The graduate program in the Department of Physics and Astronomy is part of the Rutgers School of Graduate Studies. The program includes curricula leading to the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Master of Science (M.S.), Master of Science for Teachers (M.S.T ), as well as a new Quantum Science Masters program.
The Ph.D. Curriculum
The doctoral program is designed to give students a broad understanding of classical and modern physics, with intensive training in one of the frontier areas of modern research. A thesis of original research is required to give the students experience in advancing themselves to the leading edge of an important area of physics. Students are encouraged to study several sub-disciplines of physics so that they will be prepared to apply their fundamental knowledge beyond the field of their thesis work.
An astronomy option is available that allows students who intend to carry out their thesis work in astronomy to replace several upper-division course requirements with astrophysics courses.
The average length of study is just under six years. In recent years, about three quarters of admitted Ph.D. students complete the full program of study and obtain a Ph.D. Most of those who do not obtain an M.S. degree before leaving the program.
A candidacy examination - also known as the Ph.D. qualifier - is ordinarily taken at the beginning of the second year. It includes writing a paper, presenting the material in a talk, and answering questions about the material presented.
The Master of Science is not required for the Ph.D. degree, nor are any foreign languages required.
A detailed description of degree requirements as well as summaries of individual faculty member research can be found in the current Handbook for physics graduate students ("Redbook")
Graduates of the doctoral program have been successful in diverse careers at universities, in government research laboratories, and in industry.
Ph.D. Degree Learning Goals and Assessment
The M.S. Curriculum
The master's programs provide attractive alternatives for students who wish to pursue a shorter advanced education program. Graduates of the M.S. degree program generally find careers in industrial laboratories or education. The program, requiring course work and either thesis research (at a much briefer level than that required for the Ph.D. degree) or a critical essay, is normally completed in two years. It is possible to obtain sooner if a student has already taken graduate courses before starting the program, and can transfer some credits. The M.S.T. degree program is primarily a subject-matter-oriented program for teachers. M.S. students often take the same core courses as the Ph.D. students during their first year, but this is not required. Courses can be chosen, in consultation with the program director or a faculty adviser, to fit individual needs.
Master’s Degrees Learning Goals and Assessment
The Quantum Science Masters Program
The long-awaited quantum revolution is upon us. McKinsey and Company predicts that by 2040 the total quantum technology market, encompassing computing, communications, and sensing, will exceed $100B, fueled by $34B in government investing and an estimated 300 new start-ups. The demand for a well-educated quantum workforce has never been greater, but the talent gap is wide – currently, the number of job postings outstrips qualified talent by as much as three to one.
The Master’s of Physics/Quantum Science track offered by the Center for Materials Theory in the Rutgers Department of Physics and Astronomy is designed to prepare you to meet this need. The two year (36-credit) curriculum immerses students in cutting-edge topics ranging from theoretical topics – such as quantum error correction and strongly correlated quantum matter – to actual quantum circuits and quantum simulators on a variety of quantum computing platforms, thereby immersing students in both theoretical concepts and experimental techniques. And to ensure that our graduates are well prepared for the rigors of the quantum workplace, the program makes summer internships available through strategic partnerships with key players in the quantum industry.
See https://physics.rutgers.edu/quantum-science-masters-program for more information about the Quantum Science Masters Program.
