物理学博士学位授予给在物理领域表现出精通知识并在该领域做出巨大贡献的独特和卓越能力的学生。学生的工作质量和足智多谋的能力必须使教职员工可以期望他们不断努力，以提高知识水平，并在研究和相关活动中取得显著成就。有望在同行评审期刊上发表研究成果。物理学博士学位为学生提供了在学术，政府和工业环境中从事研究职业的准备。也可以在公共政策，科学传播，知识产权法和科学教育等多个领域从事非研究职业。该学位为以下专业领域之一奠定了基础：天文学和天体物理学，光生伏打和凝聚态物理学，由理论和实验，原子与分子物理学，医学物理学，生
The doctoral degree in physics is awarded to a student who has demonstrated mastery in the field of physics and a distinct and superior ability to make substantial contributions to the field. The quality of work and the resourcefulness of the student must be such that the faculty can expect a continuing effort toward the advancement of knowledge and significant achievement in research and related activities. Publication of research in peer-reviewed journals is expected. The doctoral degree in physics prepares students to enter research careers in academic, government and industrial settings. Non-research careers in a variety of areas including public policy, science communication, intellectual property law, and science education are also possible. The degree provides a foundation in either one of the following areas of expertise: astronomy and astrophysics, photovoltaics and condensed-matter physics consisting of theory and experiment, atomic and molecular physics, medical physics, biophysics, photonics. A strong training maybe expected in research methodologies and practices, rigorous hypothesis-driven scientific investigation, and the dissemination of research results and ideas through scholarly article publication, presentation at conferences, other universities and research settings. In general, work for the Ph.D. takes five years of study beyond the bachelor's degree. A substantial portion of this time is spent in independent research leading to a dissertation. Normally 90 credit hours of study beyond the bachelor's degree are required for the Ph.D. Students may opt to get a M.S. degree during their Ph.D. program.