Q&A for How to Get a Ph.D. in Physics

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How long does it take to get a degree in physics?

Sean Alexander, MS
Academic Tutor
Sean Alexander is an Academic Tutor specializing in teaching mathematics and physics. Sean is the Owner of Alexander Tutoring, an academic tutoring business that provides personalized studying sessions focused on mathematics and physics. With over 15 years of experience, Sean has worked as a physics and math instructor and tutor for Stanford University, San Francisco State University, and Stanbridge Academy. He holds a BS in Physics from the University of California, Santa Barbara and an MS in Theoretical Physics from San Francisco State University.

Sean Alexander, MS

Academic Tutor

Expert Answer

Master's and PhD programs are similar. A master's program will take 2-3 years, while a PhD program will take 5-6 years. The main difference of a PhD program is you'll need to complete an independent research project in addition to your classes.

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Should I complete a master's or PhD program?

Sean Alexander, MS
Academic Tutor
Sean Alexander is an Academic Tutor specializing in teaching mathematics and physics. Sean is the Owner of Alexander Tutoring, an academic tutoring business that provides personalized studying sessions focused on mathematics and physics. With over 15 years of experience, Sean has worked as a physics and math instructor and tutor for Stanford University, San Francisco State University, and Stanbridge Academy. He holds a BS in Physics from the University of California, Santa Barbara and an MS in Theoretical Physics from San Francisco State University.

Sean Alexander, MS

Academic Tutor

Expert Answer

That all depends on your career interests. If you're interested in teaching at the college level or doing independent research, a PhD will prepare you for that. Otherwise, a master's is usually sufficient.

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What other profession could I choose after getting a Ph.D. in Physics, besides becoming a physicist?

Community Answer

Majoring in physics and obtaining a doctorate in the field is no small feat, and employers from all fields recognize that. Physics is incredibly quantitative and numerical; thus, you might get a job in fields such as engineering, finance, forensics and even algorithmic trading. Most employers assume that if you have the intelligence and grit to get a Ph.D. in Physics, you can pretty much conquer any numerical problem they throw at you, irrespective of the field. So your life as a Ph.D. Physicist doesn't have to be be composed of theoretical calculations about space and time.

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Do I need to have published five papers to get a Ph.D.?

Community Answer

The answer is "no" but the standards vary from sub-field to sub-field in physics. If you aspire to theoretical physics, then there will be an expectation of some level of pubilication before you graduate with a PhD. If you are an experimentalist, this may matter less. Again it varies by sub-field, so there is no fixed rule, except of course all other things being equal, publications are a good thing.

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What are the grades and qualifications necessary to get into a Ph.D. program in physics?

Community Answer

The simple answer is this: the stronger the grades, the better, but there is no "cut off". Students who have GPAs higher than 3.8 will be in better shape at the more competitive schools. Students with lower grades can -- to some extent -- make up the difference with strong GRE scores and/or a solid undergraduate research record that is supported with faculty recommendation letters.

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Is it possible to enter a theoretical Physics Ph.D. program immediately after getting my undergraduate degree?

Fernanda Psihas

Community Answer

Yes. In fact, most physics Ph.D. programs do not require you to have a master's degree at all.

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