Welcome to the Physics Department!
The Doctoral Program in Physics at Florida State University provides students with the skills and training to be fully active members of the world’s scientific community. A combination of coursework, teaching experience, and directed research provides our students with the knowledge and experience to work in academics, national laboratories, nonprofit organizations or industry. Our 150 graduate students have the opportunity to work under the supervision of over 60 renowned and diverse faculty members, who mentor our students throughout the program and beyond.
Our research is anchored by strong national and international collaborations, and locally, by numerous interdisciplinary projects. The strength and variety of research topics offer our students numerous choices and flexibility in their selection of dissertation research, as well as in their future career and employment. Our faculty’s expertise resides in a wide variety of topics such as condensed matter, nuclear, high-energy, atomic, and astrophysics. Many of our faculty members were honored with prestigious awards (e.g. Nobel Prize, National Academy of Sciences, etc.) and grants from organizations such as NSF, DOE, etc. Recent faculty publications include articles in high impact journals (e.g. Nature, Physics Review, Astrophysical Journal, etc.). FSU’s Physics Department offers unique experimental research facilities such as the John D. Fox Nuclear Accelerator Laboratory and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, which is the largest and highest powered magnet lab in the world. Our program is proud to offer all of its admitted graduate students a funding package for a minimum of 5 years, whose value is increased by Tallahassee’s low cost of living.
Florida State University
Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is an impressive mix of historical and the state-of-the-art. The main campus sits just a few blocks from Florida’s state capitol complex.
The university is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, creative endeavors, and service. The university strives to instill the strength, skill, and character essential for lifelong learning, personal responsibility, and sustained achievement within a community that fosters free inquiry and embraces diversity. In the latest U.S. News & World Report, Florida State University ranked in the top 20 among national public universities for the second year in a row, and 58th in the overall ranking (private and public schools).
Opportunities for recreation are never lacking at FSU. The university’s film, dance, theatre, and music programs are world-renowned. Our athletic program is another source of pride. The Seminole football and baseball teams are continuously among the nation’s elite, and there are numerous other intercollegiate sports providing opportunities to cheer the garnet and gold. Students who would prefer to participate can join one of the many intramural sports teams.
Life in Tallahassee
Tallahassee has the highest number of higher education degrees in Florida. This is due to two universities, a large community college, state capitol, and high tech industry. As home to two major universities, there’s no shortage of cultural events and sights in Tallahassee. The city’s Southern cultural heritage shines through the numerous historical monuments and museums, such as the Goodwood Museum and Gardens, Mission San Luis, The State of Florida Archive and Museum, The Tallahassee Museum, Historic Frenchtown…
For those desiring to see the “real Florida,” the unspoiled wilderness of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is just a few minutes south of town. The refuge sports a diverse array of native wildlife, and is also home to a historic lighthouse, which sits at the mouth of the St. Marks River. Just a few minutes away is Wakulla Springs State Park, where American alligators and manatees are a common sight, and glass-bottom boats offer a dizzying look 185 feet straight down into one of the world’s deepest freshwater springs. And of course, beautiful sugar-white sand gulf beaches are within an easy drive of campus. Tallahassee is also within driving range of several Southern cities such as Atlanta to the North, Orlando and its many theme parks to the south, and New Orleans to the West, which provide many opportunities for weekend road trips.
Contact
Can’t find an answer to your question(s)? Let us help.
For questions about the graduate program in general, broad questions about admissions, or the admissions process: Graduate Student Affairs, GradStudentAffairs@physics.fsu.edu.
For questions about research in the department of Physics: Volker Crede, vcrede@fsu.edu or Simon Capstick, scapstick@fsu.edu.