Graduate Physics

A student at work in the Superconductivity Research group.

photo by Patrick O' Leary

Our graduate program offers students the opportunity to work at the cutting edge of contemporary research. The program is large enough (120-130 students) to provide varied opportunities for research and networking, yet small enough to keep individual students from feeling lost in the shuffle. Many of our students come straight from undergraduate studies in small colleges. Students also like Minnesota because of the opportunities provided by both the large, diverse university and the very livable metropolitan area.

Our graduate program starts with coursework in classical physics (mechanics, electricity and magnetism), quantum physics, and a third (and, rarely, a fourth) course of study, which you will choose with the help of a faculty adviser. Some students study mathematical physics or general relativity, while others start an intermediate exploration of a subfield such as elementary particle physics or condensed matter physics. A few students, with thorough preparation, proceed directly to advanced courses at the very beginning of their residence. Others fill in gaps in their undergraduate programs.

One unique aspect of the graduate program in physics at the University of Minnesota is the ability to get a physics degree with an adviser outside of the School of Physics. Some faculty in Astronomy, Biophysics, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering hold graduate faculty appointments in physics and can direct the research of physics graduate students.

Find out more about our Ph.D Degree and our M.S. Degree