Doctor of Philosophy Requirements
Before the completion of their third year in the program, students must deliver a presentation reviewing a published paper related to the candidate's research field followed by an oral examination with the student's doctoral committee. Learn more about the candidacy examination process. Students who pass the exam are admitted to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree. Research is then the central focus of the degree and is directed by a faculty advisor. When the student’s research is completed, it is described in a written dissertation and defended before the doctoral committee. The average completion time for the Ph.D. is five years.
The Ph.D. requires 37 credit hours, including eleven required courses and four hours of PHYS797 (research credit). The eleven courses must include the five core courses 611, 631, 633, 651,and 761, one of either 634 or 652, and any two of the following: PHYS 710, 726, 763, 764, 773, 783,784, 791, 793, ASTR 700, 701, 702, 703, 704, 791,and 793.
The three remaining elective courses may be chosen from courses in the above list and those outside of Physics and Astronomy with the constraint that courses must be approved by the graduate advising and studies committee. Courses previously approved remain on a pre-approved list. The current list of approved courses is:
- EDP 613: Statistical Methods 1
- EDP 614: Statistical Methods 2
- EDP 619: Survey Research Methods
- EDP 711: Multivariate Methods 1
- EDP 712: Multivariate Methods 2
- EE 528: Biomedical Microdevices
- EE 564: Digital Signal Processing for Radio Astronomy
- EE 650: Optoelectronics
- CS 676: Machine-Learning
Courses may be added to this list provided that a reasonable justification, a copy of the syllabus, and a copy of the book are provided.
Typical Course Plan
A typical course plan for a student pursuing their Ph.D. in Physics at the WVU Department of Physics and Astronomy is as follows:
- Fall I
- PHYS 611: Introduction to Mathematical Physics
- PHYS 651: Quantum Mechanics I
- PHYS/ASTR Elective (Optional)
- Spring I
- PHYS 633: Electromagnetism 1
- PHYS 631: Classical Mechanics
- PHYS/ASTR Elective (Optional)
- Fall II
- PHYS 761: Statistical Mechanics
- PHYS/ASTR Elective
- PHYS/ASTR Elective (Optional)
- Spring II
- PHYS/ASTR Elective
- PHYS/ASTR Elective
- PHYS/ASTR Elective (Optional)
A student may choose to take undergraduate courses in their first year if they feel inadequately prepared for the graduate-level courses. These courses will not be counted towards the graduate degree, but they will maintain the student's good standing.
Typical Course Offerings
- Typical Fall Courses
- PHYS 611: Introduction to Mathematical Physics
- PHYS 651: Quantum Mechanics I
- PHYS 634: Electromagnetism 2
- PHYS 710: Nonlinear Dynamics
- PHYS 761: Statistical Mechanics
- PHYS 771: Introduction to Solid State Physics
- PHYS 774: Optical Properties of Solids
- PHYS 782: Computer Simulation of Plasma
- PHYS 784: Magnetohydrodynamics
- PHYS 791: Advanced Topics
- ASTR 701: Computational Astrophysics
- ASTR 702: Stellar Structure and Evolution
- ASTR 705: Interstellar Medium
- Typical Spring Courses
- PHYS 633: Electromagnetism I
- PHYS 631: Classical Mechanics
- PHYS 652: Quantum Mechanics 2
- PHYS 772: Semiconductor Physics
- PHYS 773: Collective Phenomena in Solids
- PHYS 781: Principles of Plasma Physics
- PHYS 783: Kinetic Theory
- PHYS 791: Advanced Topics
- ASTR 700: Radio Astronomy
- ASTR 703: Galactic Astronomy
- ASTR 704: General Relativity
- ASTR 791: Advanced Topics
Degree Regulations
Graduate students in the WVU Department of Physics and Astronomy may refer to the Degree Regulations provided in the Academic Catalog for information about time limits, requirements, committees, theses & dissertations, and graduation.
Course Registration
For assistance with course registration, consult the guidance available from the University Registrar. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact Miranda Heitz.
Credit Transfers
Students at the graduate and professional level may request to have credit earned from other accredited institutions articulated to their record. For further information about credit transfers at the graduate level, consult the guidance available from the University Registrar. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact Miranda Heitz .