The physics doctoral degree program requires the completion of 81 credit hours encompassing the core physics classes (Classical Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Quantum Mechanics, and Statistical Mechanics), advanced physics electives, and research hours. Students must also pass qualifying exams and a dissertation defense.

Requirements for the Physics Doctoral Program

  • Completion of Core Physics Courses

  • Written Comprehensive Exam

  • Oral Qualifying Exam (Thesis Proposal)

  • Completion of Advanced Electives and Research Hours

  • Dissertation Defense

Course Requirements for Space Physics

Core Courses – 12 Hours Required

Course NameCredit Hours
PHY 5103 Classical Mechanics I3
PHY 5203 Electrodynamics I3
PHY 5303 Statistical Mechanics3
PHY 5403 Quantum Mechanics I3

Advanced Electives in Space Physics – 12 Hours Required

Course NameCredit Hours
PHY 6123 Plasma Physics and Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD)3
PHY 6403 Fundamentals of Space Physics3
PHY 6623 Space Physics Laboratory3
PHY 7703 Topics in Space Physics: Heliospheric Physics3
PHY 7703 Topics in Space Physics: Magnetospheric Physics3
PHY 7703 Topics in Space Physics: Planetary Science3
PHY 7703 Topics in Space Physics: Ionospheric Physics3

Doctoral Research – 48 Hours Required

Course NameCredit Hours
PHY 7003 Directed Research (x2)3 6 total
PHY 7013 Research Seminar3
PHY 7103 Doctoral Research (x9) 3 27 total
PHY 7113 Doctoral Dissertation (x4) 3 12 total