Advance Your Career with a Top-Ranked Physics Graduate Program at Carnegie Mellon University

The Department of Physics at Carnegie Mellon has Ph.D. and master’s of science degree programs that prepare students to lead in academia, industry and cutting-edge research.

Doctor of Philosophy in Physics

This four-year, full-time Ph.D. program includes at least one year of full-time study on campus. To advance to Ph.D. candidacy, students must demonstrate strong performance in coursework, research, teaching, and pass the Qualifying Exam. Joining a research group is encouraged early — ideally in the first semester — and is expected by the end of the second year.

Ranked among the top 20 U.S. doctoral programs by the National Research Council, our curriculum builds a strong foundation in core physics areas — quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, electrodynamics and condensed matter theory — during the first two years of study.

Students then specialize in high-impact fields such as astrophysics, biophysics, nanophysics, quark interactions or high energy physics and have the opportunity to perform interdisciplinary work at the boundaries of chemistry, biology, materials science and engineering.

Doctoral students gain hands-on experience through required service as teaching or research assistants, developing both technical expertise and communication skills essential for future success.

Doctor of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Starting in Fall 2025, the Ph.D. program in Astronomy and Astrophysics is designed to be completed in four or more years. The program provides a foundational astrophysics background through core courses and allows specialization through customizable electives in physics, statistics, or machine learning, tailored to individual research interests.

Doctor of Applied Physics

The Applied Physics Ph.D. program blends core physics training with real-world applications. Students can pursue interdisciplinary research across campus — in areas like robotics, data storage, materials science and electrical engineering — while building a strong foundation in quantum mechanics, electrodynamics and more. The flexible curriculum supports specialization in emerging fields and prepares graduates to lead in both academia and industry.

Master of Science in Modern Physics

The Master of Science in Modern Physics program reflects the evolving frontiers of the field and helps students hone the talents and expertise needed for applying to Ph.D. programs and for future job opportunities in technical fields. For more information contact Sufei Shi, program director. Learn more