Structure of the PhD Program

The Physics PhD is designed as a five-year program. Students generally complete their formal coursework during their first two years while progressively becoming involved in research. The PhD qualifying examination is taken after the third semester. The formal requirements and deadlines of the program are specified in the Physics PhD Bulletin. A typical progression through the program is outlined below. 

The Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) has overall responsibility for the graduate program and is available to students for questions or concerns about the program. The DGS is also responsible for departmental approvals and special permissions, such as those involving courses outside of Physics, transfer credit, and core course waivers. Where appropriate, students should first consult their Thrust Advisor before seeking DGS approval.

The Graduate Program Administrator (GPA) is an additional primary resource for questions about program rules, requirements, procedures, forms, and deadlines. Students are encouraged to contact the Graduate Program Administrator whenever they need help understanding the requirements or determining the appropriate administrative procedure.

During the early stages of the program, students receive guidance and mentoring from dedicated Thrust Advisors. “Thrust” refers to the department's four broad research thrusts: Astrophysics, Biophysics, Condensed Matter/Quantum, and Nuclear/Particle/Fundamental Physics. Upon entering the program, each student is associated with one of these research thrusts and assigned a corresponding Thrust Advisor, providing students with advising informed by their general area of research interest. A student may request to change their thrust affiliation and Thrust Advisor as their interests develop.

Thrust Advisors help students with course selection, research exploration, and progress through the early stages of the program, but their role is broader than academic advising. Students are encouraged to approach their Thrust Advisor for advice on professional development, navigating graduate school, or other matters where faculty guidance may be helpful. Students meet with their Thrust Advisor at least once at the beginning of each of their first four semesters to discuss and approve their course selections. In the fourth semester, the Thesis Advisor may take over this advising role.

As students identify a research direction, they select a Thesis Advisor and form a Research Advisory Committee (RAC), which normally has the same membership as the oral qualification examination committee. The Thesis Advisor and RAC then become the student's primary source of research and academic guidance for the remainder of the PhD. The RAC should also be viewed as a broader mentoring resource: students are encouraged to seek advice from its members on professional development, career planning, navigating challenges that arise during graduate study, and other matters where faculty guidance may be helpful. Students meet with their RAC at least annually to discuss their research progress and plans, but need not wait for the annual RAC meeting to seek advice from individual committee members.

Courses

The formal course and credit requirements for the PhD are specified in the Physics PhD Bulletin. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with these requirements.

In addition to their other courses, all first-year graduate students are required to enroll in Physics 5820, Research Seminar, and Physics 5970, Supervised Teaching of Physics, in the fall semester. When selecting courses beyond the required core, students should consider their developing research interests. Students interested in advanced graduate courses should note that some are offered only once every two or three years.

Core course waivers. Individual core course requirements may be waived when appropriate, in consultation with the student's Thrust Advisor and with approval of the Director of Graduate Studies. Such a waiver does not reduce the requirement to complete 36 units of academic credit; the waived core-course credits must instead be earned through other eligible courses.

Transfer credit. Students who have completed eligible graduate coursework before entering the program may request that credits be transferred toward the 36-unit academic-credit requirement. Eligibility for transfer credit is determined by the Director of Graduate Studies in accordance with Arts & Sciences policies.

Supervised research. Students may receive academic credit for research through Physics 5930/5940, Supervised Research. Up to 6 units of supervised research may count toward the 36 units of academic credit required for the PhD. These courses can be particularly useful as students begin working with research groups during the early stages of the program.

Registering for Courses

• Permission to enroll in courses: Before registering for courses, students must have their planned course load approved by their Thrust Advisor or Thesis Advisor, as appropriate. Once the advisor has given approval, the student can register.
• Taking non-Physics courses: To take courses in other departments (Engineering, Business, Medical School, Law, Design, Social Work, etc.), a student must obtain permission from the Director of Graduate Studies. Students should discuss plans to take non-Physics courses with their Thrust Advisor or Thesis Advisor, as appropriate. Audited courses and courses taken pass/no pass do not count toward the degree and are not eligible for tuition remission.
• Coursework after the second year: Courses taken beyond the second year of the PhD program are not automatically eligible for tuition remission. Where additional coursework is appropriate, students should consult with the Director of Graduate Studies in advance so that any necessary special permission can be sought.
• Permission to drop courses: Students must obtain permission from their Thrust Advisor or Thesis Advisor, as appropriate, before dropping any course. This applies to English Language Program courses as well as Physics courses. A student who drops a course without permission may be charged tuition for the portion attended and may jeopardize their financial support.

The typical PhD graduate student career

The following describes a typical progression through the five-year PhD program. Individual students' paths may vary. Formal degree requirements and deadlines are specified in the Physics PhD Bulletin.

Year One

• Fall: Take three or four courses, plus PHYS 5820 (Research Seminar) and PHYS 5970 (Supervised Teaching of Physics). Assistant in Instruction for one course.
• Spring: Take three or four courses. Assistant in Instruction for one course. Explore one or two research groups.
• Summer: Work with a research group. All PhD students are required to participate in research during the summer following their first year. Specific expectations concerning research activities, schedule, and attendance are established between the student and the faculty member supervising the research.

Year Two

• Fall: Take three or four courses. Confirm your prospective Thesis Advisor, establish your oral qualification examination committee and RAC, and submit the required forms (see PhD Qualification below). Complete the qualifying examination procedure (see Physics PhD Bulletin).
• Spring: Take three or four courses. Begin thesis research.
• Summer: Thesis research.

Year Three

• Thesis research. Students no longer enroll in academic courses and must enroll in LGS 9000 Full-time Graduate Research/Study.

Year Four

• Thesis research. Students no longer enroll in academic courses and must enroll in LGS 9000 Full-time Graduate Research/Study. Submit Title, Scope and Procedure Form.

Year Five

• Complete thesis research. Students no longer enroll in academic courses and must enroll in LGS 9000 Full-time Graduate Research/Study. 
• Apply for completion of degree (Early Spring)
• Submit dissertation defense committee form to the graduate program administrator.
• Write dissertation, undergo oral defense and submit dissertation to the Office of Graduate Studies. 
• Graduation!

PhD Qualification

The requirements, committee composition, and deadlines for the PhD qualification procedure are specified in the Physics PhD Bulletin.

In preparation for the oral qualification examination, students must establish a prospective Thesis Advisor and oral examination committee. At this stage, students submit two forms to the department:

• The Research Advisory Committee (RAC) Form identifies the student's Thesis Advisor and RAC. The RAC consists of at least three full-time Washington University faculty members, including the Thesis Advisor, who meet the eligibility requirements specified for the oral qualification examination committee in the  Physics PhD Bulletin. The RAC normally has the same membership as the oral qualification examination committee. Additional members may be added in accordance with University rules.
• The Research Advisor Support Form is the student's request to join the prospective Thesis Advisor's research group and includes a funding plan developed in consultation with the advisor. The arrangement requires approval by the Department Chair.

Both forms should be completed and approved before the student proceeds to the oral qualification examination. Approval of the research arrangement is necessary because the qualification procedure requires the student to have identified a prospective Thesis Advisor, who serves as a member of the oral examination committee.

After completion of the oral qualification examination, the Results of Oral Examination for PhD Candidacy Form, signed by the examination committee members, must be submitted to the department’s graduate program administrator.

Research Groups, Thesis Advisor, and Research Advisory Committee

Exploring and joining research groups

Students should actively explore research opportunities during their first three semesters, while they are typically supported by an Arts & Sciences or other fellowship. This period is intended to give students an opportunity to learn about different areas of research and potential Thesis Advisors. Students should feel free to explore different groups and should not consider early involvement with a particular group to be a commitment to conduct their thesis research there.

Students may begin working with a research group as early as their first semester and are strongly encouraged to become involved with a group during their second semester. During the second semester, the department offers an optional, more formal research rotation program. Participation in the rotation is voluntary for both students and faculty. Students do not need to participate in a formal rotation to explore a research group and are encouraged to contact faculty directly about research opportunities.

During the summer following the first year, all PhD students are expected to conduct research with one of the department's research groups. Specific expectations concerning research activities, schedule, attendance, and in-person presence should be discussed and agreed upon between the student and the faculty member supervising the research.

Departmental colloquia, research seminars, the graduate student seminar, Physics 5820, conversations with faculty, and interactions with other graduate students are all useful ways to learn about research opportunities in the department.

Thesis Advisor and Research Advisory Committee

As students progress toward the qualification examination, they select a Thesis Advisor and form a Research Advisory Committee (RAC). The requirements for the composition of the RAC and its relationship to the oral qualification examination committee are described above under PhD Qualification.

Once a student formally joins a research group, the student and Thesis Advisor are strongly encouraged to establish a mentoring compact that makes their mutual expectations explicit. Templates are available under Department Forms on the department's intranet. Students and faculty should also consult and acknowledge the department's Faculty/Student Mentoring Guidelines & Expectations.

Choosing a Thesis Advisor and joining a research group does not prevent a student from subsequently changing research groups or advisors. Such changes are possible when appropriate, although they generally become more difficult and may carry greater academic and funding risks as a student progresses through the program. Students considering a change of research group or Thesis Advisor are strongly encouraged to consult with the Director of Graduate Studies as early as possible.

The Thesis Advisor and RAC provide research and academic guidance throughout the remainder of the PhD. The RAC should also be viewed as a broader mentoring resource, and students are encouraged to seek advice from its members on professional development, career planning, navigating challenges that arise during graduate study, and other matters where faculty guidance may be helpful.

Students are required to meet with their RAC at least once each year to formally review their research progress and plans. Each fall, the RAC submits a report on the student's progress to the department. In the rare case that the RAC finds the student's progress unsatisfactory as part of this annual review, it may recommend that the student be placed on academic probation. Outside of the formal annual review, students are encouraged to seek advice from individual RAC members whenever it may be helpful.

Teaching Requirements

The formal teaching requirements for the PhD are specified in the Physics PhD Bulletin. They include Physics 5970, Supervised Teaching of Physics, completion of the required Mentored Teaching Experience (MTE), and a total of four hours of qualifying oral presentations.

The department's Mentored Experience Implementation Plan (MEIP) describes the MTE requirement in detail. Physics students complete their MTE as Assistants in Instruction (AIs), typically during their first and second semesters. Students should consult the Physics MEIP for the current requirements, registration pathways, and expectations for these experiences.

Students are expected to devote the time appropriate to their assigned MTE and to carry out their instructional responsibilities conscientiously, including completing grading and other assigned tasks accurately and promptly.

To document completion of the oral presentation requirement, each student must submit an Oral Presentation Form to the Graduate Program Administrator prior to graduation. Certain outreach activities sponsored by the department may also count toward the four-hour oral presentation requirement.

After completing the required MTE, students may volunteer for additional paid AI assignments when opportunities are available. Students supported as Research Assistants should obtain the approval of their research advisor before accepting such an assignment, since the terms of the research grant or other funding source may restrict additional teaching activities or require full-time research effort. Compensation for a voluntary AI assignment is additional to, and does not replace, the student's required stipend support from a Research Assistantship, fellowship, or other approved source.

Further Information for Master's Students

Structure of the Master's Program

The Physics Master's program is designed as a two-year program. Students generally complete the degree through graduate-level coursework over four semesters. A thesis option is also available for students who wish to pursue a more substantial research project. The formal degree requirements are specified in the  Physics Master's Bulletin.

Master's students receive academic guidance and mentoring from the Director of the Master's Program, who serves as their primary faculty advisor. The Director helps students with course selection, progress toward degree requirements, and planning a course of study appropriate to their academic and professional goals. Students are also encouraged to approach the Director for advice on professional development, navigating graduate school, or other matters where faculty guidance may be helpful. Students meet with the Director of the Master's Program at least once at the beginning of each semester to discuss and approve their course selections.

The Graduate Program Administrator (GPA) is an additional primary resource for questions about program rules, requirements, procedures, forms, and deadlines. Students are encouraged to contact the Graduate Program Administrator whenever they need help understanding the requirements or determining the appropriate administrative procedure.

The Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) has overall responsibility for the graduate program and is available to students for all questions or concerns about the program. Matters requiring departmental approval or special consideration should generally be discussed first with the Director of the Master's Program, who will involve the DGS as appropriate.

Courses

The formal course and credit requirements for the Master's degree are specified in the Physics Master's Bulletin. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with these requirements.

Students select their courses in consultation with the Director of the Master's Program, taking into account the degree requirements as well as their academic and professional interests. Physics 5820, Research Seminar, is not required for Master's students but may be taken for academic credit.

Core course waivers. Waivers of individual core course requirements are unusual but may be granted when appropriate by the Director of the Master's Program. Such a waiver does not reduce the requirement to complete 36 units of academic credit; the waived core-course credits must instead be earned through other eligible courses.

Transfer credit. Students who have completed eligible graduate coursework before entering the program may request that credits be transferred toward the 36-unit academic-credit requirement. Eligibility for transfer credit is evaluated by the Director of the Master's Program in accordance with Arts & Sciences policies.

Supervised research. Students may receive academic credit for research through Physics 5930/5940, Supervised Research. Up to 6 units of supervised research may count toward the 36 units of academic credit required for the Master’s.

Registering for Courses

• Permission to enroll in courses: Before registering, students must have their planned course load approved by the Director of the Master's Program. Once approval has been given, the student can register.
• Taking non-Physics courses: Students who wish to take courses outside the Physics Department should discuss their plans with the Director of the Master's Program and obtain approval before enrolling. Approved courses outside Physics may count toward the 36 units of academic credit required for the degree.
• Permission to drop courses: Students must obtain permission from the Director of the Master's Program before dropping a course.

The typical Master's graduate student career

The following describes a typical progression through the two-year Master's program. Individual students' paths may vary. Formal degree requirements are specified in the Physics Master's Bulletin.

Year One

• Fall: Meet with the Director of the Master's Program to plan the course of study and discuss academic and professional goals. Take three graduate courses and optionally conduct research with one of the department's research groups.
• Spring: Take three graduate courses and optionally conduct research with one of the department's research groups.
• Summer: Optionally conduct research with one of the department's research groups.

Year Two

• Fall: Take three graduate courses and optionally conduct research with one of the department's research groups. Students pursuing the Master's thesis option should begin writing their thesis. Review progress toward completion of the degree requirements with the Director of the Master's Program.
• Spring: Take three graduate courses and optionally conduct research with one of the department's research groups. Students pursuing the Master's thesis option complete and submit their thesis. Apply for completion of degree.

Research

Research participation is optional for Master's students, but is available to all Master's students when there is mutual interest between the student and a faculty member. Students may work with faculty in Physics or, where appropriate, with faculty in other departments. Research participation does not require enrollment in Physics 5930/5940, Supervised Research, although students may enroll in these courses when they wish to receive academic credit for eligible research.

Master's thesis option. Students interested in pursuing research more extensively may elect to complete a Master's thesis. Students considering this option should discuss it with the Director of the Master's Program and a prospective research advisor sufficiently early to allow time for the research and thesis requirements to be completed within the two-year program.

Master's students interested in research are encouraged to explore opportunities in much the same way as PhD students. Departmental colloquia, research seminars, the graduate student seminar, and conversations with faculty and fellow graduate students are all useful ways to learn about ongoing research in the department. Master's students may also choose to take Physics 5820, Research Seminar, which provides an additional opportunity to learn about current research and interact with visiting speakers.

Students are encouraged to contact faculty members directly to discuss possible research opportunities. Joining a research group depends on the mutual interest of the student and faculty member and does not require participation in a formal rotation program.

Teaching

Master's students do not have a teaching requirement, but may voluntarily serve as Assistants in Instruction (AIs) when positions are available. These are paid teaching assignments.

To be eligible for an AI assignment, Master's students must first complete the preparatory engagements for teaching specified in the department's Mentored Experience Implementation Plan (MEIP). Students interested in serving as an AI should consult the MEIP for the current preparatory requirements and contact the department about available opportunities.