physics education phd programs

Physics: Physics Education

The PhD in Physics: Physics Education combines curriculum from the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Department of Education. Students participate in a larger community of discipline-based education research in STEM fields through the Institute for Research on Learning and Instruction .

Program Outcomes

As a student in the Physics Education doctoral program, you'll develop graduate-level understanding in physics and in research on learning and instruction, through both coursework and participation in your own original research, which will include completing a dissertation that contributes to the literature. The program is designed to prepare students for faculty positions in higher education, although graduates may go on to a variety of careers, such as in private education-related industry or museums. 

Application Requirements

• Application fee
• Personal statement - Tell us about what motivates you to study STEM Education at Tufts. In this we are hoping for a reflection about your experiences and personal objectives, 1500-2500 words.
• Writing Sample - Where the personal statement is about you, this should be a sample of your scholarly writing about a topic in STEM Education, citing references from relevant literature. Feel free to send a paper you've already written, for a course or for publication, or write something new focused on problems you are interested to study.
• Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test, if applicable
• Transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation

Tuition and Financial Aid

See Tuition and Financial Aid information for GSAS Programs.

David Hammer

Timothy Atherton

Hugh Gallagher

Roger Tobin

Related programs, stem education.

Ohio State nav bar

Ohio state navigation bar.

• BuckeyeLink
• Search Ohio State

Physics Education

Best Physics Schools

Ranked in 2023, part of Best Science Schools

Graduate schools for physics typically offer a range of

Graduate schools for physics typically offer a range of specialty programs, from quantum physics to relativity, as well as plentiful research opportunities to bolster a science education. These are the best physics schools. Each school's score reflects its average rating on a scale from 1 (marginal) to 5 (outstanding), based on a survey of academics at peer institutions. Read the methodology »

• Clear Filters

Kansas State University Physics Education Research

• Problem Solving
• Transfer of Learning
• Visual Cognition
• Web-based Tutoring
• National Study of Education in Undergraduate Science
• Response Curves
• Identity Project
• Assessment for Physics Faculty
• Modern Miracle Medical Machines
• PDAs & Tablet PCs
• Visual Quantum Mechanics
• Applications of Technology
• International Bicycle Project
• Physics Pathway
• Physics InfoMall
• Book Chapters
• Dissertations & Theses
• Chronological List
• Search AAPT database
• Search Blog
• PhD in Physics
• PhD in Science Education
• MS in Physics
• International Commission on Physics Education
• KSU Physics
• Map & Driving Directions

The primary course of study for Physics Education Research students is a PhD in Physics with a dissertation in Physics Education. Students completing this doctoral program will follow the same guidelines, complete the same core courses, and pass the same preliminary exams as other physics doctoral students.

A PhD in Science Education and an MS in Physics Education Research are available to a limited number of students. The PhD in Science Education is administered by the College of Education.

Courses of Study

Ph.D. in Physics with dissertation in Educational Research & Development Typical courses

Courses in italics are required of all Ph.D. students in the Physics Department. Physics Education Seminar is taken every semester after the first year of graduate studies

To complete a Ph.D. with the Science Education and work with the Physics Education Group requires a Masters Degree in Physics or equivalent. Physics courses taken during Ph.D. studies will depend on the courses completed during the M.S. studies.   This PhD is granted by the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the College of Education.  This link will take you to the Curriculum & Instruction Graduate Programs page.    

© 2009 Kansas State University Physics Education Research Group

Quick Links +

Phd program in per.

The UC Davis physics department is one of a few departments in the country that has a physics education research (PER) group. PER PhD students have the same basic requirements as all other physics PhD students including the same physics core classes, the same written preliminary exam, and a oral qualifying exam. For more information on the department's general requirements go here.

During the second year, PER students may take a varity of classes depending on their interests and needs. A typical student will take a number of courses in the Education Department and/or the statistics department depending on their interests and abilities. (Go here for the current UC Davis Education Department course list.)

After a student has passed the written preliminary examination, they will start preparing for their oral qualifying examination. Each student's qualifying exam is a talk organized by the student on their own particular research. The qualifying exam is usually taken in their third year of study.

UC Davis PER Graduate students are currently studying: graduate instructor training, graduate instructor-student classroom dynamics, undergraduate physics epistemologies, reformed graduate student education, reformed physics curiculum for undergraduate pysics majors, gender difference in undergraduate physics, and reformed "block curriculum" (math, chemistry, biology and physics) for freshman undergraduates. Research is not limited to these areas.

Please contact David Webb If you are interested in joining the PER group at UC Davis.

• Make a Gift
• Directories

Search form

You are here.

• Programs & Courses

PhD Program

A PhD degree in Physics is awarded in recognition of significant and novel research contributions, extending the boundaries of our knowledge of the physical universe. Selected applicants are admitted to the PhD program of the UW Department of Physics, not to a specific research group, and are encouraged to explore research opportunities throughout the Department.

Degree Requirements

Typical timeline, advising and mentoring, satisfactory progress, financial support, more information.

Applicants to the doctoral program are expected to have a strong undergraduate preparation in physics, including courses in electromagnetism, classical and quantum mechanics, statistical physics, optics, and mathematical methods of physics. Further study in condensed matter, atomic, and particle and nuclear physics is desirable. Limited deficiencies in core areas may be permissible, but may delay degree completion by as much as a year and are are expected to remedied during the first year of graduate study.

The Graduate Admissions Committee reviews all submitted applications and takes a holistic approach considering all aspects presented in the application materials. Application materials include:

• Resume or curriculum vitae, describing your current position or activities, educational and professional experience, and any honors awarded, special skills, publications or research presentations.
• Statement of purpose, one page describing your academic purpose and goals.
• Personal history statement (optional, two pages max), describing how your personal experiences and background (including family, cultural, or economic aspects) have influenced your intellectual development and interests.
• Three letters of recommendation: submit email addresses for your recommenders at least one month ahead of deadline to allow them sufficient time to respond.
• Transcripts (unofficial), from all prior relevant undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Admitted applicants must provide official transcripts.
• English language proficiency is required for graduate study at the University of Washington. Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency. The various options are specified at: https://grad.uw.edu/policies/3-2-graduate-school-english-language-proficiency-requirements/ Official test scores must be sent by ETS directly to the University of Washington (institution code 4854) and be received within two years of the test date.

For additional information see the UW Graduate School Home Page , Understanding the Application Process , and Memo 15 regarding teaching assistant eligibility for non-native English speakers.

The GRE Subject Test in Physics (P-GRE) is optional in our admissions process, and typically plays a relatively minor role.  Our admissions system is holistic, as we use all available information to evaluate each application. If you have taken the P-GRE and feel that providing your score will help address specific gaps or otherwise materially strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit your scores. We emphasize that every application will be given full consideration, regardless of whether or not scores are submitted.

Applications are accepted annually for autumn quarter admissions (only), and must be submitted online. Admission deadline: JANUARY 5, 2024.

Department standards

Course requirements.

Students must plan a program of study in consultation with their faculty advisor (either first year advisor or later research advisor). To establish adequate breadth and depth of knowledge in the field, PhD students are required to pass a set of core courses, take appropriate advanced courses and special topics offerings related to their research area, attend relevant research seminars as well as the weekly department colloquium, and take at least two additional courses in Physics outside their area of speciality. Seeking broad knowledge in areas of physics outside your own research area is encouraged.

The required core courses are:

In addition, all students holding a teaching assistantship (TA) must complete Phys 501 / 502 / 503 , Tutorials in Teaching Physics.

Regularly offered courses which may, depending on research area and with the approval of the graduate program coordinator, be used to satisfy breadth requirements, include:

• Phys 506 Numerical Methods
• Phys 555 Cosmology & Particle Astrophysics
• Phys 507 Group Theory
• Phys 557 High Energy Physics
• Phys 511 Topics in Contemporary Physics
• Phys 560 Nuclear Theory
• Phys 520 Quantum Information
• Phys 564 General Relativity
• Phys 550 Atomic Physics
• Phys 567 Condensed Matter Physics
• Phys 554 Nuclear Astrophysics
• Phys 570 Quantum Field Theory

Graduate exams

Master's Review:   In addition to passing all core courses, adequate mastery of core material must be demonstrated by passing the Master's Review. This is composed of four Master's Review Exams (MREs) which serve as the final exams in Phys 524 (SM), Phys 514 (EM), Phys 518 (QM), and Phys 505 (CM). The standard for passing each MRE is demonstrated understanding and ability to solve multi-step problems; this judgment is independent of the overall course grade. Acceptable performance on each MRE is expected, but substantial engagement in research allows modestly sub-par performance on one exam to be waived. Students who pass the Master's Review are eligible to receive a Master's degree, provided the Graduate School course credit and grade point average requirements have also been satisfied.

General Exam:   Adequate mastery of material in one's area of research, together with demonstrated progress in research and a viable plan to complete a PhD dissertation, is assessed in the General Exam. This is taken after completing all course requirements, passing the Master's Review, and becoming well established in research. The General Exam consists of an oral presentation followed by an in-depth question period with one's dissertation committee.

Final Oral Exam:   Adequate completion of a PhD dissertation is assessed in the Final Oral, which is a public exam on one's completed dissertation research. The requirement of surmounting a final public oral exam is an ancient tradition for successful completion of a PhD degree.

Graduate school requirements

Common requirements for all doctoral degrees are given in the Graduate School Degree Requirements and Doctoral Degree Policies and Procedures pages. A summary of the key items, accurate as of late 2020, is as follows:

• A minimum of 90 completed credits, of which at least 60 must be completed at the University of Washington. A Master's degree from the UW or another institution in physics, or approved related field of study, may substitute for 30 credits of enrollment.
• At least 18 credits of UW course work at the 500 level completed prior to the General Examination.
• At least 18 numerically graded UW credits of 500 level courses and approved 400 level courses, completed prior to the General Examination.
• At least 60 credits completed prior to scheduling the General Examination. A Master's degree from the UW or another institution may substitute for 30 of these credits.
• A minimum of 27 dissertation (or Physics 800) credits, spread out over a period of at least three quarters, must be completed. At least one of those three quarters must come after passing the General Exam. Except for summer quarters, students are limited to a maximum of 10 dissertation credits per quarter.
• A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 must be maintained.
• The General Examination must be successfully completed.
• A thesis dissertation approved by the reading committee and submitted and accepted by the Graduate School.
• The Final Examination must be successfully completed. At least four members of the supervisory committee, including chair and graduate school representative, must be present.
• Registration as a full- or part-time graduate student at the University must be maintained, specifically including the quarter in which the examinations are completed and the quarter in which the degree is conferred. (Part-time means registered for at least 2 credits, but less than 10.)
• All work for the doctoral degree must be completed within ten years. This includes any time spend on leave, as well as time devoted to a Master's degree from the UW or elsewhere (if used to substitute for credits of enrollment).
• Pass the required core courses: Phys 513 , 517 , 524 & 528 autumn quarter, Phys 514 , 518 & 525 winter quarter, and Phys 515 , 519 & 505 spring quarter. When deemed appropriate, with approval of their faculty advisor and graduate program coordinator, students may elect to defer Phys 525 , 515 and/or 519 to the second year in order to take more credits of Phys 600 .
• Sign up for and complete one credit of Phys 600 with a faculty member of choice during winter and spring quarters.
• Pass the Master's Review by the end of spring quarter or, after demonstrating substantial research engagement, by the end of the summer.
• Work to identify one's research area and faculty research advisor. This begins with learning about diverse research areas in Phys 528 in the autumn, followed by Phys 600 independent study with selected faculty members during winter, spring, and summer.
• Pass the Master's Review (if not already done) by taking any deferred core courses or retaking MREs as needed. The Master's Review must be passed before the start of the third year.
• Settle in and become fully established with one's research group and advisor, possibly after doing independent study with multiple faculty members. Switching research areas during the first two years is not uncommon.
• Complete all required courses. Take breadth courses and more advanced graduate courses appropriate for one's area of research.
• Perform research.
• Establish a Supervisory Committee within one year after finding a compatible research advisor who agrees to supervise your dissertation work.
• Take breadth and special topics courses as appropriate.
• Take your General Exam in the third or fourth year of your graduate studies.
• Register for Phys 800 (Doctoral Thesis Research) instead of Phys 600 in the quarters during and after your general exam.
• Take special topics courses as appropriate.
• Perform research. When completion of a substantial body of research is is sight, and with concurrence of your faculty advisor, start writing a thesis dissertation.
• Establish a dissertation reading committee well in advance of scheduling the Final Examination.
• Schedule your Final Examination and submit your PhD dissertation draft to your reading committee at least several weeks before your Final Exam.
• Take your Final Oral Examination.
• After passing your Final Exam, submit your PhD dissertation, as approved by your reading committee, to the Graduate School, normally before the end of the same quarter.

This typical timeline for competing the PhD applies to students entering the program with a solid undergraduate preparation, as described above under Admissions. Variant scenarios are possible with approval of the Graduate Program coordinator. Two such scenarios are the following:

• Students entering with insufficient undergraduate preparation often require more time. It is important to identify this early, and not feel that this reflects on innate abilities or future success. Discussion with one's faculty advisor, during orientation or shortly thereafter, may lead to deferring one or more of the first year required courses and corresponding Master's Review Exams. It can also involve taking selected 300 or 400 level undergraduate physics courses before taking the first year graduate level courses. This must be approved by the Graduate Program coordinator, but should not delay efforts to find a suitable research advisor. The final Master's Review decision still takes place no later than the start of the 3rd year and research engagement is an important component in this decision.
• Entering PhD students with advanced standing, for example with a prior Master's degree in Physics or transferring from another institution after completing one or more years in a Physics PhD program, may often graduate after 3 or 4 years in our program. After discussion with your faculty advisor and with approval of the Graduate Program coordinator, selected required classes may be waived (but typically not the corresponding Master's Review Exams), and credit from other institutions transferred.
• Each entering PhD student is assigned a first year faculty advisor, with whom they meet regularly to discuss course selection, general progress, and advice on research opportunities. The role of a student's primary faculty advisor switches to their research advisor after they become well established in research. Once their doctoral supervisory committee is formed, the entire committee, including a designated faculty mentor (other than the research advisor) is available to provide advice and mentoring.
• The department also has a peer mentoring program, in which first-year students are paired with more senior students who have volunteered as mentors. Peer mentors maintain contact with their first-year mentees throughout the year and aim to ease the transition to graduate study by sharing their experiences and providing support and advice. Quarterly "teas" are held to which all peer mentors and mentees are invited.
• While academic advising is primarily concerned with activities and requirements necessary to make progress toward a degree, mentoring focuses on the human relationships, commitments, and resources that can help a student find success and fulfillment in academic and professional pursuits. While research advisors play an essential role in graduate study, the department considers it inportant for every student to also have available additional individuals who take on an explicit mentoring role.
• Students are expected to meet regularly, at a minimum quarterly, with their faculty advisors (either first year advisor or research advisor).
• Starting in the winter of their first year, students are expected to be enrolled in Phys 600 .
• Every spring all students, together with their advisors, are required to complete an annual activities report.
• The doctoral supervisory committee needs to be established at least by the end of the fourth year.
• The General Exam is expected to take place during the third or fourth year.
• Students and their advisors are expected to aim for not more than 6 years between entry into the Physics PhD program and completion of the PhD. In recent years the median time is close to 6 years.

Absence of satisfactory progress can lead to a hierarchy of actions, as detailed in the Graduate School Memo 16: Academic Performance and Progress , and may jeopardize funding as a teaching assistant.

The Department aims to provide financial support for all full-time PhD students making satisfactory progress, and has been successful in doing so for many years. Most students are supported via a mix teaching assistantships (TAs) and research assistantships (RAs), although there are also various scholarships, fellowships, and awards that provide financial support. Teaching and research assistanships provide a stipend, a tuition waiver, and health insurance benefits. TAs are employed by the University to assist faculty in their teaching activities. Students from non-English-speaking countries must pass English proficiency requirements . RAs are employed by the Department to assist faculty with specified research projects, and are funded through research grants held by faculty members.

Most first-year students are provided full TA support during their first academic year as part of their admission offer. Support beyond the second year is typically in the form of an RA or a TA/RA combination. It is the responsibility of the student to find a research advisor and secure RA support. Students accepting TA or RA positions are required to register as full-time graduate students (a minimum of 10 credits during the academic year, and 2 credits in summer quarter) and devote 20 hours per week to their assistantship duties. Both TAs and RAs are classified as Academic Student Employees (ASE) . These positions are governed by a contract between the UW and the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), and its Local Union 4121 (UAW).

Physics PhD students are paid at the "Assistant" level (Teaching Assistant or Research Assistant) upon entry to the program. Students receive a promotion to "Associate I" (Predoctoral Teaching Associate I or Predoctoral Research Associate I) after passing the Master's Review, and a further promotion to "Associate II" (Predoctoral Teaching Associate II or Predoctoral Research Associate II) after passing their General Examination. (Summer quarter courses, and summer quarter TA employment, runs one month shorter than during the academic year. To compendate, summer quarter TA salaries are increased proportionately.)

• UW Physics Department fact sheet .
• MyPhys , UW Physics Department intranet with policies and information for enrolled students.
• UW Graduate School information for students and postdocs.
•   Instagram
•   Events Mailing Lists
•   Newsletter

PhD Program

**new** graduate student guide, expected progress of physics graduate student to ph.d..

This document describes the Physics Department's expectations for the progress of a typical graduate student from admission to award of a PhD.  Because students enter the program with different training and backgrounds and because thesis research by its very nature is unpredictable, the time-frame for individual students will vary. Nevertheless, failure to meet the goals set forth here without appropriate justification may indicate that the student is not making adequate progress towards the PhD, and will therefore prompt consideration by the Department and possibly by Graduate Division of the student’s progress, which might lead to probation and later dismissal.

Course Work

Graduate students are required to take a minimum of 38 units of approved upper division or graduate elective courses (excluding any upper division courses required for the undergraduate major).  The department requires that students take the following courses which total 19 units: Physics 209 (Classical Electromagnetism), Physics 211 (Equilibrium Statistical Physics) and Physics 221A-221B (Quantum Mechanics). Thus, the normative program includes an additional 19 units (five semester courses) of approved upper division or graduate elective courses.  At least 11 units must be in the 200 series courses. Some of the 19 elective units could include courses in mathematics, biophysics, astrophysics, or from other science and engineering departments.  Physics 290, 295, 299, 301, and 602 are excluded from the 19 elective units. Physics 209, 211 and 221A-221B must be completed for a letter grade (with a minimum average grade of B).  No more than one-third of the 19 elective units may be fulfilled by courses graded Satisfactory, and then only with the approval of the Department.  Entering students are required to enroll in Physics 209 and 221A in the fall semester of their first year and Physics 211 and 221B in the spring semester of their first year. Exceptions to this requirement are made for 1) students who do not have sufficient background to enroll in these courses and have a written recommendation from their faculty mentor and approval from the head graduate adviser to delay enrollment to take preparatory classes, 2) students who have taken the equivalent of these courses elsewhere and receive written approval from the Department to be exempted. 

If a student has taken courses equivalent to Physics 209, 211 or 221A-221B, then subject credit may be granted for each of these course requirements.  A faculty committee will review your course syllabi and transcript.  A waiver form can be obtained in 378 Physics North from the Student Affairs Officer detailing all required documents.  If the committee agrees that the student has satisfied the course requirement at another institution, the student must secure the Head Graduate Adviser's approval.  The student must also take and pass the associated section of the preliminary exam.  Please note that official course waiver approval will not be granted until after the preliminary exam results have been announced.  If course waivers are approved, units for the waived required courses do not have to be replaced for PhD course requirements.  If a student has satisfied all first year required graduate courses elsewhere, they are only required to take an additional 19 units to satisfy remaining PhD course requirements.  (Note that units for required courses must be replaced for MA degree course requirements even if the courses themselves are waived; for more information please see MA degree requirements).

In exceptional cases, students transferring from other graduate programs may request a partial waiver of the 19 elective unit requirement. Such requests must be made at the time of application for admission to the Department.

The majority of first year graduate students are Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs) with a 20 hour per week load (teaching, grading, and preparation).  A typical first year program for an entering graduate student who is teaching is:

First Semester

• Physics 209 Classical Electromagnetism (5)
• Physics 221A Quantum Mechanics (5)
• Physics 251 Introduction to Graduate Research (1)
• Physics 301 GSI Teaching Credit (2)
• Physics 375 GSI Training Seminar (for first time GSI's) (2)

Second Semester

• Physics 211 Equilibrium Statistical Physics (4)
• Physics 221B Quantum Mechanics (5)

Students who have fellowships and will not be teaching, or who have covered some of the material in the first year courses material as undergraduates may choose to take an additional course in one or both semesters of their first year.

Many students complete their course requirements by the end of the second year. In general, students are expected to complete their course requirements by the end of the third year. An exception to this expectation is that students who elect (with the approval of their mentor and the head graduate adviser) to fill gaps in their undergraduate background during their first year at Berkeley often need one or two additional semesters to complete their course work.

Faculty Mentors

Incoming graduate students are each assigned a faculty mentor. In general, mentors and students are matched according to the student's research interest.   If a student's research interests change, or if (s)he feels there is another faculty member who can better serve as a mentor, the student is free to request a change of assignment.

The role of the faculty mentor is to advise graduate students who have not yet identified research advisers on their academic program, on their progress in that program and on strategies for passing the preliminary exam and finding a research adviser.  Mentors also are a “friendly ear” and are ready to help students address other issues they may face coming to a new university and a new city.  Mentors are expected to meet with the students they advise individually a minimum of once per semester, but often meet with them more often.  Mentors should contact incoming students before the start of the semester, but students arriving in Berkeley should feel free to contact their mentors immediately.

Student-Mentor assignments continue until the student has identified a research adviser.  While many students continue to ask their mentors for advice later in their graduate career, the primary role of adviser is transferred to the research adviser once a student formally begins research towards his or her dissertation. The Department asks student and adviser to sign a “mentor-adviser” form to make this transfer official.  

Preliminary Exams

In order to most benefit from graduate work, incoming students need to have a solid foundation in undergraduate physics, including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics, special relativity, thermal and statistical physics and quantum mechanics, and to be able to make order-of-magnitude estimates and analyze physical situations by application of general principles. These are the topics typically included, and at the level usually taught, within a Bachelor's degree program in Physics at most universities. As a part of this foundation, the students should also have formed a well-integrated overall picture of the fields studied. The preliminary exam is meant to assess the students' background, so that any missing pieces can be made up as soon as possible. The exam is made up of 4 sections, as described in the  Preliminary Exam Policy *, on the Department’s website.  Each section is administered twice a year, at the start of each semester. 

Entering students are encouraged to take this exam as soon as possible, and they are required to attempt all prelims sections in the second semester. Students who have not passed all sections in the third semester will undergo a Departmental review of their performance. Departmental expectations are that all students should successfully pass all sections no later than spring semester of the second year (4th semester); the document entitled  Physics Department Preliminary Exam Policy * describes Departmental policy in more detail. An exception to this expectation is afforded to students who elect (with the recommendation of the faculty mentor and written approval of the head graduate adviser) to fill gaps in their undergraduate background during their first year at Berkeley and delay corresponding section(s) of the exam, and who therefore may need an additional semester to complete the exam; this exception is also further discussed in the  Preliminary Exam Policy * document.

* You must login with your Calnet ID to access Physics Department Preliminary Examination Policy.

Start of Research

Students are encouraged to begin research as soon as possible. Many students identify potential research advisers in their first year and most have identified their research adviser before the end of their second year.  When a research adviser is identified, the Department asks that both student and research adviser sign a form (available from the Student Affairs Office, 378 Physics North) indicating that the student has (provisionally) joined the adviser’s research group with the intent of working towards a PhD.  In many cases, the student will remain in that group for their thesis work, but sometimes the student or faculty adviser will decide that the match of individuals or research direction is not appropriate.  Starting research early gives students flexibility to change groups when appropriate without incurring significant delays in time to complete their degree.

Departmental expectations are that experimental research students begin work in a research group by the summer after the first year; this is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged.  Students doing theoretical research are similarly encouraged to identify a research direction, but often need to complete a year of classes in their chosen specialty before it is possible for them to begin research.  Students intending to become theory students and have to take the required first year classes may not be able to start research until the summer after their second year.  Such students are encouraged to attend theory seminars and maintain contact with faculty in their chosen area of research even before they can begin a formal research program. 

If a student chooses dissertation research with a supervisor who is not in the department, he or she must find an appropriate Physics faculty member who agrees to serve as the departmental research supervisor of record and as co-adviser. This faculty member is expected to monitor the student's progress towards the degree and serve on the student's qualifying and dissertation committees. The student will enroll in Physics 299 (research) in the co-adviser's section.  The student must file the Outside Research Proposal for approval; petitions are available in the Student Affairs Office, 378 Physics North.   

Students who have not found a research adviser by the end of the second year will be asked to meet with their faculty mentor to develop a plan for identifying an adviser and research group.  Students who have not found a research adviser by Spring of the third year are not making adequate progress towards the PhD.  These students will be asked to provide written documentation to the department explaining their situation and their plans to begin research.  Based on their academic record and the documentation they provide, such students may be warned by the department that they are not making adequate progress, and will be formally asked to find an adviser.  The record of any student who has not identified an adviser by the end of Spring of the fourth year will be evaluated by a faculty committee and the student may be asked to leave the program. 

Qualifying Exam

Rules and requirements associated with the Qualifying Exam are set by the Graduate Division on behalf of the Graduate Council.  Approval of the committee membership and the conduct of the exam are therefore subject to Graduate Division approval.  The exam is oral and lasts 2-3 hours.  The Graduate Division specifies that the purpose of the Qualifying Exam is “to ascertain the breadth of the student's comprehension of fundamental facts and principles that apply to at least three subject areas related to the major field of study and whether the student has the ability to think incisively and critically about the theoretical and the practical aspects of these areas.”  It also states that “this oral examination of candidates for the doctorate serves a significant additional function. Not only teaching, but the formal interaction with students and colleagues at colloquia, annual meetings of professional societies and the like, require the ability to synthesize rapidly, organize clearly, and argue cogently in an oral setting.  It is necessary for the University to ensure that a proper examination is given incorporating these skills.”

Please see the  Department website for a description of the Qualifying Exam and its Committee .   Note: You must login with your Calnet ID to access QE information . Passing the Qualifying Exam, along with a few other requirements described on the department website, will lead to Advancement to Candidacy.  Qualifying exam scheduling forms can be picked up in the Student Affairs Office, 378 Physics North.   

The Department expects students to take the Qualifying Exam two or three semesters after they identify a research adviser. This is therefore expected to occur for most students in their third year, and no later than fourth year. A student is considered to have begun research when they first register for Physics 299 or fill out the department mentor-adviser form showing that a research adviser has accepted the student for PhD work or hired as a GSR (Graduate Student Researcher), at which time the research adviser becomes responsible for guidance and mentoring of the student.  (Note that this decision is not irreversible – the student or research adviser can decide that the match of individuals or research direction is not appropriate or a good match.)  Delays in this schedule cause concern that the student is not making adequate progress towards the PhD.  The student and adviser will be asked to provide written documentation to the department explaining the delay and clarifying the timeline for taking the Qualifying Exam.

Annual Progress Reports

Graduate Division requires that each student’s performance be annually assessed to provide students with timely information about the faculty’s evaluation of their progress towards PhD.  Annual Progress Reports are completed during the Spring Semester.  In these reports, the student is asked to discuss what progress he or she has made toward the degree in the preceding year, and to discuss plans for the following year and for PhD requirements that remain to be completed.  The mentor or research adviser or members of the Dissertation Committee (depending on the student’s stage of progress through the PhD program) comment on the student’s progress and objectives. In turn, the student has an opportunity to make final comments. 

Before passing the Qualifying Exam, the annual progress report (obtained from the Physics Student Affairs Office in 378 Physics North) is completed by the student and either his/her faculty mentor or his/her research adviser, depending on whether or not the student has yet begun research (see above).  This form includes a statement of intended timelines to take the Qualifying Exam, which is expected to be within 2-3 semesters of starting research.  

After passing the Qualifying Exam, the student and research adviser complete a similar form, but in addition to the research adviser, the student must also meet with at least one other and preferably both other members of their Dissertation Committee (this must include their co-adviser if the research adviser is not a member of the Physics Department) to discuss progress made in the past year, plans for the upcoming year, and overall progress towards the PhD.  This can be done either individually as one-on-one meetings of the graduate student with members of the Dissertation Committee, or as a group meeting with presentation. (The Graduate Council requires that all doctoral students who have been advanced to candidacy meet annually with at least two members of the Dissertation Committee. The annual review is part of the Graduate Council’s efforts to improve the doctoral completion rate and to shorten the time it takes students to obtain a doctorate.)

Advancement to Candidacy

After passing the Qualifying Examination, the next step in the student's career is to advance to candidacy as soon as possible.  Advancement to candidacy is the academic stage when a student has completed all requirements except completion of the dissertation.  Students are still required to enroll in 12 units per semester; these in general are expected to be seminars and research units.  Besides passing the Qualifying Exam, there are a few other requirements described in the Graduate Program Booklet. Doctoral candidacy application forms can be picked up in the Student Affairs Office, 378 Physics North.

Completion of Dissertation Work

The expected time for completion of the PhD program is six years.  While the Department recognizes that research time scales can be unpredictable, it strongly encourages students and advisers to develop dissertation proposals consistent with these expectations.  The Berkeley Physics Department does not have dissertation defense exams, but encourages students and their advisers to ensure that students learn the important skill of effective research presentations, including a presentation of their dissertation work to their peers and interested faculty and researchers.

The Physics Department offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Physics with specializations in different subfields that reflect the forefront research activities of the department, including biological physics, condensed matter physics, elementary particle physics, nanomedicine, nanophysics and network science.

In The News

Can Machine Learning Help Physicists Answer Puzzling Questions in String Theory?

It’s Not Just Your Genes That Are Killing You. Everything Else Is, Too.

Cancer Tumors Aren’t Always as ‘Tough’ as They Seem

The program for the PhD degree consists of the required coursework, a qualifying examination, a preliminary research seminar, the completion of a dissertation based upon original research performed by the student, and a dissertation defense upon completion of the dissertation. Based on these measures, students are expected to obtain a graduate-level understanding of basic physics concepts and demonstrate the ability to formulate a research plan, orally communicate a research plan, and conduct and present independent research.

The PhD dissertation will be based on new and original research in one of the current theoretical or experimental research programs in the department, under direct supervision of an advisor from the Physics Department. Alternatively, the dissertation research can be in a recognized interdisciplinary field involving another research area of the University, under the direct supervision of a faculty member in that field. Another option is to work in an area of applied research in one of the industrial or high-technology laboratories associated with the department’s industrial PhD program. In that case, the direct supervisor is associated with the institution where the research is performed.

The Department of Physics offers a complete package of financial aid in the form of teaching assistantship positions, including a typical one-year stipend of as well as full tuition and health care coverage.

• 90 percent of faculty in the physics PhD program have major grants to fund their research
• The department publishes well over 100 papers annually
• Approximately eighty graduate students are enrolled in the PhD degree program in physics
• The Dept. of Physics offers a limited number of highly competitive fellowships to some physics PhD program applicants
• Department institutes and centers include Electronic Materials Institute (eMRI), Center for Complex Network Research (CCNR) and Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Complex Systems (CIRCS). In addition, Physics faculty are an integral part of the Network Science Institute
• The department is home to the Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, a satellite location for the $13M Physics Frontier Center based at Rice University
• Department faculty are leading members of the National Science Foundation’s newly established Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Fundamental Interactions that will be based at MIT

Our graduates pursue careers within academia and beyond.

• National Institutes of Health
• Los Alamos National Laboratory
• Capital One
• Houston Rockets
• Reactive Innovations, LLC
• Athena Health
• Smoothies Technologies Inc.
• Gamelan Labs Inc.
• Boston University
• Institut Langrange de Paris
• SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
• University of California, San Diego
• King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia
• Instituto de Telecomunicacoes
• Massachussets Institute of Technology
• JDS Uniphse
• Monash University
• Ecole Normale Supzrieure, International Center for Fundamental Physics and its Interfaces, Paris, France
• IBM TJ Watson Research Center

Application Materials

Application.

• Application fee – US $100
• Unofficial transcripts for all institutions attended (Official transcripts required upon acceptance of admission offer)
• Personal statement
• Three letters of recommendation
• GRE General – recommended, but not required
• Proof of English Proficiency for all applicants

Priority deadline for completed applications: December 1 st

Rolling admissions until March 15th. Check with department to see if there is any availability.

• Program Website

Request Information for PhD in Physics

Physics Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree

Request Info about graduate study Visit Apply

RIT’s physics Ph.D. combines our interdisciplinary approach, renowned faculty, and cutting-edge facilities to empower you to excel in your research and shape the future of physics.

STEM-OPT Visa Eligible

Overview for Physics Ph.D.

Physics plays a crucial role in advancing various scientific and technological fields. Through experimentation, observation, and mathematical analysis, physicists strive to unravel the mysteries of the universe and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge.

The physics Ph.D. program fosters a creative and innovative approach to physics education and knowledge expertise. Graduates of the physics Ph.D. become leaders in their field, shaping and improving the world with the knowledge gained at RIT.

Ph.D. Program in Physics at RIT

RIT's physics Ph.D. program offers various research areas, allowing students to pursue their passion and delve into cutting-edge scientific investigations. As a physics doctoral student, you will have the opportunity to work alongside world-class faculty members at the forefront of their respective fields. Our distinguished professors are dedicated to mentorship, ensuring each student receives personalized guidance and support throughout their academic journey.

The physics Ph.D. program offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to provide you with a deep understanding of fundamental physics principles, advanced research skills, and specialized knowledge in your chosen areas of focus. The program combines core courses, electives, research work, and professional development activities.

Join us for Fall 2024

Many programs accept applications on a rolling, space-available basis.

Learn what you need to apply

A significant component of the physics doctorate involves conducting original research under the guidance of faculty advisors. You will work on research projects aligned with your interests, contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge. This research culminates in completing a doctoral dissertation, which involves original findings and a written thesis.

You will have abundant access to innovative and exciting research. We know that involvement in original research helps prepare our students for their future careers. The physics Ph.D. program offers a diverse range of research areas, allowing students to explore and specialize in various fields of physics.

Physics Research Areas:

• Faculty: Mishkat Bhattacharya , Edwin Hach III , Gregory Howland , Nicola Lanata , Stefan Preble
• Faculty: Jairo Diaz Amaya , Moumita Das , Scott Franklin , Michael Kotlarchyk , Lishibanya Mohapatra , Shima Parsa , Poornima Padmanabhan , George Thurston
• Faculty: Michael Cromer , Pratik Dholabhai , Nicola Lanata , Casey Miller , Michael Pierce , Steven Weinstein , Ke Xu
• Faculty: Manuela Campanelli , Joshua Faber , Jeyhan Kartaltepe , Carlos Lousto , Richard O’Shaughnessy , John Whelan , Michael Zemcov , Yosef Zlochower
• Faculty: Seth Hubbard , Santosh Kurinec , Parsian Mohseni , Michael Pierce , Patricia Taboada-Serrano , Ke Xu
• Faculty: Donald Figer , Edwin Hach III , Gregory Howland , Seth Hubbard , Stefan Preble
• Faculty: Scott Franklin , Benjamin Zwickl
• Faculty: Pratik Dholabhai , Seth Hubbard , Santosh Kurinec , Nishant Malik
• Faculty: Charles Bachmann , Gregory Howland , Stefan Preble , Jie Qiao

You will have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty members and engage in cutting-edge research projects aligned with your interests and career aspirations. The physics program encourages interdisciplinary research and the exploration of new frontiers in physics, fostering innovation and scientific discovery.

Seth Hubbard

Mishkat Bhattacharya

Moumita Das

Shima Parsa

Lishibanya Mohapatra

Curriculum for 2023-2024 for Physics Ph.D.

Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements

Physics, Ph.D. degree, typical course sequence

Physics (or closely-related) electives*.

* This list is representative and not exhaustive.

Admissions and Financial Aid

This program is available on-campus only.

Full-time study is 9+ semester credit hours. International students requiring a visa to study at the RIT Rochester campus must study full‑time.

Application Details

To be considered for admission to the Physics Ph.D. program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete an online graduate application .
• Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
• Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college in the physical sciences or engineering.
• A recommended minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent).
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Submit a statement of purpose for research which will allow the Admissions Committee to learn the most about you as a prospective researcher.
• Submit two letters of recommendation .
• Entrance exam requirements: GRE, both General and Physics, are optional. No minimum score requirement.
• Writing samples are optional.
• Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic), if required. Details are below.

English Language Test Scores

International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver .

International students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Each program requires balanced sub-scores when determining an applicant’s need for additional English language courses.

How to Apply   Start or Manage Your Application

Cost and Financial Aid

An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Ph.D. students typically receive full tuition and an RIT Graduate Assistantship that will consist of a research assistantship (stipend) or a teaching assistantship (salary).

The School is committed to a diverse applications pool and alleviating any financial burden of application. For information, please contact the Program Director.

Additional Information

Foundation courses.

Physics forms the backbone of many scientific and engineering disciplines, thus candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. However, applicants to the doctoral program are typically expected to have some undergraduate preparation in physics, including courses in electromagnetism, classical and quantum mechanics, statistical physics, and mathematical methods of physics. If applicants have not taken the expected background coursework, the program director may require the student to successfully complete foundational courses prior to matriculating into the Ph.D. program. A written agreement between the candidate and the program director will identify the required foundation courses, which must be completed with an overall B average before a student can matriculate into the graduate program. Note that this can lead to a delay in degree completion by as much as a year.

Physics Colloquium: Advances in Imaging and Computation Driving Changes in Radiation Oncology

Skip to Content

• Graduate Studies

NOTE: This page is archived. It is no longer being maintained or updated and information may not be accurate or complete.

Doctorate in physics specializing in physics education research..

As recognized by the American Physical Society, physics education research is a growing and substantive new sub-discipline within physics. CU Boulder 's program of study in PER will include: theoretical models of students learning physics, social and contextual foundations of student learning, examination of educational reforms, use of technology in physics education, assessment and problem-solving in physics.

At CU-Boulder, physics graduate students have the opportunity to conduct research into physics education with one of the country's largest (and newest) groups. A number of faculty, staff, and graduate students work together on various projects .

Proposed Coursework for a PhD with specialization in Physics Education Research:

In addition to taking the core-courses required of all physics grads (e.g. quantum I /II, mechanics, E/M I/II, Statistical Mechanics), students will be required to pass the standard comprehensive exams (Comps I, II, and III), take at least 7 of the 10 graduate courses in the physics deparment, and take at least one course from each of the following four areas, and encouraged to consider other electives as discussed below.

I. Physics Education Research - Graduate course / seminar Teaching and Learning Physics -- to begin Fall '04

II. Foundational Theories of Cognition - survey and/or in depth course(s) from Psych, Cog. Sci, or Education hopefully to span the domains from neuro / AI / functionalist models, to cog. pscyh, to socio-cultural and critical theories

III. Methods (qualitative, ethnographic, quantitative) - again survey or possibly in depth from anthro, soc., psych, cog., education to see a variety of perspectives on data collection --- Expect this to be coupled with research project / actual data collection

IV Domain specific area to particular doctoral research (e.g. Human -Computer- Interaction, Assessment, Advanced Courses in Experimental Design)

(V. Stats --- it is expected that students can do this on their own)

We will emphasize coupling these courses with actual research projects that will contribute toward the dissertation --- or at least refining work toward their dissertation.

• Funding Sources
• Research Opportunities

• Prospective Students
• Current Students
• Faculty / Staff
• Make a Gift

• Academic Programs
• Admissions and Financial Aid
• Activities and Opportunities
• Research and Impact
• Alumni and Friends
• Charles W. Brown Planetarium
• College of Sciences and Humanities

Ball State University

Master's degree in education in physics.

• Colleges and Departments
• Department of Physics and Astronomy
• Master's Degree in Physics Education

 Master of Arts in Education

If you’re pursuing a profession as a physics or astronomy teacher in a secondary school, a master of arts in education in physics may be right for you. Ranked among the nation’s top physics departments with the strongest professional master’s degree programs by the American Institute of Physics, our department will provide you with powerful resources, research-oriented training, and personal attention.

Our master’s program can help you be a better teacher, providing you with opportunities to work on research projects in areas such as condensed matter, nuclear physics, medical physics, nanoscience, nanomaterials, high energy/particle physics, and physics education.

In order to begin our program, you must possess a valid physics teaching license or be in the process of securing certification in physical science/physics teaching.

What You Will Learn

An MAE in physics helps you bridge the gap between your college experience and an exciting career in science or science education. In addition to coursework in physics, astronomy, and education, you will write a research paper on a research topic in one of the following areas:

• physics education
• astronomy education

What It’s Like to Earn an MAE in Physics at Ball State

In our department, you’ll have the chance to work alongside your peers and faculty PhD experts on your choice of physics-related research concentrations.

Research actively pursued in our program includes:

• astronomy and astrophysics
• computational nanoscience
• condensed matter physics
• medical physics
• nanomaterials and devices
• nuclear and radiation physics
• particle physics

Students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher are eligible to apply for teaching assistantships  with the department or through the University’s Learning Center.

These positions come with a tuition waiver, a stipend, and eligibility for student health insurance through the university, among other benefits.

Our students also frequently support themselves through jobs with Ball State’s Office of Information Technology .

Through research projects, you gain valuable professional skills and experience working with modern technical facilities and equipment. These include the College of Science and Humanities supercomputing cluster, a 20-inch diameter telescope in the observatory, and more.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is also a member of the SARA consortium that operates three research-grade telescopes located in some of the best sites in the world: southwest Arizona, Chile, and the Canary Islands. Our students (and occasionally high-school students) often make observations with these telescopes and become authors on published scientific papers.

Careers in education and outreach are fostered through the Charles W. Brown Planetarium on campus.

Our Society of Physics Students (SPS) is an active, student-run club that engages in a number of social and outreach programs. The SPS organizes cooperative events with organizations on campus, including our annual “Clash of the Sciences” demo competition between physics and chemistry student groups.

Program Requirements

This program consists of 30 credits in physics, applied physics, astronomy, and education coursework. You’ll also complete a required research paper (3 credits) in physics, physics education, astronomy, or astronomy education.

Credits Required

• content courses: 12-18
• professional education core: 9
• minors/non-departmental electives: 0-6
• research requirement : 3

A few of the classes you will take include:

• 12-18 credits in physics, applied physics, and astronomy courses, as approved by the department
• 9 credits in professional education courses
• a research paper

For a complete list of all the courses you will take and their descriptions, please see our Graduate Catalog.

View Catalog

Paying for Your Education

Tuition and Fees

Funding Graduate Study

Not only do you get to learn from faculty who are leaders in their fields, but you can do so at one of the most competitive prices in the Midwest.

Department Scholarships

On top of the dozens of funding options offered through Ball State’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, our department awards scholarships to our own students. Find a scholarship .

Department Graduate Assistantships

A graduate assistantship is an excellent opportunity to gain meaningful professional experience while helping cover the costs of your degree. Learn more .

Ready to Apply?

Are you interested in our program? Then it’s time to apply!

More Information

If you would like to learn more about this program or about Ball State Graduate School in general, please complete our online form to request more information. Or if you’d like to speak with someone in our department directly by phone or email, please contact us.

Graduate Program

Excellence in graduate education.

Our department’s faculty and students are published and featured in numerous publications, hold high-level positions at major experiments around the world, and over half are Fellows of the American Physical Society.

Our research specialties include experimental particle physics, particle astrophysics, theoretical particle physics and cosmology, molecular biophysics, experimental biophysics, experimental condensed matter physics, theoretical quantum condensed matter physics, statistical physics, polymer physics and computational physics. There are numerous interdisciplinary opportunities, particularly with the School of Engineering and the Center for Photonics Research. Major resources include the Scientific Instrument Facility, the Electronics Design Facility, and the supercomputer clusters in the Center for Computational Science.

We have over 70 graduate students, with a typical incoming class of 10 to 20 students. The department provides full tuition scholarships, stipends, and student medical insurance for essentially all graduate students through a combination of teaching fellowships, research assistantships, and university fellowships.

The Physics Department is centrally located on Boston University’s main Charles River Campus. Boston is a major metropolitan center of cultural, scholarly, scientific and technological activity. There are many major academic institutions in the area, providing students an array of opportunities with which to supplement their education at BU.

College of Science

The Future of Physics Education

April 1, 2024

Above: Ricardo Gonzalez, REFUGES Afterschool Program Coordinator in class. Credit: Todd Anderson

The March  issue  of Nature Physics, a premier academic publication, was all about education. Physics Education Research (PER) is a scientific field of study in which researchers collect and analyze data related to the learning environment.

Ramón Barthelemy

“Physics curricula and education systems have remained largely unchanged for decades, and much can be done to improve them,” reads the issue’s editorial. “Nature Physics provides an overview of the current state of physics education research and offers recommendations on how to make learning environments more equitable and inclusive, diversify graduates’ skillsets and enable them to tackle important societal issues and challenges.”

The editors hand-picked contributors who focus on PER from varying perspectives. Ramón Barthelemy, assistant professor in the U’s Department of Physics & Astronomy and founder of the PERU Group, was co-author of a  comment  titled “Racial equity in physics education research.” AtTheU spoke with Barthelemy about his contribution to the landmark issue.

Nature Physics doesn’t typically focus on education. Was this issue a big deal?

Yes, it is! The editors reached out to my wonderful colleague, Dr. Geraldine Cochran at Ohio State, who brought in a bunch of folks from the U.S. and Brazil. I was excited to hear that Nature Physics chose to include a racial equity perspective in their journal, and I was excited that Dr. Cochran invited me to participate.

How did you and your co-authors decide which aspects of racial equity in PER to include?

Dr. Cochran made the overall framework, and within that, each one of us brought our unique perspective. For me, it was really important that we at least mention LGBTQ+ communities, for example. We are very intersectional in the work that we’re doing. The main focus is race, but you can’t talk about race and ignore the sociocultural, sociohistorical, sociopolitical differences that really impact people.

A big focus of all physics education research is identity—how can we get all students to see themselves as physicists? When we talk about one identity category, we have to think about it in terms of other categories as well—gender identity, sexual identity, income level, whether your parents went to college or not, and so on. I was just happy to work with a group of people that recognize that it’s not just the one thing that affects us, it’s all things that affect our success in physics.

Why is identity an important aspect to the physics education research field?

Physics historically has had one of the biggest challenges in terms of not only diversifying representation in the field, but also diversifying the experience of being a physicist. When we look across the physics literature, we’re not seeing gains in the experiences of women, People of Color and LGBTQ+ folks that we’d like to see. The same issues that people talked about in the seventies and the nineties are the same issues that people are talking about when I and my colleagues interview them today in our own research. So, we have to keep this at the forefront of the broader physics education conversation, because physics just isn’t seeing the kind of change that we are seeing in other fields, unfortunately.

Read the entire interview conducted by Science Writer Lisa Potter in @TheU

>> HOME <<

Related posts.

Testimonials

Placement Records

Explore all your options & choose your future

Countries >

Czech Republic

Netherlands

New Zealand

Switzerland

Courses >

Medicine >

About Medicine

University Finder

Prep Material

Medicine Foundation Course

Engineering >

About Engineering

Computer Science & IT

Other Courses

Dentistry >

About Dentistry

By Country >

Contact Form

Book An Appointment

Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT), Dolgoprudny, Russia

Moscow institute of physics and technology (mipt): rankings, courses, admissions, fees, and scholarships.

The Moscow Institute of Physical Technology is one of Russia’s leading universities in the fields of physics and technology. The university holds a respected position for qualified graduate education at home and abroad. MIPT students and graduates represent an elite who can reach their full potential thanks to the interdisciplinary scientific environment. A strong alumni community spans the globe, including leading scientists, businessmen, politicians, and artists, many of whom have won prestigious international awards. The first professors were Nobel laureates Kapitza, Semenov, and Lev Landau.

The institute has 12 departments covering the knowledge fields of fundamental and applied science, general and applied physics, life sciences, space research, nanotechnology, aerophysics, radio and flight engineering, molecular physics, quantum electronics, innovation, system engineering, and more.

 If you are interested to study in Russia then the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology is one of the exclusive universities in the country with a number of opportunities for students.

Why study at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology?

Russia has a long history and rich cultural heritage and a variety of schools to choose from. Russia has recently made huge progress in the STEM subject. With more than 150 ethnic groups that speak over 100 languages, Russia`s tuition fees are much lower even in the capital, and this is an attraction for foreign students. Courses selected in Russia are recognized around the world. International students in Russia no longer need special permission to work in partnerships established by educational institutions, businesses, and nationally funded or autonomous educational institutions in which they study.

• At MIPT, students get the opportunity to receive a world-class education from one of the best ranking institutes of the world specializing in the areas of fundamental and applied science, general and applied physics, life sciences, space research, nanotechnology, aerophysics, radio and flight engineering, molecular physics, quantum electronics, innovation, and system engineering.
• MIPT is one of the best-ranking institutes in Russia for pursuing an education in Physics and Technology. It has consistently received high rankings from renowned organizations, such as QS and Times Higher Education. According to Times Higher Education 2020, MIPT is recognized as the 45th best university in the world for the subject of Physical Sciences.
• MIPT balances the focus on innovation and tradition. Being an advanced institute for science and technology, MIPT still values the traditional Phystech system developed by the institute’s Nobel Prize-winning founders 70 years ago.
• The institute follows an approach of personalized teaching to allow students to focus on practical education in the institute’s sophisticated laboratories and avoid burdening students with unnecessary subjects.
• The admission system of MIPT is based on a highly competitive and selective approach. Such screening ensures that every student at MIPT is among the best students in the world. In addition, a diverse and talented student group enhances the learning experience for all institute members.
• MIPT encourages students in not just theory but also practical training and skill development. As a result, prospective graduates can be assured that they will enter the workplace equipped with all the knowledge and skills needed to ace the profession.
• Student-support projects and services such as ‘Phystech.Start,’ which helps students materialize their business ideas, are available at the institute. In addition, entrepreneurial support at MIPT unleashes the entrepreneurial potential in students.

University Rankings

MIPT is ranked as one of the top institutions in Moscow and in the country entering global subject rankings in natural science, physics, astronomy, and mathematics.

Programs & Courses offered by the university

Bachelor’s programs offered by the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology are available in a wide range of departments and specializations, such as general sciences, life sciences, physics, space, nanotechnology, engineering, and more. Undergraduate programs are available in English and Russian.

Similarly, the  master’s programs offered by MIPT are available in nine knowledge areas and taught in English and Russian. The university also provides Doctoral level programs for those keen on advancing their research in their chosen specialization. Preparatory courses are available for international students to learn the Russian language for their respective courses which are taught in Russian.

Major programs that are popular in MIPT include 

• Aerospace Physics and Technology
• Fundamental Interactions & Structure of Matter
• Applied Mathematics & Computing Sciences
• Quantum & Electronics Technologies
• Physics for Life Sciences
• Telecommunications & Microprocessor Technology

Undergraduate/Bachelor’s programs

Bachelor’s level programs in Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology are available in English and Russian languages. The duration of all bachelor’s programs in four years. .

English-taught programs include:

• Aerospace Technology
• Biomedical Engineering

Computer Science

• Earth Sciences

Russian-taught programs include

Natural Sciences

• Computing technology in mathematical modeling
• Mathematical physics and mathematical modeling
• Fundamental and applied physics
• Physics of the microworld
• Mathematical modeling, computational mathematics and physics
• Physics and mechanics of space and natural systems
• Chemical physics and properties of nanostructures
• Physics and chemistry of plasma
• Molecular physics and chemical Informatics
• Physical and quantum electronics
• Modern problems of physics and energetics
• Physics of atomic nucleus, elementary particles and fundamental interactions
• Molecular Biophysics and physics of living systems

Biological Sciences :

• Biophysical and medical technology, pharmaceuticals

Molecular biology

Engineering and Technology :

• Computer science and engineering
• Infocommunication and computing technologies and systems
• Computing technologies of mathematical modeling
• Computer technology and the intellectual data analysis
• Methods of system analysis in economy and management
• Mathematics, computer science, control and software engineering
• Convergent nano-, bio-, informational and cognitive technologies
• The radio system and control system
• Geospatial information systems and traffic management
• Physics of flight and aviation technology

Graduate/Master’s Programs

The duration of all master’s programs at Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology are two years.

English-taught master’s programs include:

Mathematics

• Advanced Combinatorics 
• Contemporary Combinatorics
• Modern State of Artificial Intelligence
• Neural Networks & Neural Computers 
• Cyber Security

Engineering & Technology

• Aerodynamics
• Beam-Plasma Systems and Technologies 

Bioinformatics

• Industrial Bioinformatics

Russian-taught programs are available in a wide range of specializations in the areas of 

• Mathematics, 
• Environmental Sciences
• Engineering and Technology
• Computer Science and Information Systems
• Biological Sciences, Business & Management Studies

Doctoral level

Doctoral level programs are available in the following knowledge areas:

• Mathematics and Mechanics
• Computer and Information Science
• Physics & Astronomy
• Chemical sciences
• Biological Sciences
• Infocommunications and information security
• Electronics, radio engineering and communication systems

Duration of P.h.D at Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology is three to four years.

Campus and accommodation

The main building of the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology is located in Dolgoprudny, a town in Moscow Oblast. The institute has six other buildings for different departments and purposes, including a building dedicated to laboratory research. The campus is 20 minutes away from the Moscow city center and located near several shopping centers.

The institute has twenty food points across the campus and allows food delivery services inside. The sports center, swimming pool, dining hall, and ATM are located nearby.

 Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology currently offers 14 dormitory buildings to its students. Each building is divided into types based on its structure, facilities, and cost. All dormitory buildings are within a walking distance of the campus. 

*All dormitory fees in Russian Rubles have been converted to USD based on the current conversion rate of 1 Ruble = 0.012 USD

Admission requirements for international students

MIPT is known for its highly selective and competitive admissions process. The institute aims to admit the best students from around the world. Applicants need to ensure they fulfill the stated entry criteria for undergraduate or graduate-level programs and submit the necessary documentation as described below.

Undergraduate/Bachelor’s level 

Entry requirements

• High school diploma or certificate of secondary school completion
• Proof of English proficiency (B2 or equivalent)

Students must ensure they meet the program-specific requirements for gaining admission into their preferred program.

• For an undergraduate degree in computer science, students student have college-level skills in mathematics, and familiarity with some programming language prior to entering the program is considered a plus.
• For admission into an undergraduate program in biomedical engineering, students must possess school-level knowledge in physics, biology, mathematics, and chemistry.

Documentation needed for undergraduate-level admissions

• Filled-in application form
• Passport (or ID) copy with registration and visa+ legalization and notarized translation into Russian
• Educational awards and results of academic or scientific competitions (if any)
• Migration card/visa (If applied online, the student must bring these documents to the MIPT Visa & Registration Office upon arrival)
• High school certificate or diploma (with examination results or transcript) or Secondary professional (or vocational) education diploma (with transcripts) + legalization and notarized translation into Russian.

Graduate/Master’s level 

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent;
• High academic results;
• Proof of English language proficiency equivalent to level B2 (TOEFL iBT, IELTS or equivalent).

Documentation needed for graduate-level admissions

For English-taught programs

• Scanned copy of ID (passport)
• Diploma(s): bachelor’s degree or equivalent and official academic transcript(s) of records (scanned copy)
• CV (including educational awards, results of academic competitions, and scientific publications)
• Cover letter
• Two letters of recommendation
• Scanned copy of a certificate of language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL)

For Russian-taught programs:

• Certificate of completion of the preparatory Russian language course

Doctoral level 

• Master’s Degree or equivalent;
• Ability to conduct extended research and academic writing.

Documentation  

• Passport (or ID) copy with registration and visa and legalization and notarized translation into Russian
• Migration card/visa (If you apply online bring these documents to the MIPT Visa & Registration Office upon arrival)
• Master’s or a Specialist’s degree Diploma (with transcripts) + legalization and notarized translation into Russian.

Admission into some master’s and doctoral programs at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology is based on the successful result in examinations and Interviews conducted by a program coordinator.

Tuition, fees, and total cost of attendance

Tuition fees for undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs at Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology are summarized below

*Note: Tuition fees in Russian Rubles have been converted to USD based on the current conversion rate of 1 Ruble = 0.012 USD

Cost of living in Russia

In comparison to other popular study destinations, Russia is affordable to international students. The tuition fees are much lower, and students get access to several facilities at lower costs. Below is a list of estimated living costs in Moscow, Russia

The annual cost of attendance for a full-time student at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology ranges from 5,483 – 6,944 USD or 20,140-25,500 AED**

*Note: Living costs in Russian Rubles have been converted to USD at 1 Ruble = 0.012 USD

**Note: Cost of Attendance in USD has been converted to AED at the rate of 1 USD = 3.67 AED

Scholarships for international students

Students of Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology can avail the benefit of scholarships to make the cost of attendance even more affordable. 

Government Scholarship

International students can apply for a government scholarship. This scholarship completely covers the tuition fees for selected full-degree Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.

There are a few options when it comes to applying for the scholarship. 

• Students can apply to the Russian Federal Agency “Rossotrudnichestvo” in their country of residence.
• Students can apply directly to the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology. They can apply for the scholarship if they are selected for their chosen program.
• Alternatively, students can also apply by participating in the MIPT Olympiad “Phystech.International” as it increases their chances of receiving scholarships.

Application period: December 1 – April 1 (early applications are recommended)

MIPT Scholarship

Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology offers scholarships to meritorious international applicants who can demonstrate the potential for superior academic performance. The scholarship is awarded on a competitive basis.

Students’ Financial Aid

Under Students’ Financial Aid, international students can receive a monthly stipend from the university during their studies. This assistance is granted based on their academic performance.

Is it necessary to get health insurance as an international student in Russia?

Health insurance is absolutely necessary for international students in Russia. Student must carry their insurance policy along with the phone number of the insurance company at all times. The cost of a policy may cost 8,200 Rubles (USD 96) on average.

Will MIPT provide an invitation letter for Visa?

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation issues the invitation letter. The invitation letter contains the student’s passport data and details of the university. Once a student receives the letter, they can proceed to apply for a visa.

Which courses need entrance exams for admission to the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology?

Subject areas of Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Biology require an entrance exam at the master’s and doctoral levels. Additionally, students may be required to take an interview test during the selection process.

Can I work while studying in Russia?

Russia provides ample opportunities for international students to do internships or part-time work. However, students of the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology are advised to reserve part-time jobs after classes, during vacations, or on weekends only if they are well familiar with the local culture.

Related Blogs

• Popular Medical Universities in Russia
• Irkutsk National Research Technical University (INRTU), Irkutsk, Russia
• Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI), Moscow, Russia
• Platov South Russian State Polytechnic University (NPI), Novocherkassk, Russia
• North-Caucasus Federal University (NCFU), Stavropol, Russia

Latest Blogs

• A Student’s Guide to Living Expenses in Romania
• Scholarships in Romania for International Students
• Bulgaria Study Visa: Process and Requirements
• Working in Romania as a Foreign Student
• Romania Study Visa for International Students
• Work While Studying in New Zealand

• Find Programs
• Synergy University - Moscow
• National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE) - Moscow
• National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE) - Saint Petersburg
• National Research University Higher School of Economics- Nizhny Novgorod
• National Research University Higher School of Economics- Perm
• Saint Petersburg State University

Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT)

• First Moscow State Medical University
• Russian Technological University (RTU MIREA)
• TUSUR University
• Novosibirsk State University
• Pyatigorsk State University
• Omsk State Technical University
• Voronezh State University
• RocApply currently will not be Processing Applications to Russian Institutions
• Study in Russia
• COVID 19 Update for studying in Russia
• Visa Requirements
• Application Requirements
• Step-by-step-Admission Process in Russia
• Documents Students should Carry to Russia
• Jobs for Students
• Student Life
• Lifestyle and Culture
• Accommodation
• Student Healthcare and Medical Insurance in Russia
• Scholarships in Russia
• List of High Schools in Russia
• Find Accommodation
• My Applications

Offered Programs

Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology offers extensive courses in preparatory programs, bachelor programs, masters programs, and Ph.D. programs. Although the majority of the programs offer courses in Russian, a large number of programs are primarily taught in English with a large amount to open up as the years' progress.

International students can opt to take lectures in either of the languages or even in both, the tuition fee structure at MIPT is dependent on the language of instruction and are as follows;

RocApply is here to help you with all your application needs, students looking to study in MIPT Russia can use our premium services in the entire process, from start to finish. We assist with student applications, admission facilitation, visa processing, student housing to even airport pickup and student integration in their new locations.

We use our experience to provide our students with an easy study abroad guide and assistance, at the beginning and all through the process. All our services are very straightforward prioritizing our student’s needs every step of the way, our platform is well equipped with all the right information and accessible anywhere in the world. RocApply has extensive experience in all things regarding your studies in Russia, and we are glad to help.

Eligibility Requirements;

After finding what program you can apply for, the next step is to check if you qualify for admission at MIPT, although the application procedure is simplified thanks to RocApply’s easy-to-use application platform, all our applicants must have;

• High school leaving certificate (for bachelor admissions)
• A bachelor’s degree or diploma (for master’s admissions)
• A master’s degree (for Ph.D. admissions)
• Language requirements: applicants applying to Russian-taught programs must take language exams in Russian and English-taught programs require that applicants must show proficiency with results from approved exams like IELTS or TOEFL.

Qualification Requirements

Recently, MIPT demands that some students enrolling in specific programs must take part in certain qualifying events and interviews known as ‘Procturing’. These events are conducted online in collaboration with RocApply, beginning in June towards a September or October resumption date. Subjects written include English, Mathematics or Physics.

For graduate programs, there are also certain qualifying events which are either as an interview or a test depending on the program. Tests or interviews are conducted online via RocApply beginning in June.

Document requirements

Undergraduate

• Online application form via RocApply
• Copy of international passport or identification document
• High school leaving certificate
• Curriculum Vitae (detailing other achievements, qualifications, or awards)
• IELTS/TOEFL results
• Applicants who wish to take their courses in Russian must first enroll in MIPT’s language prep school.
• Copy of bachelor’s degree or diploma
• Copy of masters degree (for Ph.D. programs)
• Personal statement
• 2 recommendation letters from professors or previous employer
• CV or Resume
• *All documents must be notarized and translated.

MIPT provides a tuition fee waiver for applicants who score 85% and above in the qualifying exams, and also scholarships for graduates of the preparatory course, undergraduates and graduate students of MIPT, and transfer students continuing their education at MIPT. Participants of short term internships and summer and winter MIPT schools also receive tuition waivers from the university.

Select your Degree

Application requirements for bachelors:, select your field of study for bachelors, select your bachelor program, application requirements for masters:, select your field of study for masters, select your master program.

Master's in Advanced Combinatorics (MSc)

(2 years) 4 Semesters

3000€ / Semester

Master's in Neural Networks & Neural Computers (MSc)

Master's in Blockchain (MSc)

Master's in Cyber Security (MSc)

Master's in Aerodynamics (MSc)

Master's in Beam-Plasma Systems and Technologies (MSc)

Master's in Industrial Bioinformatics (MSc)

Master's in Digital Transformation (MSc)

Master's in International Business, Entrepreneurship

Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) in Rankings

Ranked 20th in the whole of russia, ranked 400th in the world., tuition and scholarships at moscow institute of physics and technology (mipt).

The university provides funding to international students through several schemes designed to reduce the cost of tuition or to cover the student’s expenses while studying there, funding at the university are both internal and external and happen and all foreign students at the university are eligible to receive some sort of financial assistance during the course of their program at MIPT.

MIPT Scholarship: The university awards a special scholarship to foreign understudies who show dynamic academic qualities, or students who have strong academic backgrounds and can replicate this while studying at MIPT. This scholarship is highly coveted and is awarded competitively.

Russian Government Scholarship: The Russian government reserves special funding for international students studying at MIPT. The funding scheme covers all academic costs for the entire duration of the program in bachelor's, masters, and Ph.D. levels. Interested students must apply as early as possible after being accepted.

MIPT Olympiad: The MIPT Olympiad is a healthy academic competition where excellent students display their knowledge on a variety of subjects akin to their field of study. The top students compete amongst themselves and the winner is awarded a full-ride sponsorship towards their education at MIPT.

MIPT Student Financial Support: Foreign students can apply for financial support from the university towards their living expenses in Moscow. MIPT gives stipends to a large number of its international students every month, and the awardees must continue to excel academically in order to continue receiving this financial aid.

Cost of living at Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT)

About moscow institute of physics and technology (mipt).

The Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology is one of the top five universities in Russia and is well known all over the world, since its inception in 1946 as a department of Moscow State University and later as an independent organization in 1951, MIPT is has been highly regarded by scientists, engineers, and students alike.

The MIPT university-industry partnership system was introduced by its first professors, the Nobel Prize winners L.D Landau, P.L Kapitsa, and N.N Semenov. It selects talented students and provides them with a top-class education and an early entry into industrial research.

MIPT scientists perform cutting-edge research in the fields of fundamental science and push the boundaries of human understanding, creating new technologies and contributing to global development.

The university explores neural and aerospace engineering, biophysics and nuclear science, quantum optics and aeromechanics. The university research center devices mathematical models to account for all of the diversity in nature.

MIPT research labs feature international teams driven by professors with global credentials and aspirations. Nobel Laureates Andre Gain and Constantin Navoselov who won a prize in physics in 2010 are MIPT alumni.

The university is tailoring and determining the success of society and humanity through science, and introducing excellent ways to look into the future. To date, MIPT pushes the boundary of human understanding with scientific principles and learning modules that are unrivaled anywhere in the world.

Some of the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) Achievements.

• MIPT has ranked in the top 100 spots in world university reputation ranking in the last two years by Times Higher Education (THE)
• MIPT ranks in the top 100 world universities for subjects like Physical Science and Computer Science and ranks in the top 300 world universities for Engineering, Technology, and Life Science by Times Higher Education (2020)
• MIPT is among the topmost reputable universities in Russia, presently rated as at the top 3 higher education institutions in the country.
• In Russia, MIPT stands as the most award-winning university, bagging several industries and scientific awards throughout its history. Ten professors from Phystech are Nobel Laureates winning prizes in Physics, Chemistry, Peace, and Astrophysics. Also, many of MIPT’s research specialists and doctors have been awarded Dirac medals, BBVA Foundation awards, and prizes in Fundamental Physics both in Russia and internationally.

Student Life at MIPT

Academics: MIPT is a leading research center with about 79 well-equipped laboratories for experiments and research. The major fields are biomaterials and microelectronics, energetics and specialized machine engineering, universal and specialized quantum computers, quantum cryptography, mechanisms of aging, genomic engineering, optogenetics, biomedical cell products, artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, expert systems, cybersecurity, technical vision, space technology.

Phystech Start-Up: MIPT designed a project to support and develop student ideas and projects, students join mentoring educational programs to receive knowledge, advice, and recommendation on the development of projects from successful entrepreneurs, graduates of MIPT, and experts of tech companies.

Internships: In MIPT students have the possibility to secure internships at the best Russian and international companies. The experience gained contributes largely to the success of many of its student's careers after they graduate.

Campus Life at MIPT

MIPT has a very conducive and up-to-date campus that is very comfortable for life and study at the university. Present on campus are more than 15 buildings comprising of administrative buildings, academic buildings, medical centers, dormitories, cafeterias, and the other facilities, the university campus also has 24/hours security and surveillance. Phystech’s campus is located 20 minutes from Moscow, the heart of Russia.

Social Activities at MIPT

There are more than 50 student activities and clubs that cater to several student interests, MIPT students can participate actively in any of these clubs or societies and can even carve out their own in their own area of interest with approval from the university.

Student clubs are a brilliant way to interact, socialize and build social skills that resonate with the outside world. Examples of such clubs at MIPT include;

• History Club
• Intellectual Games Club
• Painting Club
• Literature Club
• Robotics Technology Club
• Artic Projects Club and many more

MIPT has strong partnerships with many leading universities, organizations and industrial companies both locally and internationally. Many global centers of research are also affiliated with the university, with remote research units on MIPT’s campus enabling student exchange and work and study opportunities on a global platform.

Similarly, a long list of industry companies and corporate organizations have ties with Phystech, fostering internship and job opportunities for MIPT students. Some of MIPT’S partner institutions include;

• Berkely University of California
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Ecole Polytechnique
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• McGill University

Some of MIPT’S partner research centers and companies include;

• Schlumberger Research & Development
• Hitachi and GE

In MIPT, there is a unique educational ecosystem based on a 70-year history of development. MIPT’s system of instruction called the ‘Phystech System’ was proposed by its founders. The key principles were outlined from the beginning, which entails;

• First students are trained by researchers of leading scientific and technological institutions with modern technical equipment.
• Secondly, students have individual works with the university,
• Thirdly each student begins their research from their second or third year of education and
• Lastly, upon graduation, the students have great knowledge of the modern methods of theoretical and experimental research and necessary engineering knowledge to solve technical problems.

The strong teaching of fundamental knowledge and extensive practical work in partner research institutions allow MIPT graduates to build a career in any field of professional activity.

The link between study and practice means students learn to apply their theoretical knowledge in the real world.

A Forbes 2019 rating on university graduates shows that MIPT is one of the top 3 universities with the most popular graduates, taking into consideration factors like average salary, presence of billionaires, membership in boards of directors of the largest Russian and international companies.

Noteworthy is that ten of Phystech alumni are amongst the top 200 entrepreneurs in Russia, and many of its graduates have gone on to found successful start-ups and tech companies.

Why Study at Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT)

Accommodation moscow institute of physics and technology (mipt), on campus accomodation at moscow institute of physics and technology (mipt).

MIPT provides student housing at both its Dolgoprudny and Zhukovsky locations, as of now there are 14 student halls of residence owned and managed by the university and housing the majority of its students.

The dormitories come in different types and different specifications but they are all adequately maintained and equipped with all the necessary facilities.

Some of them are student dormitories with one or two bedrooms, a central kitchen space, and bathroom area, while the others are apartment-style rooms with kitchen and bathroom ensuite.

Every room at every dormitory has 24/hours electricity, heating, and wireless internet, similarly, all dorms are guarded full-time. Amenities refrigerator, washing machine, and microwave are also provided to students in the dormitory.

The type of campus housing that a student will get is contingent on their department and level of study as dormitories are separated int different spectrums to create a more relatable atmosphere for its students.

Accommodation price at MIPT can cost somewhere between 1,000 RUB to 2,000 RUB.

Off Campus Accomodation at Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT)

Typically, some students opt to live in separate accommodations outside the university campus where there are many private houses and apartments that cater to various student budgets and need.

There are also several dormitories and private out-of-school lofts and pads that have different costs. The expense of leasing off-campus apartments changes from area to area in proximity to the city square and they have different conditions for rent.

Commonly, the cost of leasing a one-room condo is around 1,500 to 2,000 RUB per month and it depends on how extravagant the building is and the services they offer.

Renting an apartment out of campus usually means that utilities such as electricity, water, heating, cable tv, and internet all come separate from the rent and students would have to shoulder the bills per usage.

Sports at Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT)

The sports and recreational facilities at MIPT’s campus help develop the competing spirit of its students and staff. The university has  3 sports centers, a Phystech stadium, and an Olympic standard swimming pool. The most anticipated sporting event at the university is the 24 hours traditional football contest amongst departments of MIPT, fondly dubbed as the ‘Match of the century’.

Phystech students, staff, and alumni actively participate in this 50-year long tradition that is one of the points of pride for the institution. In recent years, the university started the same event for swimming games called ‘Swimming of the century’.

At MIPT there are over 15 sports clubs and athletic activities such as Basketball, Water Polo, Table Tennis, Alpine Skiing, Mountain Climbing, Crossfit, Athletics, Yoga, Lawn Tennis, Fitness Aerobics, Football, Chess, Dancing, and many others. MIPT prioritizes its students' fitness and physical well-being as they contribute to healthy student life.

Food at Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT)

Available on campus are several canteens and cafeteria that serve various meals to students and staff at different hours of the day. Students who take up residence in any of MIPT’s dormitories have access to the free canteen and buffet-style service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The university also has a break area where other external restaurant chains have taken up space serving a variety of fast food and continental meals to students. The price of feeding at the university costs about 30 RUB to 50  RUB per person depending on their food choices. 

Testimonials

About moscow.

Moscow is the capital and the largest city in Russia with a population of more than 12 million people located in the Moskva River in the west of the country. Moscow for Russians is the center of everything, and everything is centered here where all the headquarters of major Russian cooperations are located.

Moscow contributes the largest to the country’s economy both in industry and influence. Although the weather in Russia is believed to be quite severe, Moscow’s weather is milder than in other parts of the country. Moscow has the best university’s in Russia, one of which is the Moscow institute of physics and technology (MIPT).

Moscow enjoys a much higher standard of living compared to other cities and has one of the highest amounts of billionaires topping cities like London and Paris. Moscow is home to all the federal authorities of the country from federal to state levels and is heralded as a city of status.

Moscow also has the largest amount of English speakers and international residents that any other city in the country, the city is also very green with more green areas than New York or London.

The city center is a serene getaway with one of the largest parks where residents come to relax and unwind at the end of the day. The social life in Moscow is one of the best in the world, with a vast array of bars, pubs, and restaurants that serve all types of cuisine to suit most budgets. 

How RocApply Works

Explore programs.

Browse through more than 400 programs offered in Russia and find your best fit here

Find your university

Compare and research about all Russia universities and their special fields here

Apply within RocApply

Apply easy and secure with just one mouseclick to your favourite study program for free here

Track your progress

Track your application process at every time within RocApply on your MyApplications Page

Prepare your journey

RocApply will guide you through the Visa process, finding accomodation and flights.

Get connected

Don't go to Russia alone! Get connected with fellow students from your country and travel together!

Further Info About Russia

Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) on Social Media

Our Instant Messengers

The Master of Science in Physics develops and deepens students’ knowledge of fundamental physics and its applications. Students learn advanced mathematical, computational and experimental techniques that prepare them to expand the frontiers of physics knowledge and apply physics concepts and methods in technical settings. The curriculum prepares students for entry into doctoral programs in physics and astronomy, as well as for entry or professional advancement into government or industrial professions requiring advanced or specific physics knowledge.

Admission Requirements

Students must meet the CSU requirements for admission to a master’s degree program. Please consult the Graduate Admissions    section in this catalog for complete information. In addition, applicants must have a degree from an accredited college or university with a major in physics or closely related field (students with majors other than physics may be admitted with deficiencies). Applicants are also required to:

• Submit a one-page, 500-word maximum, typed statement of purpose, explaining the student’s interest in taking a higher degree in physics.
• Submit three letters of recommendation.
• Take the physics portion of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) if the applicant is an international student or student without a degree in physics.

Degree Requirements

Courses may satisfy only one area. 

Required Core (18 units)

• PHYS 510 - Mathematical Physics (3)
• PHYS 516 - Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics (3)
• PHYS 520 - Analytical Mechanics (3)
• PHYS 530A - Electromagnetic Theory I (3)
• PHYS 555A - Quantum Physics I (3)
• PHYS 581 - Advanced Experimental Physics (3)

Culminating Experience

The culminating experience marks the end of a graduate program. It demonstrates mastery of disciplinary materials and meets requirements from Section 40510 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. Please consult the Culminating Experience    section in this catalog for more information.

Comprehensive Exam Option (12 units)

Other courses may be allowed with departmental graduate adviser approval.

• ASTR 444 - Applications of Gravitation (3)
• PHYS 411 - Modern Optics (3)
• PHYS 476 - Atomic/Molecular Physics (3)
• PHYS 554 - Solid State Physics (3)
• PHYS 555B - Quantum Physics II (3)
• PHYS 599 - Independent Graduate Research (1-3)

Project option (12 units)

Required (9 units).

• PHYS 597 - Project (1-3)
• PHYS 599 - Independent Graduate Research (1-3) *

* Must take for a total of 6 units.

Electives (3 units)

Other courses may be selected with departmental graduate adviser approval.

Thesis option (12 units)

• PHYS 598 - Thesis (1-6) *

Elective (3 units)

Total (30 units).