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Graduate students in physics are actively engaged in research at the
forefront of physics, in collaboration with faculty who are acknowledged
leaders in their respective fields. Learning takes place in both formal
and informal settings with a broad spectrum of colleagues, including
faculty members, postdoctoral fellows, research scientists, and graduate
student peers.
Graduate students enjoying a barbecue
Most graduate students are interested in one or two sub-fields in
physics and apply in that sub-field. Students may narrow their focus,
or change their sub-field, once they begin their studies. The Department
encourages this student flexibility with modest course requirements
and ample faculty advising resources.
The first year or so of graduate study is usually filled with course
work in basic subject areas, including quantum mechanics, statistical
mechanics, and electricity and magnetism. Formal requirements include
courses for breadth distribution, but most students find that solid
course coverage is to their advantage. Basic courses may be followed
by more specialized and advanced theoretical courses, as well as
by courses in other departments. Formal Ph.D. degree requirements
include two written examinations and one oral comprehensive examination.
The most important step in the doctoral pursuit, however, is finding
a thesis supervisor; students are advised to begin this search early
in their graduate career.
A large number of seminars at MIT and neighboring institutions
provide an intellectual backdrop throughout the stay at MIT. A number
of activities such as faculty-student roundtable discussions on
issues of concern to graduate students, the women in physics program,
and the graduate-student poster session on research activities round
out graduate student life. Other activities for graduate students
include social hours and barbeques.
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