Physics PhD

Gain intensive training in the field of physics and experience in an area of current physics research with the Physics PhD from Temple's College of Science and Technology. Doctoral students work closely with faculty members on research in areas including atomic, molecular and optical physics; condensed matter physics; statistical mechanics and theoretical and experimental elementary particle physics. During the course of the program, students explore an original and significant research contribution, developed and ultimately presented in a final dissertation. Learn more about Physics faculty members and their research interests.

The Physics Department is situated in the state-of-the-art Science Education and Research Center (SERC) on Temple’s Main Campus. SERC contains research and teaching labs, open spaces to encourage collaboration, and technical equipment such as clean rooms and a low-vibration scanning tunneling microscope facility. Explore SERC and research facilities for Physics graduate students.

A Phyiscs student using an instrument to conduct an experiment in a Temple lab.

Classes & Curriculum

The Physics PhD program focuses on independent research, but also requires substantial coursework. Doctoral students complete 45 credits past the baccalaureate degree. Required courses include

  • Advanced Quantum Mechanics,
  • Elementary Particle Physics,
  • Physics Research and Ethics,
  • Practicum Teaching of Physics (for teaching assistants only), and
  • Solid State Physics.

Learn more about required and elective courses for the Physics PhD.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Doctor of Philosophy offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2023–2024 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,301.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,696.00 per credit

You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

ST-PHYS-PHD

Additional Program Information