Physics

The Department of Physics supports a variety of programs that are at the  frontier of basic research. Areas of specialization include nonlinear  dynamics and complex systems, quantum nanoscience, quantum optics/ultra-cold  atoms, free electron lasers, biological physics, experimental high energy  physics, experimental nuclear physics, nuclear and particle theory,  condensed matter theory, string theory, and gravitation. The research groups  are not large but are all very active and enjoy a high reputation; this  provides the opportunity for students to participate in frontier research,  while fostering a strong interaction between students and faculty. The  department is the site of the Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory and  the Duke Free Electron Laser Laboratory. The high energy physics group  conducts research at major international laboratories (e.g., Fermilab, CERN  and Super-Kamiokande). The Center for Nonlinear Studies is a cooperative  program involving faculty members of the departments of Physics,  Mathematics, Computer Science, Chemistry, and the Pratt School of  Engineering. The Center for Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences fosters  trans-disciplinary research employing mathematical techniques. The Center  for Geometry and Theoretical Physics involves both Physics and Mathematics departments.

Our graduate program is designed to solidify your command of the concepts and methods of the discipline through course work and research. You will participate in state-of-the-art research early on, work closely with a faculty member, and gain personal research experience and a deep understanding of a particular subfield. Your education culminates in the completion of a Ph.D. dissertation based on an original piece of research.

Students who enter the graduate program have to complete the following milestones before they become eligible for the PhD degree:

• Assessment Exams (to assess the preparation for graduate coursework)
• Coursework (usually in the first two years). Each graduate student usually completes the following seven core graduate level courses and 6 credits of elective coursework within the first three semesters:
  • PHYSICS760: Mathematical Methods of Physics
  • PHYSICS761: Classical Mechanics
  • PHYSICS762: Electrodynamics
  • PHYSICS763: Statistical Mechanics
  • PHYSICS764: Quantum Mechanics
  • PHYSICS765: Graduate Advanced Physics
  • PHYSICS766S: Physics Research Seminars
  • In addition to the core courses students are required to take 6 credits of electives. These can be chosen from any combination of of regular courses (3 credits) or mini courses (1 credit) offered by the department at various times.

• English Examination Requirements (for non-English speaking students in the first two years)
• Annual reporting - required for each student beyond the first year, to be submitted before March 31
• Research talks - present at least one talk each year
• Preliminary Exam (any time before the end of the sixth semester)
• Responsible Conduct in Research (RCR) training (any time, total of 12 credits)
• Dissertation and Defense (final milestone)

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Academic performance (transcript)
3. Research experience
4. Three (or more) letters of recommendation
5. Statement of purpose (describing research interests)
6. General GRE scores
7. Physics GRE score

Applications must be submitted online through the Duke Graduate School web site before the Physics Department deadline of December 15.  This is the deadline each year for next year's Fall admission, as we do not admit for a Spring term start date.  While all applications received before the deadline will be reviewed completely by the Graduate Admissions Committee, applications received before December 1 may receive further scrutiny by other departmental faculty members. Hence it is advantageous to submit applications early. 

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Funding

• All students are given assistantships (TA, or RA, or fellowships).
• The normal assistantships comes with a stipend of $29,959 per year.
• The Cost of Living is less than most other good institutions.
• The tuition and most fees are paid by the assistantships.
• Usually, the health insurance premium is paid by the Graduate School.