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Physics

Physics and astronomy attempt to understand and describe how and why the physical universe behaves as it does. Although remarkably simple, physics laws apply to a very wide range of sometimes beautiful and bizarre phenomena, as well as to the past and future of the universe.

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  • Faculty
  • Application Requirements
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Office of Graduate Admissions
Bendetson Hall
Medford, MA 02155
(617) 627-3395
gradadmissions@tufts.edu

The Tufts University Department of Physics and Astronomy offers programs of study leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in physics and astronomy. Physics graduate students may also pursue research in related departments, such as electrical engineering.

Master of Science (M.S.) tracks:

  • Physics
  • Physics: Astrophysics
  • Physics: Physics Education 

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) tracks:

  • Physics
  • Physics: Astrophysics
  • Physics: Chemical Physics
  • Physics: Physics Education

Research areas include:

  • Astronomy and astrophysics
  • Biophysics
  • Condensed matter physics
  • Cosmology
  • General relativity
  • Particle physics
  • Physics education

Visit the Department of Physics and Astronomy

M.S. in Physics/Astrophysics Learning Objectives
  • Ability to use advanced mathematics to model, describe and analyze physical phenomena.
  • Ability to apply scientific concepts and principles.
  • Deep understanding in fundamental areas of physics, including: Classical Mechanics Electricity and Magnetism Quantum Mechanics
  • Ability to carry out original research (if completing a master's thesis).
  • Ability to communicate scientific ideas and results effectively, orally, and in writing, to professional colleagues (if completing a master's thesis).
Ph.D. in Physics/Astrophysics Learning Objectives
  • Deep understanding and proficiency in the fundamental fields of classical and quantum physics: Classical Mechanics Electricity and Magnetism Quantum Mechanics Statistical and Thermal Physics
  • Deep understanding of a selected specialized area of physics or astrophysics, including the tools and techniques of research in the field
  • Familiarity with the fundamental phenomena, concepts and methods of at least one other area outside of the student's field of specialization.
  • Ability to carry out independent, original research.
  • Ability to communicate scientific ideas and results effectively

Faculty

Hugh Gallagher
Professor and Department Chair
Ph.D. , University of Minnesota
Experimental high-energy physics
Danilo Marchesini
Professor and Graduate Program Director
Ph.D. , SISSA, Trieste
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Timothy Atherton
Associate Professor
Ph.D. , University of Exeter
Theoretical condensed matter physics
Bruce Boghosian
Professor of Mathematics
Ph.D. , University of California, Davis
Theoretical and computational fluid dynamics, quantum computation
Peggy Cebe
Professor
Ph.D. , Cornell University
Experimental condensed matter physics and Polymer physics
Larry Ford
Professor
Ph.D. , Princeton University
Cosmology and Astrophysics
Gary Goldstein
Professor
Ph.D. , University of Chicago
Experimental high-energy physics
David Hammer
Professor and Chair
Ph.D. , University of California
Physics education; Director of the Institute for Research on Learning and Instruction
Anthony W. Mann
Professor
Ph.D. , University of Massachusetts
Experimental high-energy physics
Austin Napier
Professor
Ph.D. , Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Experimental high-energy physics
Ken Olum
Research Professor
Ph.D. , Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cosmology
Fiorenzo Omenetto - Professor and S.O.E Dean of Research
Fiorenzo Omenetto
Frank C. Doble Professor and Dean of Research
Ph.D. , University of Pavia
Ultrafast nonlinear optics, nanophotonics, biopolymer multifunctional materials, photonic crystals, photonic crystal fibers
Anna Sajina
Associate Professor
Ph.D. , Columbia University
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Krzystof Sliwa
Professor
Ph.D. , Jagiellonian, Institute of Nuclear Physics
Experimental high-energy physics
Igor Sokolov
Professor
Ph.D. , St. Petersburg State University (Russia); D.I. Mendeleev Institute of Metrology (Russia)
Nanomechanics of Cells, Molecules, Polymers; Photonic Sensors; Soft Condensed Matter and Biomedical Research; Energy-Related Materials and Sustainability, Surface Science and Engineering
Cristian Staii - Associate Professor
Cristian Staii
Assistant Professor
Ph.D. , University of Pennsylvania
Experimental condensed matter physics
Roger Tobin - Professor
Roger G. Tobin
Professor
Ph.D. , UC Berkeley
Experimental condensed matter physics; physics education
Thomas Vandervelde
Associate Professor and Program Director
Ph.D. , University of Virginia
The Interaction of Light with Matter, Physics of Nanostructures and Interfaces, Semiconductor Photonics and Electronics, Epitaxial Crystal Growth, Special Interest in the Area of Materials and Devices for Energy and Infrared Applications

Application Deadline


Fall: January 15
Round 2 Fall Deadline: May 15 (MS only)

Doctorate:

> Application fee
> Resume/CV
> Personal statement
>In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the availability of standardized testing, GRE scores are currently waived for students applying to this program. 
> Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test, if applicable
> Transcripts
> Three letters of recommendation

Master's:

> Application fee
> Resume/CV
> Personal statement
> In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the availability of standardized testing, GRE scores are currently waived for students applying to this program.
> Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test, if applicable
> Transcripts
> Three letters of recommendation

For questions about this program, including scholarships and assistantships, please contact the graduate program director, Danilo Marchesini.

Department of Physics and Astronomy
574 Boston Ave.
Suite 304
Medford, MA 02155 USA
Tel. 617-627-3029
Fax 617-627-3878