A set of four advanced courses, including required courses in classical and quantum field theory, provide an introduction to modern physics and research. Prior equivalent course work may reduce the course requirement for individual students. These requirements can be met either by having had sufficiently advanced prior course work or by taking a course offered by the department. All students will also attend a seminar during their first semester in order to be introduced to the various research efforts and opportunities at Yale. Students who have completed their course requirements with satisfactory grades, pass the qualifying examination, and submit an acceptable thesis prospectus are recommended for admission to candidacy.
Students normally submit the dissertation prospectus before the end of the third year of study.
There is no foreign language requirement. Teaching experience is regarded as an integral part of the graduate training program. All students are expected to serve as teaching fellows during a portion of their first two years of study. Formal association with a dissertation adviser normally begins in the fourth semester after the qualifying examination has been taken and required course work has been completed. An advisor from a department other than physics can be chosen in consultation with the director of graduate studies, provided the dissertation topic is deemed suitable for a physics Ph.D. Master's Degrees M.Phil.