At a glance
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Duration
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IELTS
€45k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
The Ph.D. in Physics program at Carnegie Mellon University offers advanced study and research opportunities for students seeking to become leaders in the field. The program is designed to provide a strong foundation in core physics principles while allowing students to specialize in areas of interest through research. Students will engage in coursework, research projects, and seminars, culminating in a doctoral thesis. The curriculum includes required core courses in quantum mechanics, electrodynamics, and statistical mechanics, alongside breadth courses in specialized physics areas. Students are also required to complete research projects and participate in oral examinations to demonstrate their readiness for independent research. The program emphasizes rigorous academic training and practical research experience to prepare graduates for careers in academia or industry.
Curriculum
The Physics Graduate Program requires students to complete a series of courses and research projects before being admitted to Ph.D. candidacy. Students typically follow one of two course schedule options, both designed to allow flexibility while ensuring timely progression.
- Year 1 & 2
- Quantum Mechanics I33-755
- Electrodynamics I33-761
- Quantum Mechanics II33-756
- Statistical Mechanics33-765
- Introduction to Research I33-775
- Introduction to Research II33-776
- Graduate Laboratory33-997
- Breadth Courses (e.g., Quantum Computation, Biophysics, Astrophysics, Nuclear & Particle Physics, Solid State Physics)
- Post-Candidacy
- Thesis Research33-998
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for the Ph.D. in Physics program?
- Doctoral tuition is $52,300 per academic year. The program implies full funding for admitted students, including tuition and living expenses, through assistantships or fellowships.
- What is the estimated cost of living for a Ph.D. in Physics student?
- The estimated total cost of attendance, excluding tuition and health insurance, is $34,018 per academic year. This covers housing, food, books, personal expenses, and travel.
- What are the English proficiency requirements for international applicants?
- International applicants must have a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 100. TOEFL waivers are not granted.
- When does the application for the Ph.D. in Physics program open for Fall 2027 admission?
- The application for Fall 2027 admission opens on September 9, 2026.
- What academic qualifications are required for the Ph.D. in Physics program?
- Applicants need a strong academic record, ideally with a background in Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Biomedical Engineering. Completion of college-level coursework in life science, statistics, and programming is also required.
- Are there specific scholarships available for this program?
- The Rales Fellowship Program is available for this program, dedicated to cultivating STEM leaders. Prospective students should visit the program page for detailed information on how to apply.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeStrong academic record, ideally in Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Biomedical Engineering.
CourseworkCompletion of college-level coursework in at least one life science, statistics, and programming. Algorithms and data structures coursework is ideal.
TOEFL iBTMinimum 100
TOEFL waivers are not issued for any reason, including previous study in English or at a US institution. While GRE is not required, applicants may be prompted to enter a future date if a field appears in the application.
Fees
Tuition (international)Doctoral Tuition: $52,300 per academic year
Tuition (home)Doctoral Tuition: $52,300 per academic year
LivingEstimated Total Cost of Attendance (excluding tuition and health insurance): $34,018 per academic year. This includes Housing, Food, Books and Supplies, Personal and Misc., Travel Allowance, Transportation Fee, Technology Fee, and estimated Loan Fees.
Tuition and fees are for the 2026-2027 academic year. Health insurance cost is TBD. The Physics PhD program implies full funding including tuition and living expenses for admitted students through assistantships or fellowships, which are not explicitly detailed in the provided text.
How to apply
1. Complete the Online ApplicationSubmit the application through the School of Computer Science online portal.
2. Submit Academic TranscriptsUpload a PDF of the most recent transcript from each college and/or university attended.
3. Upload ResumeSubmit your resume in PDF format.
4. Write Statement of PurposeInclude research interests, experience, and objectives. An optional paragraph on diversity and inclusion contributions can be added.
5. Obtain Letters of RecommendationRequest three letters of recommendation, with at least two from faculty or recent employers.
6. Submit English Proficiency Test ScoreIf English is not your native language, submit a TOEFL iBT score of at least 100. Waivers are not granted.
Scholarships
Rales Fellowship Program—
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for the Ph.D. in Physics program?
+
Doctoral tuition is $52,300 per academic year. The program implies full funding for admitted students, including tuition and living expenses, through assistantships or fellowships.
What is the estimated cost of living for a Ph.D. in Physics student?
+
The estimated total cost of attendance, excluding tuition and health insurance, is $34,018 per academic year. This covers housing, food, books, personal expenses, and travel.
What are the English proficiency requirements for international applicants?
+
International applicants must have a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 100. TOEFL waivers are not granted.
When does the application for the Ph.D. in Physics program open for Fall 2027 admission?
+
The application for Fall 2027 admission opens on September 9, 2026.
What academic qualifications are required for the Ph.D. in Physics program?
+
Applicants need a strong academic record, ideally with a background in Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Biomedical Engineering. Completion of college-level coursework in life science, statistics, and programming is also required.
Are there specific scholarships available for this program?
+
The Rales Fellowship Program is available for this program, dedicated to cultivating STEM leaders. Prospective students should visit the program page for detailed information on how to apply.