2014-15 Academic Catalog

Applied Physics

This is an archived copy of the 2014-15 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.msstate.edu.

Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Henk F. Arnoldus
Hilbun Hall 140
Box 5167
Mississippi State, MS 39762
Telephone: 662-325-2919
E-mail: hfa1@msstate.edu

An Interdisciplinary Program

An interdisciplinary program leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering with a concentration in Applied Physics is available.  A specific program, depending on the research interest of the student, is established by consultation between the student and his/her advisor. The program requires a master’s degree (either thesis or non-thesis) from Mississippi State University or another recognized university as a prerequisite for admission to the Applied Physics Ph.D. graduate program.

Major areas of study are: 

  • computational physics,
  • theoretical and experimental optics;
  • diagnostics using the techniques of conventional, imaging, and laser spectroscopy;
  • experimental and theoretical nuclear structure physics;
  • microwave spectroscopy;
  • astrophysics;
  • astrochemistry; and
  • physics education. 

Graduate research and teaching assistantships are available. For a complete listing of requirements and other pertinent information, please reference information provided in Physics and Astronomy , College of Arts and Science, located in this publication.

Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering, Applied Physics Concentration

Core Curriculum 1
PH 8213Mechanics3
PH 8233Methods of Theoretical Physics I3
PH 8243Methods of Theoretical Physics II3
PH 8313Electromagnetic Theory3
PH 8743Quantum Mechanics I3
PH 8753Quantum Mechanics II3
Other Requirements
Additional coursework in the area of specialization
PH 9000Dissertation Research /Dissertation in Physics20
Total Hours38
1

All Ph.D. candidates must pass written preliminary examinations on Physics core courses and, if required by their graduate advisory committee or the Physics department head, on their Engineering or other applied courses. 

After passing preliminary exams, all Ph.D. candidates must then pass an oral preliminary examination on the proposed dissertation topic and coursework.  A dissertation is required of all Ph.D. candidates.