PhD in Physics

The Physics Department at SMU is looking for talented people who have a passion for physics and are prepared to seek a Ph.D. in frontiers such as particle physics and the search for dark matter. Our department provides an intellectually stimulating research environment where our graduate students can participate in and make substantive contributions to frontier research projects. The research projects provide opportunities to work in leading particle physics laboratories: CERN in Geneva, Switzerland, Fermilab near Chicago, and the Soudan Underground Laboratory in Minnesota.

We have an excellent faculty-student ratio, and an established history of training exceptional students; our recent Ph.D. graduates took prestigious postdoc positions with Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory in California, Caltech, the Fermi National Laboratory, and the University of Barcelona in Spain. All of our experimental faculty members have federal support for their research, and this enables us to fund RA positions and allow students to travel to topical conferences and workshops.

Ph.D. Program

Students in the Ph.D. program benefit from small classes, accessible faculty and research staff, and a wide range of opportunities for research in the areas mentioned above. Many students begin research projects during their first year. All students in good standing receive teaching or research assistantships during the academic year, along with tuition waivers. Summer support is also available. Excellent applicants to the program may also be eligible for additional SMU Graduate Fellowships, which are university-wide competitive fellowship programs that augment the baseline departmental graduate stipend. The department can nominate up to two applicants per year for this competitive fellowship, and we act based on candidates whose applications are received by the priority deadline.

Students typically receive support for work as teaching assistants during their first two years, and, after successful completion of the Ph.D. core proficiency examination, research support until completion of their thesis and degree.

SMU's Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies is proud to offer doctoral and master’s degrees in a wide variety of fields across four different colleges and schools: the Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, the Lyle School of Engineering, the Meadows School of the Arts, and the Simmons School of Education and Human Development. These programs help students to pursue their passions and make significant contributions to both academia and industry.

• 32 Doctoral degrees
• 120+ Masters degrees
• 47 Fully-funded Ph.D. fellows

Thinking about studying at SMU? Welcome!

Southern Methodist University is a private, research-driven institution focused on providing innovative, interdisciplinary, and impactful studies. Located in the international city of Dallas, TX, our graduate students get to live and learn in one of the 10 best business locations in the U.S. according to Fortune magazine.

The Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, in partnership with five of SMU's Colleges and Schools, offers 32 doctoral degrees and over 120 master's degrees in addition to several professional degrees. These programs help our students pursue their passions and make significant contributions in their academic fields and beyond.

Diversity at SMU

Southern Methodist University is committed to nurturing an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually challenging environment for all of our graduate students.

We believe that a supportive community embracing individual viewpoints and backgrounds leads to a more rigorous academic environment and a more fulfilling experience for all.