Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree in the field of Physics

PhD Degree in the field of Physics

Upon completing the PhD degree in the field of Physics, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge in foundational areas of physics and astronomy, and a mastery of their selected subfield.
2. Have the skills necessary to conduct independent research in physics and astronomy and become leaders in their chosen careers.
3. Have the ability to identify, formulate, and solve challenging scientific and technical problems as encountered in physics and astronomy.
4. Be proficient in reading the scientific literature and in oral and written communication of scientific results.
5. Make an original and significant contribution to knowledge in their discipline.

PhD Degree in field of Physics

For general university requirements, please see Doctoral Degrees. For additional requirements, regulations, and procedures for all graduate programs, please see All Graduate Students. To be eligible for PhD degree, graduate students must demonstrate to department their knowledge in discipline and ability to engage in advanced research.

formal PhD are:

• student must complete all coursework specified for their matriculating class and any additional courses required by thesis adviser.
• transcript must show at least 90 semester hours credit, including research and teaching, beyond Bachelor's Degree. A total of at least four full semesters, not including summer terms, must be spent in full-time study at Rice.
• student must successfully complete a research project involving independent and original work. work must be reported in an approved thesis, and defended in a public oral examination.

Complete information about research opportunities, courses and other requirements can be found under Department's website, on the Graduate Program link at https://physics.rice.edu/.

The English Language Proficiency Requirement may be waived for an international student who received a degree from an institution in which English is the official language of communication. Contact the admitting program for more information.

The following language proficiency tests are accepted by Rice graduate programs and will be used to assess English language proficiency. Please note the below scores are the minimum requirement, though some program requirements will be higher.

• The TOEFL IBT Home. A minimum score of 90 is required
• IELTS Indicator. A minimum score of 7 is required.
• Duolingo. A minimum score of 115 is required.

1. Find your graduate program(s) of interest and submit an interest form. Click here for a listing of schools and departments.
2. Research the cost of study and available financial support. Qualified doctoral students often receive tuition waivers and a generous stipend.
3. Look at our facts and stats on admissions, enrollment and degrees awarded.
4. Learn more about research at Rice.
5. Find out what living in Houston is like.