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Physics Program Overview

The graduate degree program at the Space Institute is an integral part of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The degree requirements for physics students at UTSI and at Knoxville are identical.

Graduate programs of study and research under the guidance of a faculty advisor leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees are offered in a number of concentration areas:

  • Biophysics
  • Atomic and molecular physics
  • Laser physics
  • Chemical physics
  • Quantum optics
  • Spectroscopy
  • Fluid physics
  • Theoretical physics

Thesis and dissertation research opportunities in applied and computational physics are available with the Center for Laser Applications, and with research groups at the Air Force Arnold Engineering Development Complex.

Admission Requirements

  • Complete an undergraduate major in Physics or its equivalent.
  • Minimum course prerequisites:
    • Physics 311-12, 321, 361, 431-32, 421, 461, and 411-12.
  • If choosing Physics as a graduate minor, complete the following prerequisites or its equivalent:
    • Physics 311 and 431-32.
  • Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit scores for the GRE.
  • All first-year graduate students are required, for advising purposes only, to take a diagnostic examination in undergraduate physics during the fall semester registration period.

Those students who have completed the necessary applications are encouraged to seek Summer entry into our program.

Physics Faculty

  • J. W. L. Lewis, Ph.D. (Emeritus), Mississippi — ophthalmic biomedical applications with emphasis on early detection of eye abnormalities using telemedicine, fluid physics and laser-induced ignition, particulate formation and scattering.
  • Ying-Ling Chen, Ph.D., Tennessee — laser spectroscopy, biomedical optics