Doctor of Philososphy [Ph.D] [Physics] From Wake Forest University

Residence Requirement: A minimum of three years of full-time study, of which at least two must be in full-time residence at the University. The total allowable time for completion of the degree must not exceed seven years.

PhD Degree Requirements

For the PhD degree, the student's course of study must include Physics 711 (Classical Mechanics), 712 (Electricity and Magnetism), 741 (Quantum Mechanics I), 742 (Quantum Mechanics II), and 770 (Statistical Mechanics) unless satisfactorily completed elsewhere. 

Students must also take three elective courses at the graduate level (600 or 700 level), one of which must be in physics. To graduate, students must achieve a 3.0 grade point average in graduate courses within the physics department. 

A research advisory committee, appointed after completion of the preliminary examination, determines the additional courses needed for the PhD, such as Advanced Quantum Mechanics, Solid State Physics, General Relativity, Nonlinear Optics, Math or Computer Science, Medical Engineering, etc. 

The University's preliminary examination requirement is satisfied by passing a written preliminary examination at the end of the first year of graduate study. The examination may be retaken once, at the end of the second year. 

Within twelve months of completing the preliminary examination, the student submits to his or her individual advisory committee, and defends orally a dissertation research plan. 

The research advisory committee meets annually with the student to ensure timely progress toward the degree. Upon completion of the research in the approved plan, the student writes his or her dissertation, presents it to the department, and defends it orally as prescribed by the Graduate School.