Physics and Astronomy

The Physics and Astronomy program at Johns Hopkins University offers students an in-depth understanding of the fundamental principles governing the universe. Designed for those passionate about exploring the nature of matter, energy, space, and time, the program provides a rigorous curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical laboratory experience. Students have the opportunity to study a wide range of topics, including classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, general relativity, and astrophysics. The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and quantitative analysis, preparing graduates for careers in research, academia, industry, or further graduate studies. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories, students can engage in original research projects under the guidance of renowned faculty members. Johns Hopkins University also encourages interdisciplinary approaches, enabling students to collaborate across fields such as computer science, engineering, and mathematics. The program offers a diverse array of electives and specializations, allowing students to tailor their education according to their interests—whether in experimental physics, theoretical physics, or observational astronomy. Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to participate in seminars, workshops, and research internships to gain practical experience and build professional networks. The department fosters an inclusive and stimulating academic environment that promotes curiosity, innovation, and discovery. Graduates of the Physics and Astronomy program are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills required to pursue advanced degrees, enter competitive scientific careers, or contribute significantly to technological and scientific advancements. Johns Hopkins University’s strong emphasis on research excellence and its vibrant academic community make it an ideal place for aspiring scientists to develop their expertise and achieve their career goals.

The Ph.D. program has strong emphasis on early and active involvement in graduate research. Thus, students are required to have a research advisor and file a research summary every semester they are enrolled in the program, starting with the first one. Furthermore, students must complete the required courses with a grade of B- or better; the coursework is typically done over the first two years. In the beginning of the second year, students complete the research examination, and in the beginning of the third year – the University’s Graduate Board Oral examination, both of which are based on completed or proposed research. During the first two years, students are typically involved in introductory research projects, which may or may not be related to their thesis work, and sometimes work with several different advisors, but they must identify (and have an agreement with) a thesis advisor no later than the beginning of their third year in the program, after which point students focus on their thesis research. The thesis is to be completed by no later than the end of the 6th year, ending with an oral presentation of the thesis to a faculty committee.

Course Requirements

Ph.D. in Physics

Students must complete the following courses:

Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics

Students must complete the following courses:

The department offers a wide range of graduate physics, astrophysics, mathematical methods and statistics classes, and while only five are required, the students are encouraged to use the flexibility of the graduate program and the available classes to design programs of study that best prepare them for their chosen area of research. In addition to the required courses listed above, below is the list of the graduate courses that have been taught in recent years:

Students in both programs must receive at least a B- in each required course, or they will be required to retake the specific course once more and pass it.

Advising

All entering students are assigned to a first-year advisor who works closely with the student through the first two years of graduate study, or until a thesis advisor is found. The first-year advisor advises the student on courses of study, helps familiarize them with the department and provides guidance in finding research opportunities. In the beginning of each fall semester, the department holds a “research jamboree” where incoming students are introduced to the research in the department through a series of brief talks, lab tours, and research group open houses. Thus, the students are familiar, immediately upon their arrival, with the scope of research in the department and can identify prospective research advisors they may wish to work with.

First and Second-Year Research Requirement

First-year students must find, by the end of the third week of class in the fall semester, and by the end of the first week of class the second semester, as well as before the summer term begins, a member of the professorial faculty to advise them in some type of research project. The students are required to submit a short written summary of that research experience at the end of the semester. Students may continue with one advisor through all three semesters, or they may choose to cycle through several different research advisors. In some cases, one of these first-year research advisors may become a thesis advisor, but in others, the thesis advisor may change. This research requirement continues until the end of the second year, or until the student finds a thesis advisor.

The nature of these first-year research projects may vary from student to student, from one advisor to another, and from one sub-field of physics to another. In some cases they lead to published research. In other cases, they may be first steps in a longer-term research project. And in some cases, they may comprise reading or independent-study projects to develop background for subsequent research. It is left to the individual advisor to determine what the written summary should entail. These research projects are not research assistantships and are performed in addition to other graduate student responsibilities (teaching and graduate classwork), although they are typically merged with RA-supported research for those students supported by RAs.

Thesis Research and Defense

Students are required to find a thesis advisor no later than the beginning of the third year. After the student chooses a thesis advisor, the student forms their Thesis Committee consisting of the advisor and two other faculty members (all Thesis Committees contain at least two full-time faculty from the department). These committees function as extended advisory bodies; students have the opportunity to discuss their progress and problems with several faculty. They also conduct one formal annual review of each student’s progress. Research leading to the dissertation can be carried out not only within the Department of Physics and Astronomy, but with appropriate arrangements, either partly or entirely at other locations if necessitated by the project goals. At the conclusion of thesis research, the student presents the written dissertation to the faculty committee and defends the thesis in an oral examination.

Requirements for the M.A. Degree

Although the department does not admit students who intend to pursue the master’s degree exclusively, students in the department’s Ph.D. program and students in other Ph.D. programs at Johns Hopkins may apply to fulfill the requirements for the M.A. degree in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Students from other JHU departments must seek approval from their home department and from the Department of Physics and Astronomy before beginning their M.A. studies.

Course Requirements for the M.A.

Students must master the basic undergraduate material covered by the following courses:

 Courses taken elsewhere may qualify at the discretion of the Graduate Program Committee.

Students must also complete six one-semester graduate-level (at least three hours/week) courses offered by the Department of Physics and Astronomy. For this purpose, each semester of AS.171.609 -AS.171.610 Numerical Methods-Physics counts as a graduate-level course. In addition, AS.171.801 Independent Research- Graduates-AS.171.802 Independent Research-Graduate may be substituted for any of the above-mentioned graduate or undergraduate courses. The research course must include an essay supervised and approved by a faculty member of the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

The student must receive a grade of B- or above in each of the courses. The graduate-level courses may be retaken once; the undergraduate courses cannot be repeated.

Furthermore, the student must complete at least two semesters of research projects, as described in the requirements for the Ph.D., and complete the departmental research exam. The deadline to fulfill all requirements is the date of the Ph.D. thesis defense.

• Letters of Recommendation (3),
• GRE,
• TOEFL/IELTS,
• Statement of Purpose,
• Transcripts,
• GRE Subject

The Physics and Astronomy undergraduate program at Johns Hopkins University offers a variety of financing options to support students financially throughout their studies. Tuition fees for the program are consistent with the university's overall undergraduate rates, which for the academic year 2023–2024 are approximately $60,500 per year. The university provides numerous need-based and merit-based financial aid opportunities to help students cover tuition and related expenses. Need-based financial aid is awarded based on a comprehensive analysis of the student's financial situation, including family income, assets, and other resources. Applicants are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Johns Hopkins University Financial Aid Application to establish eligibility for federal, state, and institutional grants, scholarships, and loans.

Merit-based scholarships are also available for outstanding students demonstrating exceptional academic achievement, research potential, and leadership qualities. These scholarships do not require repayment and can significantly reduce the financial burden of pursuing a physics and astronomy degree. The university also offers specialized scholarships for students participating in research projects or summer programs, as well as specialized fellowships for students pursuing research in astrophysics, quantum physics, and related fields.

In addition to scholarships and grants, Johns Hopkins University provides access to Federal Direct Student Loans for eligible students, which have favorable interest rates and repayment options. Work-study programs are available, offering part-time employment opportunities within the university to help offset educational costs while gaining valuable experience. Moreover, many students supplement their financing through external scholarships offered by governmental agencies, private foundations, and scientific organizations.

Students are encouraged to explore all available funding sources early in their academic planning process. The university’s Financial Aid Office provides personalized counseling and resources to assist students in navigating financial aid options, applying for scholarships, and planning their finances to ensure they can fully participate in the Physics and Astronomy program. Johns Hopkins University remains committed to making education accessible and affordable, emphasizing a comprehensive support system for students seeking to advance their careers in physics and astronomy.

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The Johns Hopkins University offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and Astronomy designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental laws governing the universe. The program combines intensive coursework in classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and astrophysics with extensive laboratory and research opportunities. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the Department of Physics and Astronomy's laboratories, observatories, and computational resources. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical skills, preparing graduates for careers in research, industry, or further academic pursuits such as graduate study or medical physics. The program encourages undergraduate research through projects, internships, and collaborations with faculty, often culminating in presentations at conferences or publication in scientific journals. Students can choose to specialize in areas such as astrophysics, condensed matter physics, or quantum information, tailoring their academic journey to personal interests and career goals. The department also offers seminars, colloquia, and workshops, fostering an environment of active learning and intellectual engagement. Johns Hopkins' strong emphasis on research means many students participate in cutting-edge projects, possibly using data from space telescopes or particle accelerators. The program promotes a rigorous academic approach, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills essential for scientific innovation. Additionally, students are encouraged to engage in interdisciplinary initiatives, linking physics with engineering, computer science, and other STEM fields. The department offers advising and career services to support students in professional development and post-graduate employment. Overall, the Physics and Astronomy program at Johns Hopkins University is designed to cultivate well-rounded physicists capable of contributing meaningfully to scientific advancements and technological progress.