Mar 29, 2024  
2017-2018 SDSM&T Academic Catalog 
    
2017-2018 SDSM&T Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Physics, Ph.D.


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Contact Information

Dr. R. Oszwaldowski
Graduate Program Coordinator
Department of Physics
Electrical Engineering/Physics 119
(605) 394-2726
E-mail: Rafal.Oszwaldowski@sdsmt.edu 

Faculty

Professors Corey, Petukhov, and Sobolev; Associate Professors Bai, French, Schnee and Strieder, Assistant Professors Corwin, Oszwaldowski, and Reichenbacher; Instructor Dowding; Emeriti Professors Detwiler, Foygel and Helsdon.

Program Description

 The Ph.D. program in physics will prepare students for a variety of career paths, including positions in academia, industry and at national labs.  While degree candidates may pursue specialized research foci based on the research expertise of individual faculty members, the most significant goal of the program is to focus on research areas germane to the needs and special resources of the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF).  Examples of specialized research areas connected to SURF include nuclear/particle physics and particle astrophysics involving next-generation neutrino detection; double beta-decay, dark matter searches and gravitational wave detection experiments, as well as condensed matter physics concentrating on novel low background radiation materials and devices.

Our solid-state faculty are also active in the fields of quantum information, dielectrics and different types of magnetic materials, NMR studies of microscopic and electronic properties, as well as semiconductor spintronics. Our atmospheric physics faculty investigate thunderstorm dynamics and mesoscale weather systems.

Admissions Information/Application Process

The following items have to be submitted by students who apply:

  • Completed application
  • Three letters of recommendation from parent institution instructors
  • General GRE scores
  • Official transcripts from all universities attended (Applicants must have at least a 3.0 (B) grade point average in their undergraduate work.)
  • International students should refer to the Graduate School policy for language requirements.

Scholarships

A limited number of graduate assistantships are awarded each year on a competitive basis to fully admitted, full-time, on-campus M.S. and Ph.D. students.  Applications for graduate assistantships are due on February 1.

Physics (Ph.D)


72 CREDIT HOURS REQUIRED

  • Required core 24 credit hours
  • Electives 12 credit hours
  • Dissertation 36 credit hours

Collaborative Program between the University of South Dakota and South Dakota School of Mines & Technology.

Required Core: Total 24 credit hours


Dissertation: Total 36 credit hours


  • Dissertation 36 hours

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