Degree Requirements 

The Department of Physics and Astronomy grants two degrees: the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) and the Master of Science (M.S.). The Department has established qualifications to ensure that all degree candidates have a broad background in experimental and theoretical physics. A faculty advisory committee is appointed for each student to supervise the program of study leading to the degree.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree: 
The Master of Science degree requires eight graduate level courses in physics or related fields, the latter to be subject to approval by the advisory committee. These courses must include Physics 131, 145, 146, 163, and 164, and must be completed with a grade of B- or better. The Master of Science degree does not generally involve research work, although it certainly could. Some part of the course work can be substituted by research work, conducted either on a theoretical project, or in association with one of the research laboratories. In that case, the research project would result in writing and defending a Master’s thesis. The student has the option of writing and defending a Master's thesis, which may count as the equivalent of up to three courses. 

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree: 
The Ph.D. degree is granted to students who successfully demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research. The course work component (requirements are listed below) is usually completed in the first two years of graduate studies. The doctoral candidate must demonstrate proficiency in the basic fields of classical physics (classical mechanics and classical electromagnetic theory) and quantum physics (quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics). Proficiency is demonstrated by earning an average of A- or better in the basic graduate courses (131, 145, 146, and 153, 163, 164), or by passing special examinations in the areas covered by these courses.  Graduate courses taken at other institutions may in some cases be used to fulfill part of this requirement.  The doctoral candidate is also required to complete with a grade of B- or better two courses, one each in any two of four specialized fields: condensed matter physics (173 or 174), particle physics (183 or 184), general relativity and cosmology (167 or 268), and advanced quantum mechanics (263).

Students are required to participate in the summer research program(s) in any of the groups in our Department after their first year, allowing them to familiarize themselves with the research programs in the Department and the faculty. Generally in the second year, the candidate chooses a field of specialization from the areas of research within the department and selects a research advisor. After completing the required course work, the candidate takes an oral examination in this specialized field. Satisfactory performance on the oral examination qualifies the candidate to undertake a program of independent research under the guidance of the research advisor, culminating in the preparation and defense of a doctoral dissertation. It is expected that students will reach this stage by the end of their third year.

Further information may be obtained from the department . E-mail inquiries should be sent to grasp@tufts.edu