Physics

The Princeton University Physics undergraduate program offers students a comprehensive education in the fundamental principles and applications of physics, preparing them for careers in research, industry, and academia. The curriculum is designed to foster a deep understanding of classical and modern physics, emphasizing both theoretical foundations and experimental skills. Students begin their studies with core courses in mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and quantum physics, establishing a solid groundwork essential for advanced topics. As they progress, students have the opportunity to explore specialized fields such as condensed matter physics, particle physics, astrophysics, and biophysics through elective courses and research projects.

The program encourages active engagement in laboratory work, enabling students to develop critical skills in experimental design, data analysis, and instrumentation. Participation in research is strongly emphasized, with undergraduates often working alongside faculty on cutting-edge projects in areas like quantum computing, astrophysics observations, and materials science. Princeton’s state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative research environment provide students with unique opportunities to contribute to scientific discovery.

Moreover, the department emphasizes mathematical rigor and problem-solving expertise, integrating coursework in advanced mathematics to support physics understanding. Students are also encouraged to attend seminars, workshops, and colloquia featuring leading physicists from around the world, fostering a vibrant intellectual community. Outside of academics, Princeton offers numerous resources such as undergraduate research grants, tutoring, and career development services, all aimed at supporting students' academic and professional growth.

Graduates of the Princeton Physics program have gone on to successful careers in scientific research, engineering, data science, finance, and education. Many continue their studies in top graduate programs worldwide, contributing to innovations in technology and our understanding of the universe. The program's combination of rigorous coursework, research opportunities, and a collaborative environment makes it an outstanding choice for aspiring physicists dedicated to exploring the fundamental laws of nature.

Courses:

All students should complete the core curriculum requirement.

The core curriculum is divided in three groups, and students are required to take and pass (at least) one course in each group, within the first two years of study. Thus minimally, a student needs to pass three core courses. A passing grade is a B or higher. The three groups and associate courses are:

Quantum Mechanics/Quantum Field Theory:

• PHY 506 Quantum Mechanics
• PHY 509 Relativistic Quantum Theory I
• PHY 510 Relativistic Quantum Theory II

Condensed Matter/Biophysics/Atomic Physics:

• PHY 525 Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics I
• PHY 526 Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics II
• PHY 551 Atomic Physics (not taught every year)
• PHY 562 Biophysics

General Relativity/High Energy Physics:

• PHY 523 Introduction to General Relativity
• PHY 524 Advanced Topics in General Relativity
• PHY 529 Introduction to High Energy Physics

Additionally, a number of graduate courses are offered every year. In the first fall semester, the students take a general physics course to supplement their basic physics background and prepare for the preliminary exam. Students are encouraged to take other more advances courses to expand their knowledge in their chosen specialty. 

Pre-Generals Requirements(s):

Adviser Selection:

It is the goal of the graduate program to have all students engaged in real research as soon as possible upon arrival and all students settled on a thesis topic and a thesis adviser by the end of the second year.

Pre-thesis Project:

The physics department is eager to get students positioned for a rapid start on their thesis research. Hence, during their second year, students are expected to begin actively working under the supervision of a faculty member on a pre-thesis project, to be completed by the fall semester of the third year. The pre-thesis project consists of two parts (i) a written report on a topic in the field of interest of the student and (ii) a presentation before a committee of three faculty members, including the adviser.

General Exam:

The general examination covers all major fields of physics, both theoretical and experimental, and places particular emphasis on topics of current interest.  The preliminary examination, the experimental project and the required minimum number of core courses constitute the general examination. All sections of the general examination must be completed by the end of the second year.  

To assist in measuring progress, students take the first section of the general examination, the preliminary examination, in January or May of the first year. The preliminary examination covers topics of electromagnetism, elementary quantum mechanics, mechanics, statistical physics and thermodynamics 

The second section of the general examination is the experimental project, which consists of a report on an experiment that the student has either performed or assisted others in performing, at Princeton. 

Please note, students studying mathematical physics are required to pass the general examination in physics. When appropriate, an examination on mathematical topics may be substituted for parts of this examination.

Qualifying for the M.A.:

The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree is normally an incidental degree on the way to full Ph.D. candidacy and is earned after a student successfully completes all components of the general examination.  It may also be awarded to students who, for various reasons, leave the Ph.D. program, provided that these requirements have been met.

Dissertation and FPO:

The Ph.D. is awarded once the dissertation is accepted and the final public oral (FPO) has been completed.

• Application Fee: $90
• Statement of Academic Purpose
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Recommendation Letters
• Transcripts
• Fall Semester Grades
• Prerequisite Tests
• English Language Tests
• GRE : General and physics subject tests.

Additional Departmental Requirements: 

You will be required to indicate at least one choice from a menu of Department's current Areas of Research – see the Department of Physics website "Research(link is external)" section for descriptions of the research areas and the current activities in each.  Your Statement of Purpose is a good opportunity to make your interests clear.  The Department of Physics notes that it is not necessary to describe how you became interested in physics.  Applicants are usually better served by devoting the statement to a description of their research background and interests. However, if your path to applying to the Princeton Department of Physics was unusual or compelling, please feel free to describe it.  In any case, your Statement of Purpose should focus on your specific research interests at Princeton and any relevant research experience.

For Ph.D. candidates, tuition and fees during a student’s regular period of enrollment are provided in full from a student’s graduate student financial support, in the form of tuition support from fellowships, assistantships, or external sources.

The annual stipend amount provided to Ph.D. candidates during their regular enrollment is intended to support a single graduate student based on estimated costs. Master’s students or students with spouses and/or dependents may require additional resources to support their living expenses 

The Princeton University Physics Department offers a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to provide students with a strong foundation in both theoretical and experimental physics. The curriculum begins with core courses that cover classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and statistical mechanics, ensuring students develop essential analytical and problem-solving skills. As students progress, they have the opportunity to specialize in various subfields such as astrophysics, condensed matter physics, particle physics, and biophysics, through advanced coursework and research projects.

The program emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging undergraduates to participate in research alongside faculty members, which often leads to conference presentations and publications. Princeton’s state-of-the-art facilities include laboratories equipped with modern instrumentation, enabling students to gain practical skills in data analysis, instrumentation, and experimental techniques. The Department fosters a collaborative environment through seminars, colloquia, and research groups, promoting intellectual exchange among students and faculty members.

Students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Physics, with the B.S. program providing more specialization and rigorous coursework. The department also offers numerous interdisciplinary opportunities, allowing students to combine physics with applied mathematics, computer science, or engineering. The university’s strong emphasis on undergraduate education ensures personalized advising and mentorship to support students’ academic and career goals.

Princeton University’s physics program has a distinguished history of research and discovery, with many faculty members recognized for their contributions to the field. Graduates of the program often continue their studies in top graduate schools or enter careers in research, academia, industry, and technology sectors. Overall, the Princeton physics undergraduate program is designed to cultivate deep scientific understanding, critical thinking, and innovative research skills necessary for careers in physics and related disciplines.