Physics (Ph.D.)
Basic Degree Information/Description
The Ph.D. in Physics program offers students the opportunity to pursue research in a variety of basic physics fields such as condensed matter physics; chemical physics; biophysics; biophotonics; non-ionizing radiation physics; scanning tunneling, small angle X-ray and neutron scattering microscopy; theoretical particle physics; cosmology; mathematical, computational physics; semiconductor nanostructures; experimental laser spectroscopy; laser-tissue interactions; plasma physics; radiative transfer; astronomy and astrophysics. If students choose to work with the core scientists from the Southwest Research Institute Space Science and Engineering Division, opportunities are available in the fields of space weather; ionosphere-thermosphere-mesospheric physics; plasmaspheric physics; magnetospheric physics; heliospheric physics, cometary physics; space physics instrumentation, and computational space physics.
Why pursue a Ph.D. in Physics at UTSA?
- Cutting-edge areas of research, quality of research and productivity.
- Fifth largest graduate Physics program in Texas (according to the statistics of the American Institute of Physics) with over 65 PhD students currently in the program.
- One of the fastest growing programs in the State.
- 88% of our graduates found employment immediately.
- Student/Faculty ratio < 2.5.
- Nominated for the STAR awards of the THECB.
- Joint program with the Space Science Division of the Southwest Research Institute.
Admission Requirements and Deadlines
Admission to the program is limited and competitive. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Competitive applicants often exceed minimum requirements.
For more specific requirements, please visit the Online Graduate Catalog.
Admission Prerequisites:
| Required Degree |
Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited university and a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in upper division undergraduate coursework and all graduate work, preferably in physics. |
| Other Degree Requirements |
None.
|
Application Requirements:
| General University Requirements |
Must meet university wide requirements. |
| Application |
A completed a Graduate School application. |
| Transcripts |
Official transcripts from all institutions attended. All international transcripts must be recorded in English or officially translated to English. |
| Resume or Curriculum Vitae |
Not required. |
| Letters of Recommendation |
A minimum of two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant’s undergraduate (and graduate, where applicable) scholastic record must be sent to the Graduate School at the same time application is made for admission to UTSA. |
| Statement of Purpose |
A statement of purpose indicating your interests and goals in studying physics. |
| Test Scores |
Applicants must submit scores from the general Graduate Record Examination (GRE). |
| Evaluation of Foreign Credentials |
All applicants including non-U.S. citizens (International), U.S. Citizens, and permanent residents who have earned university-level credit from foreign institutions are required to submit official transcripts along with an evaluation of the transcripts from Foreign Credentials Service of America.
- An approved evaluation requires a detailed course-by-course evaluation. Summaries will not be accepted.
- Foreign credential evaluations must be received by the application deadline for your application to be processed.
- Foreign Credentials Service of America in Austin, TX is the only accepted evaluation agency. They can be reached at (512) 459-8429, info@foreigncredentials.org, or online at https://www.foreigncredentials.org/our-services/apply-now/.
- If you need a request form, please visit the FCSA website to access the form here.
|
| International Applicants |
Must meet international graduate student admission requirements
- IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5.
- TOEFL: Minimum scores of 79 or 60 for Internet or paper versions, respectively.
|
| Other |
Background or remedial courses in physics may be required to remove deficiencies. Inclusion of the Physics GRE score is not required but is recommended. |
Career Options Available for a Physics Graduate
- Academic research or research in industry including sectors such as hi-tech, semiconductor, biotech, pharma, advanced nanomaterials, lasers.
- Our Graduates are currently working in academia (Faculty or Postdoctoral fellows), National Laboratories and NASA (postdoctoral fellows), private research institutions (research scientists) and industry.
Research taking place in the Physics Program
- Cutting edge research in: nanoparticles, advanced thin film technology, biophotonics, protein structure, integrated experimental/computational approach to molecular biophysics, advanced materials (e.g., photonics crystals), research in terahertz application, computational condensed matter, space physics and space instrumentation.
- Additional faculty with novel research lines will join the program next fall.
Course Scheduling and Offerings
- This program is housed at UTSA’s Main campus.
- Courses are offered at various times of the day generally scheduled later in the afternoon.
