Graduate Program
Research Programs
Our department offers both the masters and doctoral degree in physics; both degrees require a research thesis. Before considering our physics department as a possible place to pursue an advanced degree, it is best to explore our faculty's research interests located on the Physics and Astronomy Home Page overlap with your interests.
During the last five years, research programs at UNLV have been emphasized and strengthened. During this time, UNLV has moved up in rank substantially (two levels) on the Carnegie Institute Classifications to "Research University- Intensive". In the last 3 years, UNLV has hired 350 new faculty members and vigorously expanded its research programs in the sciences by adding new faculty and new state-of-the-art facilities, and increasing the number of available degrees, thus increasing the opportunities for graduate study. As part of the mission of promoting research, our Physics Department has added four new faculty, three of which are affiliated with Astrophysics. Ongoing programs include areas in astronomy/astrophysics; atomic, molecular and optical physics; condensed matter physics; and high pressure physics. We are actively seeking graduate students for our expanding research effort.
All programs have state-of-the-art experimental facilities or high speed computers available for modeling. Our courses are taught by faculty, not lecturers or teaching assistants. Admitting graduate students are offered financial aid. Our graduate student stipends are competitive and research funding is available in many groups. Additional scholarships are available for summer salary.
Admission to the Graduate Program
Prospective graduate students must satisfy the graduate admission requirements for the relevant degree program.
Please follow the Graduate College procedures for Domestic or International students on the web. Please also send the Department a copy of all the materials submitted to the Graduate College so that we can keep track of your application. Please note that the forms for admission to the graduate program are separate from the forms for financial assistance (see below). Be sure to apply for both. You may contact Natasa Korceba for further assistance.
Financial Support
Presently, all physics graduate students are offered financial support through teaching assistantship, research assistantship or scholarships. Financial support is continued throughout the graduate career of all graduate students in good standing. The cost of living in Las Vegas is about at the national average. All students are strongly encouraged to read the relevant pages of the UNLV Graduate Catalog (pp. 29-31), which set forth the regulations and conditions governing financial aid.
The application forms for financial assistance should be sent to the Department directly.
Graduate Student Housing
Typically, graduate students do not live on campus. There are many apartments available near campus. Suitable apartments can be found on bulletin boards on campus, booklets available in retail stores in town, and on the web at www.lasvegas.com.
Courses
A listing of the physics graduate courses is available on-line.
Seminars
Graduate students give scientific seminars as part of their education and professional development. Graduate students also attend the weekly colloquium. There is a chapter of the Society of Physics Students (SPS), including both graduate and undergraduate students, and welcomes participation by students.
Links