Teaching assistants generally have six contact hours per week in addition to preparation time. International students must pass an oral examination in English upon arrival in order to qualify for a teaching assignment. Research Assistantships Several research assistantships are available from faculty with externally funded research projects. Fellowships Fellowships are available competitively at the University-wide level. Students with exceptional academic records may be recommended for such funding.
Fellowships usually pay more than other forms of financial aid.
Qualifications Students are required to pass a Qualifying Exam for either M.S. or Ph.D. study. This exam is administered twice a year and covers basic topics in physics including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and quantum mechanics at the advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate levels. Part-time students are allowed proportionally longer. All of our degrees require a research project or thesis. Students consult with several faculty members about potential research topics.