Doctor of Philosophy in Physics

The goals of the Ph.D. program in Physics at Hampton University are (1) to establish a research-oriented environment in which students may study advanced topics in physics beyond the master’s level, participate in state-of-the-art-research and pursue original ideas and concepts that contribute to the body of knowledge in physics; (2) to provide a source of scientifically and technologically trained personnel for local, state and national needs; and (3) to significantly impact the number of underrepresented minorities with advanced degrees in physics. High energy, medical, nuclear, optical, and plasma physics are the areas of research emphasis for the degree. Core requirements are the same for all tracks. Students are able to select the desired track by pursuing advanced courses and a dissertation in one of these areas. In all cases, the degree awarded is the Doctor of Philosophy.

Department of Physics Research Areas

Intermediate Energy Nuclear Physics

Jefferson Lab

The Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab) is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science with strong support from the City of Newport News and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Minerva

MINERvA seeks to measure low-energy neutrino interactions both in support of neutrino oscillation experiments and also to study the strong dynamics of the nucleon and nucleus that affect these interactions.

Olympus

OLYMPUS at DESY (Deutsches Elektronensynchrotron) in Hamburg, Germany aims to measure the effect of a two-photon exchange by comparison of positron-proton and electron-proton elastic scattering.

TREK

TREK (Time Reversal Experiment with Kaons) aims to discover the violation of time reversal invariance beyond the Standard Model in the decay of positive kaons.

Optical Sciences

Advanced Center for Laser Science and Spectroscopy (ACLASS)

ACLASS merges traditionally separate disciplines by advancing the fundamental understanding of selected problems at the forefront of science and technology using laser spectroscopy as the common unifying theme.

Accelerator Physics

Low Energy Linear Accelerator (LELIA)

A new Accelerator Physics program is under development within the Physics Department and will be centered on on-campus research that will utilize a 500 keV electron linac modeled after the CEBAF injector at Jefferson Lab.

Rich in history and tradition, Hampton University is a dynamic, progressive institution of higher education, providing a broad range of technical, liberal arts, and graduate degree programs. Hampton University is a private university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. In addition to being one of the top historically black universities in the world, Hampton University is a closely connected community of learners and educators, representing 35 territories and nations.

Hampton University is located on the east coast of the United States in the state of Virginia. The campus is located on a peninsula near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay and is surrounded by water on three sides which gives it the nickname “Our home by the Sea”. The surrounding city of Hampton has many businesses, retail and residential areas, historical sites, and miles of waterfront and beaches. Attractions such as Fort Monroe, NASA Langley Research Center, and the Virginia Air and Space Center add to the splendor - and fun - of the HU campus. While Hampton University is primarily a liberal art and education university it also specializes in business, engineering, technology, nursing, pharmacy, and the sciences. Hampton University has the privilege of having the first and only NASA mission that is 100% led by an HBCU (Historically Black College & University). It is also the home of the largest and most advanced Proton Therapy Institute in the world.

Accreditation

Hampton University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award certificates and degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, professional, and doctoral levels.

The University is also approved by the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV). The University holds membership in the Council of Graduate Schools, the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia, and the American Council on Education.

In addition, Hampton University (its undergraduate and/or graduate colleges) is accredited or approved by other bodies.

Schools and Programs

• James T. George School of Business
• School of Science
• Scripps Howard School of Journalism & Communications
• School of Nursing
• School of Liberal Arts and Education
• School of Engineering and Technology
• School of Pharmacy
• Graduate College

Organizations

• HU Athletics
• Honors College
• Leadership Institute
• Military Science
• Government Relations
• Hampton University Research

Resources

• myCampus
• HU Online
• HU Museum
• Harvey Library
• Proton Therapy Institute
• Center for Teaching Excellence
• HU Residence Halls

Number of Programs Offered

Bachelor's Degree Programs ---- 50

Master's Degree Programs ---- 25

Professional Degree Programs ---- 2

Doctoral Degree Programs ---- 9

Post-Master's Degree Program ---- 1

Associate's Degree Programs ---- 7

Certificate Programs ---- 3

Total ---- 97