Graduate Programs

Explore Our Graduate Programs

The Department of Physics prepares graduate students to contribute to the field through research and teaching or for careers in applied physics. Our graduate programs provides students with a unique, interdisciplinary approach to research, teaching, and learning.


Students in nanofabrication lab.

Master’s Degree in Physics

Our Master's Degree programs prepare you for an academic career or for a career in industry or government. If you are interested in teaching or further graduate study, then our two-year Academic Master’s Degree is for you. If you intend to work in industry or government labs, then our Applied Physics Master’s Degree offers you three distinct areas of emphasis: (1) Semiconductors, (2) Optics, and (3) Quantum and Nanotechnology. Moreover, the Applied Physics programs consist of concentrated hands-on coursework over six months followed by an internship for nine months.


before and after images of microscopic technique

Doctorate Degree in Physics

Doctoral students in the Department of Physics pursue a PhD in close collaboration with research faculty leading investigations in a wide range of experimental and theoretical research areas, such as:

  • Astronomy and astrophysics
  • Biophysics
  • Condensed matter physics
  • Data science
  • Gravitational wave detection
  • High energy physics
  • Ion trapping
  • Neuroscience
  • Atomic, molecular and optical physics
  • Quantum information science
  • Solid-state physics

PhD Requirements 


Katelin Donaldson

Research Across Disciplines

“Since starting my PhD at the UO, I have explored a diverse range of research areas. When I entered the program, I wasn’t sure exactly what path I wanted to take, but the focus on interdisciplinary research at UO made it easy for me to explore every option. I began researching space physics, working with both the physics and Earth sciences departments. Now I’m doing what I enjoy with the support I need to achieve my research goals.”

—Katelin Donaldson, PhD student


Funding Your Graduate Studies

Graduate students beyond their second year are typically funded from their advisor’s external research grants, internal research funds, or other funds from their advisor. Graduate students are also encouraged to seek research fellowships.

Funding and Research Support


Student in a lab

Prepare for the Professional World

Many of our graduate students intend to become college teachers, while others choose to pursue careers as physicists in industry or government labs. We offer a number of resources to help students prepare for their career of choice and network with peers in the Department of Physics.


Events

Electrochem PNW 2025
Sep25
Electrochem PNW 2025 Sep 25 Willamette Hall
Electrochem PNW 2025
Sep26
Electrochem PNW 2025 Sep 26 Willamette Hall
Consortium of Oregon Diversity and Equity Scholars (CODES) Conference
Sep26
Consortium of Oregon Diversity and Equity Scholars (CODES) Conference Sep 26 Straub Hall
Department of History: Fall Get-Togeter
Oct3
Department of History: Fall Get-Togeter Oct 3 McKenzie Hall
Unlocking Graduate Student Career Resources
Oct8
Unlocking Graduate Student Career Resources Oct 8
How to: Resume and Cover Letter Tips (Workshop)
Oct13
How to: Resume and Cover Letter Tips (Workshop) Oct 13 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
ELO Scholarship Student and Alumni Panel
Oct14
ELO Scholarship Student and Alumni Panel Oct 14 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Next Level Resumes and CVs
Oct15
Next Level Resumes and CVs Oct 15
Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches)
Oct15
Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches) Oct 15 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Career Tour-Tech Edition
Oct17
Career Tour-Tech Edition Oct 17 Ford Alumni Center