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Summary of Degree Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree

The general requirements for the Ph.D. in Physics are those of the Graduate School in addition to Physics requirements. The latter are implemented along the following lines. Students are required to pass the graduate introductory program of studies consisting of 6 courses. The typical sequence in the first year is to focus on core courses that cover basic physics at the advanced level: 601, 605, 606, 614 and 615. In the second year, the student selects 606 and a research area course during the first semester before attempting the qualifying exam. Occasionally, this sequence can be adjusted on a case by case basis depending on previous preparation. (Note: A passing grade is considered to be B- or better.) Students are required to take three research courses at the 700 and 800 level; one in the student's area of research, a second in a related area of research, and a third must be in a totally distinct subfield. Students making normal progress are expected to pass the qualifying examination (written exams and oral presentation) during the second year, and then devote their major efforts to research, taking the occasional course either of interest to them or of direct relevance to the research program. The department requires no foreign-language reading competency for the doctorate. A student must register for 18 credits in physics under 899 Doctoral Dissertation.