Doctor of Philosophy in Physics
Graduate ProgramsWhy Study Physics?
Expertise in physics opens an array of career choices in academia, industry and government, where your theoretical and experimental skills can contribute to the next big discovery or tech invention.
UMBC’s Ph.D. in physics offers excellent training in disciplines such as astrophysics, condensed matter physics, quantum optics and quantum information science. Opportunities abound for interactions with faculty and students in disciplines outside the department, such as electrical and mechanical engineering and physical chemistry. Graduates frequently continue on to postdoctoral fellowships in academia, high-tech jobs in private industry, or roles in government labs or agencies such as NASA and NIST. UMBC has strong links to NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in nearby Greenbelt, MD. The UMBC physics department offers a wealth of opportunities while still being small enough to promote a close-knit, collegial environment, including an active Physics Graduate Student Association.
Tuition, Scholarships & Financial Aid
Find opportunities to further advance your career and academic studies.
UMBC participates in all federal and state student financial aid programs and offers scholarships and assistantships through the Graduate School, Graduate Departments and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
Ready to Apply?
Contact Information
Physics Program Contacts
Main Contact
410-455-2513
Program Director
Pengwang Zhai
410-455-3682
[email protected]
Program Coordinator
Jennifer Salmi
410-455-2513
[email protected]
UMBC Graduate School Admissions Office Contact Information
Mailing Address
UMBC Graduate School
1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, MD 21250
Admissions Staff
Staff are available from
Mon - Fri, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 410-455-2537
Request Help
Email Graduate Admissions at [email protected].