Field of Study
Outcomes
  • Astrophysicist 
  • Biophysicist
  • Laser Engineering
  • Materials Scientist
  • Nuclear Physicist
  • Optical Physicist
  • Product Development
  • Professor
  • Researcher
  • Software Development

For individuals who

Are seeking an advanced degree. Have previous experience in physics coursework. 

Looking for

Specialized training in: biophysics, computational physics, condensed matter, nanomaterials, physics education research, polymer physics, soft matter physics and statistical mechanics.

To become

  • Biophysicist
  • Materials Scientist
  • Product Development
  • Professor
  • Researcher

Program Description

The Department of Physics offers graduate study leading to the Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. Advanced work may involve specialized training in the following areas: biophysics, computational physics, condensed matter, nanomaterials, physics education research, polymer physics, soft matter physics, and statistical mechanics.

Research and academic programs are tailored to meet individual needs and interests. New students are strongly urged to visit faculty members to discuss research opportunities soon after their arrival.

Admissions Requirements

The Department of Physics graduate program is open to all qualified graduates of universities and colleges of recognized standing.

Financial Assistance

Prospective students must apply to the Graduate School and be accepted in full or conditional status before being eligible for an assistantship in the Department of Physics. Generally, graduate students are supported during the academic year by either teaching assistantships or research assistantships. The 2023-2024 academic year stipend is $19,500 for 9 months. Additional support during the summer is also possible.

In addition to the stipend, graduate assistants receive a graduate tuition waiver. Tuition waivers cover base tuition for NDSU graduate credits only. Students are responsible for differential tuition, student fees, and tuition for non-graduate level credits taken or Cooperative Education credits.

Research Equipment

North Dakota State University's Materials and Nanotechnology Center is located in the Research and Technology Park. The Center is equipped with two state-of-the-art wet labs, a synthesis lab, optical characterization facilities (optical/NIR fluorescence microscopy, laser-scanning confocal microscopy, and light scattering/reflectometry), and surface characterization facilities (nano-indentation and atomic-force microscopy). There are seven fume hoods in the lab space, as well as a number of synthesis tools, including a Beckman Coulter Optima L-80 XP Ultracentrifuge. We also have access to state-of-the-art chemical synthesis facilities in the Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Coatings and Polymeric Materials, including a Photo Emissions Tech Model SS50AAA Solar Simulator equipped with a Keithley 2400 Series Source meter. NDSU’s Center for Computationally Assisted Science and Technology (CCAST) provides large-scale computing resources to NDSU users.