Program Overview

UMass Lowell's Ph.D. in Physics program is research-centric, preparing students for lifelong careers in academia, industry, national laboratories and entrepreneurship. The 60-credit-hour program incorporates advanced courses, comprehensive examination and a multi-year research component.

The Department offers a Ph.D. Degree in Physics with the following options:

  • General Option
  • Energy Engineering Option (in collaboration with Dept. of Chemical Engineering)
  • Aerospace Sciences Option

We also offer options in Medical Physics and Radiological Sciences.

For program questions or to connect with our current students, please contact: Viktor Podolskiy, Ph.D., Graduate Coordinator, Professor, 978-934-3398 or Viktor_Podolskiy@uml.edu.

Funding Opportunities

The Physics Department strives to provide full financial support for all admitted Ph.D. students. 

  • The first two years are typically funded through Teaching Assistantships (TA) plus summer research support, while funding for subsequent years are through Research Assistantships (RA). 
  • As of fall 2023, the total compensation package for a UMass Lowell first-year out-of-state physics Ph.D. student is valued at up to $57,750. This includes a 12-month stipend of up to $30,000, a full waiver of tuition and operating fees, plus 80 percent of student health insurance costs. 

Admissions

In addition to the requirements for admission, applicants for the Ph.D. in Physics program are expected to have a sound background in intermediate-level mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, and modern physics.

Take the Next Step

Start your online application today!

Christian Burns wears a safety mask and gloves as he pours nitrogen in a UMass Lowell lab.
Christian Burns '25
Physics

Physics Ph.D. student Christian Burns got accepted to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science Graduate Student Research program.

The professors really do teach and motivate you to learn.
Read More About Christian Burns 

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Phone:
800-656-4723 (U.S. Students)
978-934-2390 (International Students)

Email
Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu