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2025-2026 Academic Catalog
Physics, PhD
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Contact Information
Dr. Tula R. Paudel, Graduate Program Coordinator
Department of Physics
Electrical Engineering & Physics 119
E-mail: physicsgradcoordinator@sdsmt.edu
Department Website
Students are responsible for checking with their advisors for any program modifications that may occur after the publication of this catalog.
PhD in Physics
The PhD in Physics is a collaborative program between South Dakota School of Mines & Technology and the University of South Dakota.
Except for Topics and Independent Study courses, graduate courses are offered on a rotational basis. Topics and Independent Study courses must be scheduled with faculty instructors separately. Contact the program coordinator for other questions on course offerings.
Detailed program policy and procedures can be found in the Physics Graduate Program Handbook. Contact the Graduate program coordinator for other questions on course offerings.
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Distribution of credits
Core requirements: 24 credits
Research requirements: 36 credits
Elective requirements: 12 credits
Total credits: 72 At least 36 of the required 72 credits must be taken at the 600-level or above. Students who complete the physics core requirements and research requirements described below will automatically fulfill this requirement. Research requirements
The completion of a doctoral dissertation, approved by the student’s graduate advisory committee and the Dean of Graduate Education, is required for this degree. Elective requirements
All elective courses must be approved by the student’s graduate advisor. A total of 12 credit hours of elective courses is required. Suggested electives include: Examinations
Detailed information on PhD examinations is outlined in the department’s Graduate Handbook and in the Graduate Education Policies GEP VIII. PhD Degree Requirements . Qualifying examination
The qualifying examination has two components to demonstrate the student’s aptitude for doctoral work: 1) proficiency in the foundational material of the discipline and 2) necessary skills and drive for advanced research. The format and timing of the examination are set by each program, but it must be completed within the first two years of study. The examination problems are based on the material covered by the core courses, including Classical Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, Electrodynamics, and Quantum Mechanics (including Nuclear and Particle Physics). The examination takes place typically in mid-August each year. By the time of the exam, the student must have demonstrated basic research skills and sufficient drive. Detailed policy and procedures can be found in the Physics Graduate Program Handbook. Admission to Candidacy
PhD students must prepare a dissertation prospectus, which is a plan describing the proposed content and format of the dissertation in sufficient detail for the student’s graduate committee to evaluate whether the scope and value of the work warrants a PhD degree. The student is admitted to candidacy upon approval of the prospectus by the committee. The format and timing of the prospectus is set by each program, but it must be completed no later than two years after the qualifying exam. Dissertation defense
A dissertation defense and a final oral examination are required for this degree. Detailed program policy and procedures can be found in the Physics Graduate Program Handbook. Objectives and Outcomes
Objective 1: Attainment of Advanced Understanding in Physics Student Learning Outcomes: - Depth in Foundational Theories: Physics Ph.D. candidates should demonstrate an advanced and extensive comprehension of the foundational theories in classical mechanics, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, electromagnetism, nuclear and particle physics, and quantum mechanics, including their complex mathematical formulations and theoretical implications.
- Comprehensive Specialized Knowledge: Physics Ph.D. candidates should exhibit an extensive and comprehensive understanding of one or more specialized fields within physics, demonstrating in-depth expertise in their research areas.
Objective 2: Proficiency in Conducting Advanced Research and Leadership Roles Student Learning Outcomes: - Professional outcomes:
- Original Experimental Design, Research, and Publication (Experimental Focus): Physics Ph.D. students concentrating on experimental physics should demonstrate the ability to design and conduct original experiments, analyze data, draw conclusions, present their research progress at professional conferences, and publish original research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Theoretical Development and Publication (Theoretical Focus): Physics Ph.D. students concentrating on theoretical subfields should display proficiency in developing, adapting, or constructing theories or models to describe, explain, or predict physical phenomena. They should effectively articulate and publish their work at professional conferences and/or in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Preparation for Leadership Roles: Physics Ph.D. graduates should demonstrate preparation for prominent positions in academia, influential technical roles in diverse industries, or in government agencies serving the scientific community and the public by leveraging their comprehensive and in-depth knowledge and research experience.
Objective 3: Proficiency in Advanced Communication Student Learning Outcomes: - Sophisticated Scientific Communication through Presentation and Writing for Diverse Audiences: Students will adeptly communicate intricate scientific and technical concepts and ideas in oral and written form, demonstrating depth, precision, and completeness in their discourse.
- Advanced Visualization and Communication Skills: Students will expertly organize and communicate through various mediums, including words, mathematical equations, tables, graphs, images, animations, diagrams, and other visualization tools, exhibiting mastery in presenting complex scientific concepts, ideas, and visions to professional and non-professional audiences.
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