Fellows of the American Physical Society
Graduate Program
Through quantitative coursework, cutting-edge research, and a supportive community, the Boston College Physics Department is training next-generation scientists with flexible minds to disentangle today’s complex challenges.
Every year, the Boston College Department of Physics welcomes approximately 10 new students into its graduate program. They pursue Ph.D. and Masters degrees in various theoretical and experimental research programs including:
BC graduates have gone on to successful careers in a broad range of fields. Our graduates include faculty at R1 research institutions, senior scientists in industry and national labs, and founders of technology start-ups.
Our Community
The unique environment of the BC Physics department is focused on a highly collaborative approach, with students forming a vital part of the community. While working with BC physics faculty, students have access to state-of-the-art facilities both on campus and worldwide. Moreover, students often work in integrated science teams with faculty from Chemistry, Biology, Neuroscience, or neighboring institutions.
All students in good standing are fully supported financially, with opportunities to start research as early as the summer preceding their first year. Students in good standing receive full financial support in the form of teaching assistantships and research assistantships, health insurance as well as tuition remission, which covers the full cost of tuition.
By the Numbers
6
6
New faculty hires since 2015
8
Average size of graduate courses
100%
Ph.D. candidates supported in research
Our Graduates
At the completion of graduate studies, the student should have developed the following:
- comprehensive knowledge of the basic fields of physics
- detailed knowledge of specific field(s) of physics
- ability to do research in a specific area of physics
- ability to communicate effectively about research and general topics in physics
- ability to teach and to explain concepts in physics to students and to others
- readiness to enter a career in physics research, teaching or related professions
The department will assess our students learning outcomes, and modify the program as appropriate, on a yearly basis in order to help students better achieve these goals.