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Physics
Ph.D.
Program Overview
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 quality, independent primary research.
Program Snapshot
Why This Program & What You'll Learn
Our Ph.D. program opens the door to exciting research careers in academia, national laboratories, or industry.
At CMU, 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. You’ll have access to cutting-edge tools such as laser spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, high-performance computing facilities, materials characterization laboratory, and nuclear physics laboratories. And you’ll build the skills you need to conduct research at the highest level.
The Ph.D. program accepts applications from candidates who have both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in physics or a related area of science.
Program Highlights
As a Ph.D. student in physics at CMU, you will:
- Conduct original research under the guidance of our expert faculty mentors.
- Publish your work in scientific journals.
- Participate in international conferences and workshops.
- Learn in high-tech facilities, including well-equipped laboratories and CMU’s own Brooks Astronomical Observatory.
Careers & Outcomes
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 | $79,640 |
| Physicist | $152,430 |
| Physical Scientist | $86,095 |
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Physics Ph.D. grad hired as postdoc at Los Alamos
Panagiotis Gastis, who focused on nuclear astrophysics at CMU, recently began a three-year stint at the renowned research lab.