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Physics - Ph.D.

The Ph.D. degree in Physics provides training of professionals to conduct independently conceived programs of research or teaching in universities or research laboratories. Original research is required in fundamental or applied areas of physics, and the Ph.D. dissertation must be orally defended. Two years of graduate coursework and four years of research are typical.

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Program Information for Physics - Ph.D.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate cognitive skills important to a physicist, including the following:
    1. Think critically and analytically;
    2. Define and solve problems in physics; and
    3. Perform research in contemporary areas of physics research at the highest level and with a great deal of independence.
  2. Demonstrate a core knowledge and understanding of the foundations of physics.
  3. Communicate results of their work to peers, various target groups within the physics community and people outside the discipline.

Admissions for Physics - Ph.D.

Admissions

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Résumé or vita
  • Goal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Priority deadline: February 1
      Applications submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.
  • Spring Semester
    • Application deadline: September 1
      Applications submitted after this deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements 1
PHY 75204CLASSICAL ELECTRODYNAMICS II 3
PHY 75301STATISTICAL MECHANICS I 4
PHY 76162QUANTUM MECHANICS II 3
PHY 76163QUANTUM MECHANICS III 3
PHY 76201PARTICLE PHYSICS 3
PHY 76303APPLICATIONS OF QUANTUM CHROMODYNAMICS 3
or PHY 76403 ADVANCED CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
or PHY 78401 LIQUID CRYSTAL PHYSICS
PHY 76401SOLID STATE PHYSICS I 3
Additional Program Requirements 38-38
Culminating Requirement
PHY 80199DISSERTATION I 230
Minimum Total Credit Hours for Post-Baccalaureate Students90
Minimum Total Credit Hours for Post-Master's Students60
1

Students may petition to substitute a specific course if a minimum B grade was earned for a course at another school that is judged to be equivalent. The required physics courses will prepare the student for the candidacy examination.

2

Upon admission to candidacy, each student must register for PHY 80199 for a total of 30 credit hours. Thereafter, students should register for PHY 80299 continuously each term until all degree requirements have been met. The dissertation must present and interpret original research. Topics available for dissertation research are primarily in the areas of condensed matter physics, material science, biophysics, theoretical astrophysics and high-energy nuclear physics. Students present at least one seminar based on their dissertation research during their graduate career.

3

Additional program requirements are selected in consultation with the student's faculty advisor and approved by the department.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Physics - M.A.

The Master of Arts degree in Physics is a highly flexible program consisting of graduate coursework that can be customized according to the academic background and needs of the individual student. This flexibility is a good match for the needs of part-time students who continue to hold full-time employment in secondary education or in industry.

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Program Information for Physics - M.A.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of these programs will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate cognitive skills important to a physicist, including to think critically and analytically and define and solve problems in physics.
  2. Demonstrate a core knowledge and understanding of the foundations of physics.

Admissions for Physics - M.A.

Admissions

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Résumé or vita
  • Goal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Priority deadline: February 1
      Applications submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.
  • Spring Semester
    • Application deadline: September 1
      Applications submitted after this deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
Physics (PHY) Electives 116
Physics (PHY) Electives, 60000-level 116
Minimum Total Credit Hours:32
1

Electives planned by the student together with the faculty advisor to best fulfill the preparation of the student.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • A total of 32 semester hours of graduate credit is required, with no more than one half at the 50000 level. The distribution of these hours will be planned by the student together with the faculty advisor to best fulfill the preparation of the student.
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Physics - M.S.

The Master of Science degree in Physics consists of graduate coursework and a research project taking one or two semesters. The research project should result in a written report. Students may choose to complete a thesis, to be defended orally. This degree provides entry-level qualifications for team research employment or a high school teaching career.

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Program Information for Physics - M.S.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate cognitive skills important to a physicist, including the following:
    1. Think critically and analytically;
    2. Define and solve problems in physics; and
    3. Conduct quantitative research in a contemporary area of physics.
  2. Demonstrate a core knowledge and understanding of the foundations of physics.
  3. Communicate results of their work to peers, various target groups within the physics community and people outside the discipline. Teaching skills also come under this heading.

Admissions for Physics - M.S.

Admissions

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Résumé or vita
  • Goal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Priority deadline: February 1
      Applications submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.
  • Spring Semester
    • Application deadline: September 1
      Applications submitted after this deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
PHY 65101CLASSICAL MECHANICS 3
PHY 66161QUANTUM MECHANICS I 3
Graduate-Level Electives 112-14
Major Electives, choose from the following:6-8
PHY 55201
ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY
PHY 55301
THERMAL PHYSICS
PHY 55401
MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN PHYSICS
PHY 65203
CLASSICAL ELECTRODYNAMICS I
PHY 65301
STATISTICAL MECHANICS I
Culminating Experience
Choose from the following:6
PHY 60098
RESEARCH 2
PHY 60199
THESIS I 3
Minimum Total Credit Hours:32
1

Electives are selected in consultation with the student's faculty advisor and approved by the department.

2

Students who select research (non-thesis option) are required to submit a written research report.

3

Students who select the thesis option are required to submit and orally defend a thesis. The thesis topic is chosen together with the research advisor and must be defended to a committee of physics graduate faculty.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Physics - Minor

The Physics minor allows students with a major or interest in natural sciences, mathematics, education and technology to complement their studies and enhance their academic credentials. Non-science majors may find that the Physics minor enhances their knowledge of this useful and fascinating field.

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Program Information for Physics - Minor

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a conceptual and quantitative understanding of fundamental principles of classical and modern physics.
  2. Develop analytical and critical thinking skills, and use these skills to solve scientific problems.
  3. Develop oral and written communication skills to present scientific findings obtained through theoretical, computational and experimental efforts.

Admissions for Physics - Minor

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Minor Requirements

Minor Prerequisites
MATH 11010
ALGEBRA FOR CALCULUS (KMCR)
MATH 11022
TRIGONOMETRY (KMCR)
MATH 12002
ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS I (KMCR)
MATH 12003
ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS II
Minor Requirements
PHY 12000INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS SEMINAR (ELR) 1
PHY 23101GENERAL UNIVERSITY PHYSICS I (KBS) (KLAB) 5
PHY 23102GENERAL UNIVERSITY PHYSICS II (KBS) (KLAB) 5
PHY 30020INTERMEDIATE PHYSICS LABORATORY (WIC) 2
PHY 36001INTRODUCTORY MODERN PHYSICS 3
Physics (PHY) Upper-Division Electives (30000 or 40000 level)6
Minimum Total Credit Hours:22

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Minor GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
  • Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).
Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Physics - B.A.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics prepares students for such varied fields as secondary education, patent law, science journalism or interdisciplinary science careers. The core requirements permit a large number of elective courses, which allow students to complete a minor or second major in preparation for an interdisciplinary career. This program is well suited for those with a strong interest not only in science, but also a non-science field. Students completing the program may choose to continue their physics studies at the graduate level.

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Program Information for Physics - B.A.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate the technical and cognitive skills that are important for a good physicist, including the following:
    1. Think critically and analytically.
    2. Define a problem and how to solve problems.
    3. Understand advanced mathematics (e.g., calculus and differential equations) and computer skills.
    4. Use, design and even build lab equipment.
  2. Demonstrate the traits that are important for a good scientist, namely, hard working, creative, meticulous, persistent, tenacious and self confident.
  3. Communicate results of their work to peers, instructors or supervisors; various target groups within the physics community; and people outside the discipline.

Admissions for Physics - B.A.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students.

First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the .

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of proficiency of the English language (unless they meet specific exceptions) through the submission of an English language proficiency test score or by completing English language classes at Kent State’s English as a Second Language Center before entering their program. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Former Students: Former Kent State students who have not attended another institution since Kent State and were not academically dismissed will complete the re-enrollment process through the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center. Former students who attended another college or university since leaving Kent State must apply for admissions as a transfer or post-undergraduate student.

Transfer Students: Students who attended an educational institution after graduating from high school or earning their GED must apply as transfer students. For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students.

Admission policies for undergraduate students may be found in the University Catalog's .

Students may be required to meet certain criteria to progress in their program. Any progression requirements will be listed on the program's Coursework tab

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
MATH 12002ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS I (KMCR) 5
MATH 12003ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS II 5
MATH 32051MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN THE PHYSICAL SCIENCES I 4
MATH 32052MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN THE PHYSICAL SCIENCES II 4
PHY 12000INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS SEMINAR (ELR) 1
PHY 23101GENERAL UNIVERSITY PHYSICS I (KBS) (KLAB) 15
PHY 23102GENERAL UNIVERSITY PHYSICS II (KBS) (KLAB) 15
PHY 30020INTERMEDIATE PHYSICS LABORATORY (WIC) 22
PHY 35101CLASSICAL MECHANICS 4
PHY 36001INTRODUCTORY MODERN PHYSICS 3
PHY 36002APPLICATIONS OF MODERN PHYSICS 3
PHY 40020ADVANCED PHYSICS LABORATORY (WIC) 22
PHY 45201ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY 4
3, 48
Additional Requirements (courses do not count in major GPA)
UC 10001FLASHES 101 1
Foreign Language (see Foreign Language College Requirement below)10-16
6
9
6
6
General Electives (total credit hours depends on earning 120 credit hours, including 39 upper-division credit hours)27
Minimum Total Credit Hours:120
1

Credit is not granted for both the PHY 13001/PHY 13002 and PHY 23101/PHY 23102 series.

2

A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

3

With advisor permission, students may replace 3 credit hours of physics electives with ENG 20002 or PHIL 41035.

4

Maximum 6 credit hours of PHY 40096 may be applied toward the major.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000
  • The following courses may not count toward Physics major requirements:
    PHY 11030SEVEN IDEAS THAT SHOOK THE UNIVERSE (KBS) 3
    PHY 21040PHYSICS IN ENTERTAINMENT AND THE ARTS (KBS) 3
    PHY 21041PHYSICS IN ENTERTAINMENT AND THE ARTS LABORATORY (KBS) (KLAB) 1
    PHY 21430FRONTIERS IN ASTRONOMY (KBS) 3
    PHY 21431FRONTIERS IN ASTRONOMY LABORATORY (KBS) (KLAB) 1

Foreign Language College Requirement, B.A.

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree in the College of Arts and Sciences must complete the following:

  1. Elementary I and II of any language (or equivalent) and
  2. One of the following options:
    1. Intermediate I and II of the same language
    2. Elementary I and II of a second language
    3. Any combination of two courses from the following list:
      1. Intermediate I of the same language
      2. One to two college-level course(s) completed outside the United States
      3. Courses: ARAB 21401, ASL 19401, CHIN 25421, MCLS 10001, MCLS 20001, MCLS 20091, MCLS 21417, MCLS 21420, MCLS 22217, MCLS 28403, MCLS 28404

All students with prior foreign language experience should take the foreign language placement test to determine the appropriate level at which to start. Some students may start beyond the Elementary I level and will complete the requirement with fewer courses. This may be accomplished in one of three ways:

  1. Passing a course beyond Elementary I through Intermediate II level
  2. Receiving credit through one of the offered by Â鶹¹û¶³
  3. Demonstrating comparable to Elementary II of a foreign language

Certain programs may require specific languages, limit the languages from which a student may choose or require coursework through Intermediate II. Students who plan to pursue graduate study may need a particular language proficiency.

Roadmap

Roadmap

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester OneCredits
!MATH 12002 ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS I (KMCR) 5
!PHY 12000 INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS SEMINAR (ELR) 1
UC 10001 FLASHES 101 1
Foreign Language 4
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours14
Semester Two
!MATH 12003 ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS II 5
!PHY 23101 GENERAL UNIVERSITY PHYSICS I (KBS) (KLAB) 5
Foreign Language 4
 Credit Hours14
Semester Three
!MATH 32051 MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN THE PHYSICAL SCIENCES I 4
!PHY 23102 GENERAL UNIVERSITY PHYSICS II (KBS) (KLAB) 5
Foreign Language and/or General Elective 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Four
!MATH 32052 MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN THE PHYSICAL SCIENCES II 4
!PHY 36001 INTRODUCTORY MODERN PHYSICS 3
Foreign Language and/or General Elective 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Five
!PHY 30020 INTERMEDIATE PHYSICS LABORATORY (WIC) 2
!PHY 35101 CLASSICAL MECHANICS 4
!PHY 36002 APPLICATIONS OF MODERN PHYSICS 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Six
Physics (PHY) Upper-Division Elective (30000 or 40000 level) 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
General Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Seven
!PHY 40020 ADVANCED PHYSICS LABORATORY (WIC) 2
!PHY 45201 ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY 4
General Electives 9
 Credit Hours15
Semester Eight
Physics (PHY) Upper-Division Electives (30000 or 40000 level) 5
General Electives 11
 Credit Hours16
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:120

Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

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