PhysicsPhD
Pushing Boundaries in Research and Academia
The Ph.D. program at South Dakota Mines, bolstered by its proximity to the Sanford
Underground Research Facility (SURF), provides unparalleled opportunities for advanced research into the fundamental
principles of the universe. Our distinguished faculty lead doctoral candidates in
groundbreaking studies of dark matter, neutrino physics, and the creation of chemical
elements, along with advanced research in condensed matter and quantum materials.
With a mission to prepare students for impactful careers in academia, industry, and
national laboratories, our Ph.D. program is a gateway to leadership in the world of
physics.
For information on the departmental research click here.
Requirements
Physics DepartmentRequirements
- Successful applicants typically have a GPA above 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- General and Physics GREs recommended but not required
Bachelor’s Degree
- Physics or other related discipline
- Students without a physics degree should contact the program coordinator (Dr. Xinhua Bai, Xinhua.Bai@sdsmt.edu) before applying.
Application Deadline
Thesis
Credits
Non-Thesis
Recent Positions
- Engineer, I.I. Stanley Incorporated
- NESAP Fellow, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
- Senior Professional Staff I, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
- Magnetic Design Engineer, BH Electronics
- Post-doctoral Researcher, Los Alamos National Laboratory
- Staff Scientist, Sanford Underground Research Facility
Possible Industries
- Academia
- National Laboratories
- High-performance Computing
- Industrial Research
- Electronics
The supportive academic environment, access to cutting-edge research facilities, and dedicated faculty were invaluable in helping me pursue my passion for experimental particle physics. South Dakota Mines provides the perfect balance of rigorous academics and a strong research community, making it an excellent place for graduate students to thrive.
