Resources for Current Graduate Students
Graduate students in the Department of Physics have access to a variety of resources that support their academic progress and participation in the department’s research community. This page provides information about key program milestones and student organizations within the graduate program.
Doctoral students must pass the Graduate Doctoral Examination (GDE) as part of the requirements for admission to PhD candidacy. The examination assesses a student’s understanding of fundamental physics concepts drawn from undergraduate preparation and the first year of graduate coursework.
The exam is typically taken during the second year of graduate study and evaluates knowledge across four core areas of physics: classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, statistical and thermal physics and electricity and magnetism.
Successful completion of the GDE demonstrates mastery of foundational physics principles and readiness to proceed to advanced doctoral research.
The Department of Physics Graduate Student Handbook provides detailed information about program requirements, academic policies and expectations for graduate students.
Students should consult the handbook for guidance on coursework, examinations, research progress and dissertation requirements, as well as policies established by the department and the Auburn University Graduate School.
The Physics Graduate Student Association (PGSA) represents graduate students within the Department of Physics and helps foster a collaborative and supportive academic community.
PGSA serves as a channel of communication between graduate students, faculty and department leadership while organizing events and activities that strengthen the department’s graduate student community. The organization also supports professional and social opportunities that help students connect with peers and engage with the broader physics community.
