Doctor of Philosophy in Physics Hampton University

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.

Admission Requirements for Freshman Students

High School students must complete at least four units of English, three units of college-preparatory mathematics, two units of foreign language, two units of social science, and two units in the natural sciences. The University recommends that candidates take the most rigorous academic program available in their schools, including at least five academic courses each year and AP, IB, and honors courses whenever possible.

Test Optional Admission Policy

Students with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.30 (Unweighted), or who rank in the top 10 percent of their class, have the option to choose whether or not to submit standardized test scores (SAT or ACT).

Applicants choosing not to submit standardized test scores must submit at least one recommendation from a teacher or guidance counselor. Home-schooled applicants, students attending schools outside the United States. Students wishing to be considered for merit-based scholarships must submit standardized test scores.

If you submit both the ACT and SAT, the University uses the most favorable score. Your SAT is based on a mix and match of your highest Evidence-Based Reading/Writing and Math scores. Your ACT score is based on your highest composite.

Admission Requirements for International Students

Students from outside the continental United States are welcome at Hampton University. Interested applicants should communicate with the Dean of Admission, who will provide the necessary forms for making an application and will make known to them whatever special requirements they must meet.

The student must present evidence of having an educational background equivalent to an American Secondary School education. In cases where educational records are submitted in a language other than English, an admission decision will be delayed until the record is translated. Each candidate must present satisfactory credentials to be offered admission.

The college requires the following:

1. High School Completion.
2. African Students – General Certificate of Education or the West African School Certificate, Ordinary level, and Division II, with at least 6 passes. (One each in English grammar, mathematics, and science).
3. Others: Completion of high school equivalency as attested by the AACRAO National Credentials Evaluation Project.
4. Score not less than 1000 on SAT (Math and Evidenced Based Reading score only) or an equivalent score on the ACT, or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
5. Issuance of I-20 Form (will not occur until):
   • Payment of first year’s fees in full; or
   • American sponsor vouches for payment of same.

Admission Requirements for Transfer Students

Students who have satisfactorily completed at least 15 semester hours at an accredited institution may be admitted to regular standing with such advanced standing as their previous records may warrant. Requirements for advanced standing are as follows:

1. Satisfactory credit from the previous college, as shown on official transcripts. If the student has fewer than 30 semester hours credit from the previous college, he or she must submit satisfactory scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test and his or her high school transcript, as required for entering freshmen.
2. Honorable dismissal from the previous college. If a student is suspended from another college, but eligible to return, he or she may be considered for enrollment at Hampton University after the lapse of at least one semester or the term of suspension, whichever is longer. The University has the right, based on the student’s record, to revise the academic classification given to such students at entrance.
3. The Department of Architecture may request a portfolio of student work to assist in determining placement in the design studio.

Students who have earned a cumulative 2.5 cumulative grade point average in all college courses receive the highest consideration for admission.

The application deadline for transfer students is:

• Fall semester: March 1
• Spring semester: October 15

In order to be eligible for Federal Student Aid: You MUST have received a high school diploma or a General Education Development Certificate(GED). Completed a high school education in a home school setting approved under state law (or- if the state law does not require a homeschooled student to obtain a completion credential— completing a high school education in a home school setting that qualifies as an exemption from compulsory attendance requirements under state law), or pass an approved Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) test.