The Ph.D. in Physics

Choosing Florida Tech for a PhD in physics gives students access to more than 5,000 technological companies, including NASA. The university is strategically situated at the center of Florida's high-tech corridor, and there is no better place to study and start a career than in one of the most diverse science and technology-oriented areas in the country.

In fact, students in the physics program are part of a university recognized as having the very first space sciences program in the world, and one that awards the largest number of physics bachelor's degrees each year (according to the American Institute of Physics).

Students seeking a PhD in physics will find a unique learning environment at Florida Tech with the expert faculty, tools, and resources they might expect to find at a larger university, but at a smaller school with a more intimate setting. Core competencies include analytics mechanics, electromagnetic theory, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics. Students apply their curriculum through world-class experiments such as the Compact Muon Solenoid at CERN by using our advanced Ortega .8-m telescope.

Flexible, Close-Knit Academic Community

Florida Tech has a low student-to-faculty ratio that provides an atmosphere of mentorship among students and faculty - something not every physics doctoral degree program can offer. This type of academic community fosters peer collaboration and one-on-one attention that greatly benefits students who are focused on research. Faculty members are actively engaged in relevant industry research, which benefits classroom discussion and professional development.

Hands-On Research Program 

Working toward a PhD in physics at Florida Tech involves hands-on research opportunities that prepare graduates for the type of work they'll do on the job, whether they plan to enter academia or the corporate environment. This includes research on campus at one of Florida Tech's many laboratories and may include work at off campus facilities such as Fermilab in Chicago. With professors who bring a wealth of experience to the classroom, a culture that empowers graduates to be future leaders, and cutting-edge high-tech facilities, Florida Tech offers students the perfect setting in which to prepare for their career.

Facilities in the F. W. Olin Physical Sciences Building include state-of-the-art laboratories, clean rooms and darkrooms, and a 3,000 sq. ft. high bay area and rooftop observatory. The university has a large, staffed machine shop, as well as an electronics facility, complete with microelectronics and fiber optics lab.

Careers

Since 1958, Florida Tech has provided the type of challenging curriculum and robust research experiences that prepares students for physics careers. CEOs of Fortune 500 companies and NASA scientists have graduated from Florida Tech, with many other doctoral graduates working in companies around the world. Graduates with a PhD in physics can find careers in academia, research, high-tech companies, space agencies, manufacturing, government, and more. Job growth for physics graduates is projected to continue to grow by 14% through 2020, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the US Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, giving graduates even more reason to consider Florida Tech for a doctoral program.

For full-time doctoral graduate research assistants, full-pay scholarships are available.