Graduate Programs
Graduate study in the Department of Physics at Auburn University provides rigorous training in fundamental physics while preparing students for careers in research, industry, government and academia. Graduate students combine advanced coursework with faculty-mentored research, gaining experience in experimental, theoretical and computational approaches to modern physics.
Students work closely with faculty mentors and research groups while exploring major areas of physics and developing the skills needed to conduct independent scientific research.
Why Study Physics at Auburn?
The Department of Physics offers a collaborative and research-focused environment where graduate students work closely with faculty investigating fundamental questions about matter, energy and the universe. Faculty members maintain active research programs across several areas of modern physics, creating opportunities for students to participate in experimental, theoretical and computational research.
Graduate students benefit from access to specialized research facilities that support work in plasma physics, materials science and atomic physics, as well as interdisciplinary collaborations across Auburn University in fields such as engineering, materials science and computational science. Students work within small research groups and receive close mentorship from faculty advisors while developing both research expertise and professional skills.
Together, these experiences provide graduate students with the preparation needed to pursue careers in research, industry, national laboratories and higher education.
Graduate students in the department participate in research spanning several areas of modern physics, including atomic, molecular and optical physics, biophysics, condensed matter physics, plasma physics and space physics. These programs investigate phenomena ranging from the interactions of atoms and molecules to the dynamics of magnetized plasmas and the space environment surrounding Earth.
Students work alongside faculty mentors to investigate topics such as atomic interactions, plasma dynamics, materials physics and space plasma systems. Research often combines laboratory experimentation, computational modeling and theoretical analysis. Many graduate students present their work at scientific conferences and publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals during their time in the program.
In addition to research training, graduate students often gain teaching experience through instructional assistantships supporting undergraduate physics lectures and laboratories.
Most graduate students in the Department of Physics receive financial support through teaching assistantships or research assistantships. These appointments typically include a stipend and tuition support while providing opportunities for professional development in teaching and research.
Teaching assistantships provide valuable experience supporting undergraduate instruction, while research assistantships allow students to focus on research within their faculty advisor’s research group.
Graduate training in physics at Auburn is designed to develop both deep conceptual understanding and advanced research skills. Students completing the program are expected to demonstrate mastery of the fundamental areas of physics, including classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics and statistical physics.
Graduates develop strong analytical and mathematical problem-solving abilities and learn to construct physical models and apply computational and analytical tools to complex scientific problems. Students also develop the ability to communicate scientific ideas clearly in both written and oral forms and, at the doctoral level, conduct independent research that contributes new knowledge to the field.
Auburn University is one of the nation’s leading public land-grant institutions, known for its strong commitment to research, teaching and student engagement. The university offers a wide range of academic programs across 13 colleges and schools and enrolls thousands of graduate students pursuing advanced study in fields across science, engineering, the humanities and the professions.
Graduate students in physics benefit from Auburn’s collaborative academic environment, modern research facilities and vibrant campus community. The university is widely recognized for academic excellence, an engaged student body and a supportive environment for graduate education and research.
The Graduate Program Officer (GPO) serves as a primary contact for prospective and current graduate students in Auburn University’s Department of Physics. Guillaume Laurent can answer questions about the department’s doctoral program, graduate study in physics, application requirements and academic resources.
Prospective students are encouraged to contact Dr. Laurent to learn more about graduate opportunities, research areas and life as a physics graduate student at Auburn.
Prospective students interested in graduate study in physics at Auburn University should submit an application through the Auburn University Graduate School. Applicants are typically asked to provide academic transcripts, letters of recommendation and a personal statement describing their research interests and goals, along with any additional materials required by the Graduate School.
Students are encouraged to explore the department’s research areas and identify faculty members whose research aligns with their interests before applying.
