Best Physics Doctoral Degree Programs for 2025 - WeUni

NOWNano DTC: The North West Nanoscience Doctoral Training Centre

NOWNano The University of Manchester and Lancaster

United Kingdom

Natural Sciences, Engineering, Physics

PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy)

NowNano DTC students undertake a four-year doctoral training programme. A major aim of the DTC is to create a cohort of researchers that are able to draw

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4 Years

Ph.D. in Astroparticle Physics

Gran Sasso Science Institute GSSI

Italy

Astronomy, Physics

PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy)

The research and Ph.D. in physics at the GSSI are focused on astroparticle physics. Astroparticle physics is an interdisciplinary and young research field, grown at the intersection of particle physics, nuclear physics, astrophysics, and cosmology. It addresses some of the most pressing and fundamental questions in science today: the origin and the evolution of our universe, the nature of dark matter and dark energy, the study of neutrinos and of the ultimate constituents of matter, the search for gravitational waves, the investigation and explanation of the cosmic rays.

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4 Years

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Electrical Engineering

College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences

United States of America (USA)

Electrical Engineering, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics

PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy)

The Electrical Engineering (EE) graduate program at UVM offers you the chance to contribute to EE innovation, while also expanding your career options. UVM offers an M.S. degree with research, project, or course-work options, an accelerated M.S. degree track for qualified undergraduate students as well as a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. UVM has outstanding EE faculty, who work closely with talented...

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PhD in Statistical Physics

SISSA Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati

Italy

Physics, Mathematics

PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy)

Statistical Physics, together with Quantum Mechanics, is the pillar of our understanding of many physical phenomena, from the simplest to the most sophisticated. The field has recently witnessed a significant and impressive outpouring of experimental and theoretical results,

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3 Years

Ph.D. in Astronomy & Astrophysics

University of California Santa Cruz

United States of America (USA)

Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics

PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy)

Consistently ranked in the top 10 worldwide for space science, UC Santa Cruz is known for breakthrough discoveries on explosive phenomena in the cosmos, the origins of gravitational waves, stellar and planetary structure, the secrets of potentially habitable exoplanets, and all aspects of observational, optical, and infrared astronomy.

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Ph.D. in Physics

Boston College

United States of America (USA)

Astronomy, Physics

PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy)

The department is focused on a highly collaborative approach, with students forming a vital part of the community. In addition to working with BC physics faculty, students have access to cutting-edge facilities and often work in integrated science teams with faculty from Chemistry, Biology, Neuroscience or neighboring institutions.

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5 Years

PhD in Geophysics

China University of Petroleum

China

Geology, Physics

PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy)

Geophysics has to do with the physics of the earth and its surrounding atmosphere and applies the theory and method of physics, combined with geology, atmospheric science, marine science and astronomy, to detect all kinds of geophysical fields (such as the earth's magnetic field, electric field, gravity field and seismic wave field, temperature field, the interior of the earth radiation, atmosphere and plasma radiation field, high electromagnetic field, etc.) by means of modern science and technology. You will learn to use such geophysical fields to obtain useful information that is used during exploration, drilling and production of hydrocarbons.

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4 Years

PhD in Photonics

Max Planck School of Photonics

Germany

Optometry, Engineering, Physics

PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy)

The Max Planck School of Photonics (MPSP) is a top-tier interdisciplinary graduate school in Germany that provides a unique PhD program (as well as a combined MSc and PhD program) in Photonics for excellent graduates from all over the world. We are not a single university, but a network of 19 top universities and research institutions across Germany. Therefore, we combine the knowledge of the best researchers and offer our students a unique graduate school experience: • Full funding and no tuition fees • Excellent teaching and research facilities • Outstanding network of world-renowned Fellows • Additional curriculum bundling the knowledge of our Fellows and preparing you for your career • Very good connections to industry After completing our "study phase" or if you apply with a qualifying MSc degree you can start your PhD research project. In the 3-year "research phase" you conduct your doctoral project in photonics under the supervision of our MPSP Fellows at one of our 19 research institutions.

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3 Years

Doctor of Philosophy in Physics

Hampton University

United States of America (USA)

Astronomy, Physics

PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy)

The goals of the Ph.D. program in Physics at Hampton University are (1) to establish a research oriented environment in which students may study advanced topics in physics beyond the master’s level, participate in state-of-the-art-research and pursue original ideas and concepts that contribute to the body of knowledge in physics; (2) to provide a source of scientifically and technologically trained personnel for local, state and national needs; and (3) to significantly impact the number of underrepresented minorities with advanced degrees in physics. High energy, medical, nuclear, optical, and plasma physics are the areas of research emphasis for the degree. Core requirements are the same for all tracks. Students are able to select the desired track by pursuing advanced courses and a dissertation in one of these areas. In all cases, the degree awarded is the Doctor of Philosophy.

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2 Years

Ph.D. in Space and Planetary Sciences

University of Arkansas J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences

United States of America (USA)

Astronomy, Astrophysics

PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy)

The program provides advanced coursework and research experience for persons seeking careers in the academic, government, private, or military sectors of space and planetary sciences or associated technologies.

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PhD and MS in Marine, Atmospheric, and Geosciences (GRE Waived)

University of Miami Rosenstiel School

United States of America (USA)

Renewable Energy, Environmental Science, Astronomy, Geology

PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy)

We offer PhD and MS degrees in 6 programs: Atmospheric Sciences, Marine Biology & Ecology, Environmental Science & Policy, Marine Geosciences, Meteorology & Physical Oceanography, and Ocean Sciences. We offer highly competitive stipend rates, tuition, and health insurance coverage for our incoming PhD students as part of a fully-funded 5-year Graduate Assistantship. Finally, as part of our revitalized connections across colleges and to take advantage of our unique research facilities, we offer an MS degree in both Ocean Engineering and Sustainable Business. Our graduate students also take advantage of nearby NOAA facilities including the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, and the National Hurricane Center. PhD Assistantships can be found here: https://graduate.earth.miami.edu/admissions/phd-assistanships/index.html GRE not required!

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1 Year

Westlake University – Fudan University Joint PhD in Physics

Westlake University

China

Physics

PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy)

Fudan University is a comprehensive multi-disciplinary research university located in Shanghai, China, with many highly ranked majors and programs. Fudan is a member of the C9 League, Universities 21, and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU). Over the past hundred years, Fudan University has gained remarkable achievements in scientific research, social engagement, international exchange, and innovation.

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4 Years

PhD in Earth Science, Fluid-Dynamics and Mathematics. Interactions and Methods

Università degli Studi di Trieste

Italy

Natural Sciences, Physics, Mathematics

PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy)

This Ph.D. Course aims at the advanced training of students in the field of the Earth System Science, through a multidisciplinary approach, where specific skills integrate with modeling and computational tools that allow to effectively tackle complex problems. Special attention is devoted to the interactions between Mathematics, Scientific Computing, Data Science, Fluid Dynamics, and Earth Sciences.

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3 Years

PhD in Energy and Nuclear Science and Technology

Politecnico di Milano

Italy

Electrical Engineering, Physics, Environmental Science, Mechanical Engineering

PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy)

The Ph.D. course aims at providing high quality training to scientific research and, as a consequence, at forming professional profiles capable of tackling the numerous activities involved in high level research, both in the academics and in the industry, which often require a higher level of education than that offered by the “Laurea Specialistica/Magistrale” and Master study courses.

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3 Years

Ph.D. in Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences

Hampton University

United States of America (USA)

Physics, Environmental Science, Astronomy

PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy)

The principal objective of the graduate program is to prepare students for successful careers and leadership roles in private and government research laboratories, and in academia. Mentoring by faculty ensures emphasis on the development of integrity, respect, decency, dignity, and responsibility, in a tradition explicitly incorporated in the mission plan of the university. Essential support is provided by the department’s research center, the Center for Atmospheric Sciences (CAS). The center hosts research faculty, support personnel, and the infrastructure required to maintain vigorous programs of sponsored research. Intellectual vitality fostered by active research is integral to Hampton University’s institutional vision, and CAS is a key resource for experiential learning for students, and for the professional development of faculty.

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Ph.D. in Physics

Texas Christian University Harris College of Science and Engineering

United States of America (USA)

Astronomy, Physics

PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy)

Our faculty conduct research in astronomy and astrophysics, molecular spectroscopy, biomedical diagnostics and imaging, and experimental and computational biophysics. Our experimental biophysicists lead national and international projects on cancer research, biomedical imaging, and nanomedicine involving groups from the US, Canada, Europe, Japan, and South America.

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Postdoctoral Research at Rockefeller

The Rockefeller University

United States of America (USA)

Chemistry, Neuroscience, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Natural Sciences, Physics, Biology

PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy)

Postdoctoral scholars make vital contributions to the University's scientific programs while gaining valuable research training and experience under the mentorship of ahead of laboratory, culminating in published results. During this time, they are encouraged to develop a distinct research line that will allow them to gain independence in preparation for a scientific career.

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3 Years

Physics and Astronomy

University of Southern California

United States of America (USA)

Astronomy, Physics

PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy)

Faculty in the USC Dornsife College’s Department of Physics and Astronomy observe the most elemental forms of nature and how they behave in both inner and outer space. From electrons to galaxies, faculty scientists explore the structure of matter and how it organizes itself.

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Ph.D. in Physics

Bryn Mawr College

United States of America (USA)

Astronomy, Physics

PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy)

The physics graduate program at Bryn Mawr College offers graduate students academic excellence, exciting research opportunities, and competitive financial support in a distinctive environment where shared intellectual work thrives in a liberal arts college setting.

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Ph.D. in Environmental Science

Desert Research Institute

United States of America (USA)

Chemistry, Sustainability, Geology, Physics, Biology, Renewable Energy, Environmental Science

PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy)

The University's Environmental Sciences Ph.D. is a research-focused, multidisciplinary degree track with more than 35 participating faculty members from 14 departments across four institutions. The program encourages students to adapt to the course of study to their academic interests. Successful students will practice applied science that addresses real-world problems.

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44 Best Physics Doctoral Degree Programs for 2025

NOWNano DTC: The North West Nanoscience Doctoral Training Centre

Ph.D. in Astroparticle Physics

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Electrical Engineering

PhD in Statistical Physics

Ph.D. in Astronomy & Astrophysics

Ph.D. in Physics

PhD in Geophysics

PhD in Photonics

Doctor of Philosophy in Physics

Ph.D. in Space and Planetary Sciences

PhD and MS in Marine, Atmospheric, and Geosciences (GRE Waived)

Westlake University – Fudan University Joint PhD in Physics

PhD in Earth Science, Fluid-Dynamics and Mathematics. Interactions and Methods

PhD in Energy and Nuclear Science and Technology

Ph.D. in Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences

Ph.D. in Physics

Postdoctoral Research at Rockefeller

Physics and Astronomy

Ph.D. in Physics

Ph.D. in Environmental Science

Doctoral Degrees, Physics