

As a Ph.D. student in physics at CMU, you will:

  • Research with physics leaders: Conduct original research under the guidance of our expert faculty mentors.
  • Demonstrate your knowledge: You'll have the opportunity to publish your work in scientific journals and participate in international conferences and workshops.
  • Work with cutting-edge technology: Learn in high-tech facilities, including well-equipped laboratories and CMU’s own Brooks ​Astronomical Observatory.

Careers for a Ph.D. in physics

A Ph.D. in physics equips you to conduct research in roles such as a postdoctoral research fellow at a laboratory or as a faculty member at a university.

Career Projected Salary
College Professor/Instructor $84,380
Physicist $155,680
Physical Scientist $86,095
Brooks Astronomical Observatory, a silver-domed building, can be seen over the treetops on campus.

Research for the stars

As a student earning a Ph.D. in physics, you'll have access to Brooks Astronomical Observatory, where you can help CMU researchers study the stars. It houses a modern 16-inch (40 cm) computer-controlled telescope that is equipped for CCD direct imaging, UBVRI photometry, medium-dispersion spectroscopy, as well as visual observing. From gathering observations to analyzing them and performing numerical simulations, you'll be on a path to contribute to the next wave of major discoveries in the study of our universe. 

View Brooks Astronomical Observatory

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