Graduate Program
Physics and Astronomy | Graduate
We strive for a recognized level of national and international excellence in research and teaching in physics and to assure that students of African American descent and other underrepresented groups are given the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential in physics.
Contacts
Quinton L. Williams
Department Chair
202-806-6245
Email
Silvina Gatica
Director of Graduate Program
202-806-6245
Email
Ayanna Overton
Administrative Assistant
202-806-6245
Email
Program Details
- Degree Classification: Graduate
- Related Degrees: Ph.D.
- Program Frequency: Full-Time
- Format: In Person
- Graduate Tuition (AY2024-2025): $38,454
- Total Students: 26
- Total Alumni: 274
Admission Requirements
1. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is preferred, and a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in major course work is required. Each graduate department may have additional “special admission requirements” which are noted on this page.
2. Completed on-line application
3. The non-refundable application fee (Waivers accepted for FAMU Feeder Program and McNair Scholars)
4. Official transcripts must be submitted directly from the Registrar’s Office from ALL colleges and universities attended
5. GRE Scores (Only official score reports are accepted within 5 years of the test date) www.gre.org
6. Statement of Academic and Research Interest
7. Autobiographical Sketch (Personal biography)
8. Resume
9. Three letters of recommendation
International Applicants
In addition to the requirements listed above you must meet the following: official transcripts, certificates and/or mark/grade sheets must be sent directly from the college or university to the Office of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions, and must show proof of degree(s) earned, courses taken and marks/grades received.
All transcripts must be evaluated by World Education Services (http://www.wes.org/) or by a current NACES member (https://www.naces.org/members). All GRE score reports must be submitted to Howard University (school code: 5297).
TOEFL Scores (Minimum computer-based score of 213 is required and only official score reports are accepted within 2 years of the test date) www.toefl.org
Statement of Financial Resources Form – A completed form that verifies proof of financial support (sufficient funds to cover expenses for one full year) and supporting financial documentation indicating sources of funds while attending Howard University (such as a certified bank statement dated within 3 months of registration).
Degree Requirements
Doctor of Philosophy Degree
Required courses include:
- PHYS-210/211 (Classical Mechanics I&II),
- PHYS-214/215 (Electromagnetic Theory I&II),
- PHYS-220/221 (Quantum Mechanics I&II) and
- PHYS-222/223 (Statistical Mechanics I&II).
A minimum of 72 hours is required. The student is required to pass a qualifying examination.
Other advanced courses offered by the Department are strongly recommended. Students who have completed a Master of Science degree at another institution, prior to enrolling in the Howard University Ph. D. Physics program, should consult the Chairman of the Department concerning the transferability of courses.
Students must make a grade of "B" or better in each of the core courses required in the program. The student must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 to satisfy graduation requirements. Students should consult the document "Rules and Regulations for the Pursuit of Academic Degrees" concerning grades below "B."
Further the Student should consult "Rules and Regulations for the Pursuit of Academic Degrees" concerning other general requirements for the Ph. D. Degree. Such requirements involve, but are not limited to, Residency, Transfer of Credits, Course Viability, Length of Time for Completion of Degree, Enrollment in Dissertation Courses, Grades for Dissertation Courses, Academic Status, Expositiry Writing Requirements, Foreign Language Requirements, and Admission to Candidacy for the Degree.
Students should consult the Department and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) for other requirements not indicated in this document. Official information for degree requirements is given in the Graduate Bulletin and the publication "GSAS - Rules and Regulations for the Pursuit of Academic Degrees"
Admission to Candidacy
Admission to Candidacy for the Ph.D. Degree
Before being admitted to Candidacy for the Ph. D. Degree, the student must complete the core courses in the department with a grade of "B" or better, pass the Ph. D. Qualifying Examination described later in this document, and have a dissertation topic approved by the department. Other requirements are described in "Rules and Regulations for the Pursuit of Academic Degrees."
Residence Requirements
Students in the Ph.D. program are required to spend at least three semesters in full-time residence, two of which must be consecutive.
Caution to Prospective Students
The Board of Trustees of Howard University on September 24, 1983, adopted the following policy statement regarding applications for admission: "Applicants seeking admission to Howard University are required to submit accurate and complete credentials and accurate and complete information requested by the University. Applicants who fail to do so shall be denied admission. Enrolled students who as applicants failed to submit accurate and complete credentials or accurate and complete information on their application for admission shall be subject to dismissal when the same is made known, regardless of classification."
All credentials must be sent to:
Howard University Graduate School
Office of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions
2400 Sixth Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20059