Physics (Ph.D.)

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Admissions Information

Collaborative program between the University of South Dakota and South Dakota School of Mines & Technology.

At least 50% of the total credits for the graduate program must be at the 700-level or above.

Doctor of Philosophy, Physics: Total 72 credit hours

Major Area Coursework

PHYS 721 - Electrodynamics I (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 723 - Electrodynamics II (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 743 - Statistical Mechanics (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 751 - Classical Mechanics (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 771 - Quantum Mechanics I (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 773 - Quantum Mechanics II (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 761 - Nuclear and Particle Physics (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 790 - Seminar (C) 1-3 cr hrs (3 credit hours required)
PHYS 898D - Dissertation (C) 1-9 cr hrs (36 credit hours required)
Electives-select 12 credit hours from the following:
PHYS 533 - Nuclear and Elementary Particle Physics (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 539 - Condensed Matter Physics (C) 3 to 4 cr hrs
PHYS 554 - Semiconductor Materials: Fundamentals and Fabrication 3 cr hrs
PHYS 554L - Semiconductor Materials: Fundamentals and Fabrication Lab 1 cr hrs
PHYS 556 - Radiation Detection 3 cr hrs
PHYS 556L - Radiation Detection Lab 1 cr hrs
PHYS 581 - Mathematical Physics I (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 683 - Mathematical Physics II (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 733 - Experimental Particle Physics 3 cr hrs
PHYS 739 - Condensed Matter Physics I (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 763 - Advanced Particle Physics (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 765 - Advanced Nuclear Physics (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 769 Methods of Experimental Particle Physics 3 cr hrs ## Pending BOR Approval
PHYS 775 - General Relativity (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 779 - Group Theory (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 783 - Quantum Field Theory (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 784 - Advanced Quantum Field Theory (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 785 - Astrophysics and Cosmology (C) 3 cr hrs
PHYS 791 - Independent Study in Physics (C) 1 to 3 cr hrs
PHYS 792 - Topics (C) 1 to 3 cr hrs

Note:

Additional courses, including those from other departments, would be allowed as electives with approval from the department and graduate school.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate an extensive understanding of core knowledge in physics, including electrodynamics, classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, and statistical mechanics, as well as a thorough understanding of advanced knowledge in focused areas including particle and nuclear physics and astroparticle physics.
Students will demonstrate their capability as independent researchers by formulating valuable research questions and developing scientific methodologies that lead to the solution. Experimental physics students will be able to apply experimental and analytical skills to design and conduct experiments and to collect and analyze data. Theoretical physics students will be able to translate physical concepts into mathematical language and apply advanced mathematical skills to examine the questions. Both should be able to draw logical and analytical conclusions.
Students should understand and maintain ethical standards in the field, contribute to the advancement of a diversified and inclusive society, demonstrate effectiveness in teaching using various pedagogical methods, demonstrate commitment to disseminate research results to general public.

State Authorization - It Matters Where You Live

If your learning placement course (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) or your online course will be taken outside South Dakota, please reference the State Authorization webpage.

State Authorization