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The Physics Department's graduate program emphasizes research, offering exclusively a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. Our department fosters a vibrant research environment that equally values theoretical and experimental approaches. Key research fields include elementary particle physics (both theoretical and experimental), gravity and cosmology studies, nuclear and atomic physics experiments, mathematical physics, condensed matter physics investigations, and biophysics research. We actively encourage students to engage in research from their first year, as early involvement deepens understanding of academic coursework while fostering stronger faculty relationships and smoother transitions to independent research. The doctoral dissertation represents the program's cornerstone, equipping graduates for careers in academia, government research facilities, or industrial laboratories. Typically, students complete their Ph.D. in Physics within 5.4 years.
To be eligible for admission to the Graduate School applicants must, before they are enrolled, hold a bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent from an accredited college or university. (Foreign equivalents may in some cases have a normal program length that is shorter or longer than four years. No degree that has a normal program length shorter than three years will be considered equivalent to a bachelor's degree.)
Admitted students who score below an 8.0 on the speaking subsection of the IELTS will be required to take an English placement test at Princeton.
Masters applicants who are required to take the TOEFL must score a minimum of 28 on the spoken part of the TOEFL in order to be considered for the program.
Application Deadline: December 15.