With an exceptional breadth of research programs and numerous outstanding faculty, the University of Maryland’s Department of Physics explores both theoretical and experimental physics.

The department offers a Doctor of Philosophy degree program and a Master of Science program both with and without a thesis. Typically, doctoral candidates pass a written qualifying examination and complete core coursework in their first year and pass a Graduate Laboratory (PHYS 621 - Graduate Laboratory or PHYS 685 - Research Electronics) in their second year. In their third and fourth years, candidates complete advanced coursework (including courses outside their field of specialization), seminars and dissertation research before presenting and defending their dissertations.

Students pursuing a Master of Science without a thesis complete 30 credits of coursework, present a scholarly paper for review by faculty and must pass a comprehensive examination. Students pursuing a master’s degree with a thesis complete 30 credits of coursework and research before taking an oral examination defending their thesis.