Overview

The Physics Department maintains an active research program with equal emphasis on theoretical and experimental studies. Primary research areas are theoretical and experimental elementary particle physics, theoretical and experimental gravity and cosmology, experimental nuclear and atomic physics, mathematical physics, theoretical and experimental condensed matter physics, and theoretical and experimental biophysics.

Students from Physics program from Princeton University are encouraged to involve themselves in research activities right from the beginning. Early research participation leads to a more mature appreciation of the formal aspects of graduate study and a mastery of the skills necessary to succeed in independent work. It also allows a closer association with faculty members and a more natural transition to independent research later on.

While research for the doctoral dissertation is the most important component of the program, the Physics Department also offers intensive training on best practices for teaching and scholarly presentation of research results.

Together, this comprehensive training is designed to prepare students well for careers in academia and research at government or industrial laboratories, as well a broad range of non-academic careers in the private sector. The average time to completion of the Ph.D. in the Department of Physics is 5.4 years.

Interdepartmental Research Opportunities

Physics department faculty and graduate students are active in research collaborations with scientists in several other departments, including astrophysical sciences, plasma physics, chemical and electrical engineering, chemistry, biology, neuroscience, and quantitative and computational biology, as well as the Institute for Advanced Study and the Princeton Institute for the Science and Technology of Materials.

With prior approval, students may conduct their research under the supervision of advisers from outside the physics department.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Physical Chemistry

Advanced Solid-State Electron Physics

Mathematical Physics

Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics Simulation in Statistical Physics & Materials Science

Electricity and Magnetism

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 60 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-12-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Physics View 194 other PhDs in Physics in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

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Other requirements

General requirements

Applicants must indicate at least one choice from a menu of Department's current Areas of Research – see the Department of Physics website "Research" section for descriptions of the research areas and the current activities in each.

The Statement of Purpose is a good opportunity to clarify research interests. The Department of Physics notes that it is not necessary to describe how an applicant developed an interest in Physics.

Applicants are typically best served by devoting the statement to a description of their research background and interests.

However, applicants with unusual or compelling paths are welcome to describe their experiences. In any case, the Statement of Purpose should focus on an applicant’s specific research interests at Princeton and any relevant research experience.

Tuition Fee

Princeton guarantees full funding for its Ph.D. candidates for all years of regular program enrolment.

Living costs for Princeton

2022 - 4977 USD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Physics.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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