The University of Tulsa acquires Fab Lab Tulsa

The University of Tulsa has announced the acquisition of Fab Lab Tulsa, which provides access to digital fabrication tools and resources throughout the community through membership and programming. The move is part of TU’s ongoing efforts to promote innovation and aligns with the university’s global reputation in engineering, computer science, and the creative arts. “We […]

Unique organizational studies program offers expansive opportunities

At roughly 75 majors, organizational studies is one of the largest majors in The University of Tulsa’s Kendall College of Arts & Sciences. From social sciences, media, and arts to business administration, the program provides students a wide range of knowledge and skills, rather than limiting them to a single discipline. But as a so-called […]

TU Law celebrates alumna Sara Hill’s historic confirmation to federal bench

The University of Tulsa’s College of Law congratulates alumna Sara Hill (JD ’03) as she becomes the first Native American woman to serve as a federal judge in Oklahoma. This historic appointment marks a significant milestone in the state’s legal landscape. The U.S. Senate on Tuesday voted overwhelmingly to confirm Hill, who fills a vacant […]

New faculty member brings expertise and INSPIRE lab to Psychology Department

The University of Tulsa Department of Psychology has a wide variety of faculty-led research labs. From the Exposure, Relaxation & Rescripting Therapy for Chronic Nightmares study to the Psychophysiology Laboratory for Affective Neuroscience lab, TU offers students the opportunity to participate in ongoing research and even publish their findings. New to Kendall College of Arts […]

More than 60 years of James Joyce Quarterly

Legend has it that Thomas Staley, former provost of The University of Tulsa, founded the James Joyce Quarterly, fondly known as JJQ, in his garage. Or was it his kitchen table? That was more than 60 years ago, and since then the journal has become an internationally esteemed publication known for its publishing of critical […]

Physics & Engineering Physics Grad Programs

The University of Tulsa offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in physics to prepare students for careers in industrial and academic research, science, and technology.

At the heart of the Department of Physics and Engineering Physics’ curriculum are fundamental courses in quantum mechanics, classical mechanics, electromagnetic theory, and statistical mechanics. These courses, together with electives in areas of interest to students and faculty mentors, provide a thorough grounding in physics. Elective courses include biophysics, nanotechnology, advanced photonics, condensed matter physics, materials science, methods of theoretical physics, general relativity, and more. Students also receive specialized research opportunities in areas such as biophysics, theoretical/computational and experimental condensed matter physics, materials science, nanoscience and nanotechnology, solar cells, and optics.

Top 100 Private Research Institution

100% Employment Rate

#20 Among STEM Universities

5:1 Student-Faculty Ratio

Degree Details

Physics, M.S.

Physics, Ph.D.

Sanwu Wang, Ph.D. Graduate Adviser

Sanwu Wang, Ph.D., is a professor of physics and engineering physics. His current research is in condensed matter theory and materials simulations. Wang’s recent research includes first-principles quantum mechanical studies of a variety of systems including SiC-based microelectronics, nanocomposites and nanostructures, relaxor ferroelectrics, unconventional superconductors, and more. He received a B.S. in physics and a graduate diploma in theoretical physics in China and holds a Ph.D. from the University of Newcastle, Australia.

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Professional Opportunities

Photograph of a UTulsa student working in a lab

Physics graduate students benefit from our faculty’s strong collaborations with UTulsa’s other science and engineering departments as well as with national laboratories, federal agencies, research institutions, and industry.
Graduates are well equipped to pursue job opportunities in roles such as postdoctoral research fellow, faculty in research-type and teaching-type colleges and universities, research scientist in national laboratories and industry, among others.
Department alumni employers include Google, Intel, Chevron, Lockheed-Martin, Williams, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Department of Energy, Argonne National Laboratory, and numerous colleges and universities.

Funding Opportunities

Highly qualified graduate students are typically supported in their first and second years by teaching assistantships that cover full tuition and living expenses.
In subsequent years, students can receive research assistantships funded via external research grants acquired by supervising faculty members.
Various fellowships with full tuition and competitive stipends are also available.

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Admission Information

Must hold a baccalaureate degree in physics or a related area from an accredited university.
GRE general test scores required.
Minimum TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PET scores are required for international students.

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Learn more about the department

Physics majors obtain a solid foundation in physics and mathematics in preparation for a technical or scientific career. Our students can study theoretical topics in fields such as quantum mechanics and condensed matter physics and gain experimental experience in nanotechnology, optics, lasers, or solid-state physics.

Department of Physics & Engineering Physics