Physics Doctoral Program

Our Department of Physics is committed to advancing both science and scientists. Here, you’ll deepen and broaden your understanding of technology and physical science while learning about the latest experiential and theoretical innovations in these fields.

Stevens’ physics faculty are leaders in their fields that attract significant government and industry funding, are well-published in high-profile journals, and have created patents and several start-up companies. Through resources like the Center for Quantum Science and Engineering and the nation’s first campus hybrid quantum-communications network, you can conduct research spanning from quantum foundations to applied quantum chips.

The Department of Physics offers dynamic opportunities to explore leading-edge research in collaboration within and beyond the New York City metropolitan area. You'll be able to study under a faculty mentor in the area that you find most exciting, including:

• Nonlinear On-Chip Quantum Photonics

• Topological Physics

• 2D Materials

• Coherence Optics

• Quantum Machine Learning

• Quantum LIDAR

• Quantum Gravity

• Other Fundamental and Applied Research Themes

The Stevens Advantage: Widen Your Career Options

Stevens enjoys strong partnerships with leading universities and research centers in the region and around the world, and many physics Ph.D. students receive job offers as professors and postdoctoral researchers immediately upon graduation. Our students also take advantage of Stevens’ proximity to New York City’s financial industry hub and its thriving start-up community for research collaborations, networking and employment opportunities.

Learn more about what makes graduate education from Stevens a unique experience:

• Graduate Cooperative Education Program: Available with two tracks, your co-op experience can serve as a starting point for a research project or augment your on-campus research with complimentary experience.

• International Student Experience: Tap into our expanding worldwide network of research, academic and alumni partners and mentor with our expert faculty in a number of federally-designated STEM degree programs. Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is available to gain work experience in your major/field of study.

• State-of-the-Art Research Labs and Facilities: Build, tinker and test your designs in Stevens' MakerCenter, Prototype and Object Fabrication Lab, or numerous other research facilities.

• Research Opportunities: Renowned faculty, labs and research centers – as well as industry partnerships and funding from leading national agencies – support strategic and interdisciplinary research in engineering and science.

• Assistantships and Fellowships: Stevens offers funding to select graduate students in the form of teaching assistantships, research assistantships and fellowships. Limited in number, these highly competitive opportunities are awarded to exceptional candidates based on merit.

• Expanded Learning Options: The Schaefer School offers new opportunities for doctoral students to do coursework at universities in the New York City area – and around the world – through our growing list of academic partnerships with other prestigious universities. Learn more about our latest partnerships.

Stevens graduate students have the unique opportunity to gain hands-on research experience by working closely with our expert faculty in our state-of-the-art laboratories.

Hands-On Physics Research

At Stevens, you have the ability to join research groups with students at a variety of levels of experience, and outstanding faculty so you can learn cutting-edge technology as a team, just like in the real-world. In our state-of-the-art research labs and facilities, you'll have the opportunity to engage in experiential learning.

Faculty in the department are at the forefront of research and entrepreneurship. Many hold patents in emerging technology, including sensors and optics.