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One preeminent goal of the UWM Physics graduate education is to train and develop creative research scientists.  

The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers both an MS and a PhD in Physics, as well as a graduate minor in physics for doctoral students pursuing degrees outside of the department. Students pursue the MA to advance their careers in the workforce or prepare for a doctoral degree. Our PhD program is tailored for those interested in research and teaching careers in colleges, universities, and various applied settings.  

With a high faculty-to-student ratio, students enjoy valuable opportunities for close collaboration with faculty members. This supportive environment enables you to sharpen essential research skills and dive into exciting research projects early on. The professional and social connections you’ll build during your time here contribute to an impressive employment track record for our graduates. Many of them successfully secure faculty and postdoctoral positions in academia, as well as dynamic roles in research and development across various industries. The UWM physics graduate program emphasizes that a student acquires comprehensive knowledge through academic course studies while simultaneously building depth and intensity within the major research areas. 

Contact Us

Prospective Graduate Students

Questions regarding the application or the application process should be directed to the UWM Graduate School at gradschool@uwm.edu or 414-229-6569.

Current Graduate Students

Questions about research opportunities, department funding opportunities, or issues specific to the discipline should be directed to Sarah Vigeland.

Graduate Programs

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Master’sOn Campus
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DoctoralOn Campus

Ready to Apply?

Find more instructions on how to apply and what to expect.

Graduate Student Resources

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Physics Graduate Courses
Review course lists, upcoming courses, and options for electives.
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Financial Support for Graduate Students
The Department offers assistantships and limited scholarships for graduate students.
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Resources
A list of helpful resources
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International Students
Our Center for International Education provides information and resources on visas, the application process, and more
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Campus Resources

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UWM Land Acknowledgement: We acknowledge in Milwaukee that we are on traditional Potawatomi, Ho-Chunk and Menominee homeland along the southwest shores of Michigami, North America’s largest system of freshwater lakes, where the Milwaukee, Menominee and Kinnickinnic rivers meet and the people of Wisconsin’s sovereign Anishinaabe, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Oneida and Mohican nations remain present.   |   To learn more, visit the Electa Quinney Institute website.