Main navigation
- Programs
- Subjects
- Universities
- Destinations
- Advice
Earning a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) demands comprehensive mastery of physics fundamentals and mathematical techniques, demonstrated through successful completion of the written Preliminary Exam and oral Qualifying Exam, along with producing a dissertation containing novel contributions to fundamental physics. No foreign language proficiency is needed for the Ph.D. The Physics Department at UC Davis fosters a vibrant, inclusive setting for graduate education. Our program features three primary research focuses - condensed matter, high energy physics, and cosmology - complemented by specialized tracks in nuclear physics, high energy astrophysics, computational science, and physics education, offering nearly limitless possibilities for driven students. Graduates frequently secure distinguished postdoctoral appointments and top-tier industry positions. Program specifics and application procedures can be found in the left-hand navigation links.
A minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) from the institution where you have earned or will earn your bachelor's degree.
By the time they enrol, successful applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent that is comparable to a degree from the University of California both in distribution of academic subject matter and in scholarship achievement.
TOEFL iBT - Minimum Score: 80
IELTS - Minimum Score: 7.0 on a 9-point scale
Duolingo English Test - Minimum Score: 115
Admission Deadlines
General: Jan 15
Space Available: Jun 1