Physics, PhD
The Physics PhD program encourages students to push the boundaries of modern physics research by providing them with the space to ask deep questions. Students will work alongside and collaborate with renowned faculty who are leaders in fields like biophysics, nuclear and astrophysics, and quantum mechanics, all while working in state-of-the-art facilities where they can test ideas and refine their skillsets. Through next-level research experiences, students will discover new dimensions they never imagined possible.
Program Overview
The Physics, PhD teaches advanced research skills in areas of physics such as quantum, classical, and statistical mechanics and electromagnetic theory.
While our program does not offer formal concentrations, students can choose from a wide range of elective courses, staying true to the program’s emphasis on advancing research. In addition to the program’s established research areas—quantum materials, astrophysics, condensed matter physics, and more—students can take courses in theoretical, solid state, and nuclear physics, equipping them with both theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on skills in laboratory settings.
This program is a great fit for students who want to be at the cutting-edge of research and break ground in the fundamental laws that govern our universe.
Interdisciplinary Graduate Minor in Computational Science (IGMCS)
While UT’s master’s program in physics does not have formal concentrations, any student pursuing a master’s or PhD with a major in physics can receive a minor in computational science. Students can take courses in related fields such as mathematics, materials science and engineering, chemistry, anthropology, statistics, and many more.
Why Study Physics?
A doctorate in physics doesn’t just mean contributing to groundbreaking research, you’ll be learning the laws that govern the universe, all while helping contribute to breakthroughs in cutting-edge technologies.
At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, our PhD students excel by working in our many university-based labs, like the Institute for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing (IAMM) or the Center for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing (CAMM). Other students have gone on to work in world-renowned facilities like the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, Fermilab, the Spallation Neutron Source, and RIKEN in Japan.
These exceptional research opportunities means you’ll never be sitting on the sidelines. Through one-on-one mentorship and guidance from our exceptional faculty—many of whom are members of UT’s Quantum Materials for Future Technologies (QMFT) Research Cluster and fellows in the American Physical Society—you will have next-level student experiences that prepare you for how work is done today in physics.
What Can You Do with a PhD in Physics After Graduation?
Studying physics at UT equips you with an innovative, advanced set of skills that prepares you for a multitude of careers in the field.
Physics graduates often go into engineering, working in roles such as development engineer, optical engineer, or systems engineer. In technology, you could become an IT consultant, data analyst, or programmer. Science education is another option: you could become a research assistant, lab technician, astrophysicist, and more. Geophysics, medical physics, particle physics, and biophysics are other common career paths.
Our alumni can be successful in many professions, bringing their knowledge into science careers and beyond.
Featured Courses
PHYS 513 Problems in Theoretical Physics I
This course covers the fundamentals of physics: classical mechanics (Newtonian mechanics, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics) and electrostatics and magnetostatics.
PHYS 521 Quantum Mechanics
Topics covered in this course include fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, angular momentum, electron spin, particles in electric and magnetic fields, perturbation theory, variational methods, scattering theory; second quantization, quantization of electromagnetic field, emission, absorption, and scattering of light, bremsstrahlung, pair creation and annihilation. Students will also learn the application of quantum mechanics to problems of atomic, molecular, nuclear, and solid-state physics.
PHYS 615 Astrophysics and Cosmology
This course covers topics in stellar evolution including hydrostatic equilibrium, energy production and transport, star birth, main sequence, red giants, variable stars, and stellar explosions. General relativity and gravitation, white dwarfs, neutron stars, pulsars, and black holes.
PHYS 643 Computational Physics
In this course, students will develop computer algorithms for solving representative problems in various fields of physics, celestial dynamics in astrophysics, boundary value problems in electromagnetism, atomic and nuclear structures, band structure in solid state physics, transport problems in statistical mechanics, Monte Carlo simulation of liquids, fitting and interpolation of data, correlation analysis, or optimization strategy.
Complementary Minors and Certificates
Interested in additional coursework to expand your horizons as a physics major?
Looking For More Options?
The College of Arts and Sciences offers students the broadest range of academic programs and opportunities for research and creative activities at the University of Tennessee, powered by faculty expertise across every discipline.
Admissions and Aid
Are you ready to become a Vol? Learn how to apply and explore tuition, cost, and aid below.
Request Information
Want to join us in creating what’s next? Learn more about the Physics, PhD program and become a Vol-in-Progress!