Written Qualifying Events for 2026 will take place:
Afternoon review sessions will take place on Tuesdays & Thursdays August 4 - 24, 2026
Submission of the General GRE and Physics GRE scores are Optional for PhD applications received by the December 15, 2026.
You can find more information at the Graduate Schools academic calendar
Once admitted, we invite you to our open house. Come and meet your professors and peers, tour facilities and learn about our research. If you can’t make it to campus we also offer a virtual option.
Learn More about the open house
June 1 – Aug 15th
Max Duration of Early Start Research. Forms available in late April/early May
2nd + 3rd week of August
Physics Bootcamp, Monday – Friday, 9 am to 12 pm
End of August
Pass out Exams (optional) administered for Fall Core Courses (PHYS 5000, 5060, 5080)
Early September
Mandatory – Fundamentals of Teaching, Bystander Intervention Training
2nd week of January
(optional) Pass out Exams administered for Spring Core Courses (PHYS 5020, 5100, 5120)
May 1
Confirm Summer Research Advisor
June – August
Summer Research
Written Qualifying Events for 2026 will take place:
End of August
Written Qualifying Event for courses taken in Year 1 (includes Pass-out subjects)
December / May
Reading Week Phys 990/Research Qualifying Event
May 1
Confirm Summer Research Advisor
June – August Summer Research
August 1
Confirm Primary Advisor
End of August
Written Qualifying Event for courses taken in Year 2
September 1
Begin formal research with PI
June – August
Form Prospectus Committee (PI + 2 additional faculty)
August 1
Submit Research Prospectus and Signed Approval Form
September 1
Advance to Candidacy
October 1
Prospectus Presentation and Signed Approval Form Due
April 1
Yearly DPRs and Annual Talk Signed Approval Form Due
April 1
Yearly DPRs and Annual Talk Signed Approval Form Due
Sept 1 / Feb 15
Review the Graduation Checklist and Inform the Department of Plans to Graduate using the Notification of Graduation Form.
Oct 1 / Mar 15
Deadline to upload Dissertation to NOR for December/May Graduation
Nov 1 / April 15
Deadline to successfully Defend Thesis to be considered for December/May Graduation
Prior to Departure Exit Interview with Chair or DGS
