University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The PhD in Physics with a concentration in Nuclear and Particle Physics combines advanced coursework, qualifying examinations and an extended original research project leading to a doctoral dissertation. Students pursue topics across experimental and theoretical areas, including but not limited to nuclear structure, hadron physics, neutrino physics, high-energy collider physics, and applications of nuclear techniques.

• Core coursework typically covers advanced quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, quantum field theory, and advanced electrodynamics to build the theoretical foundation required for particle and nuclear physics research.
• Specialist courses may include nuclear physics, particle physics, accelerator physics, detector and instrumentation techniques, computational methods for many-body systems, and data analysis/statistics for large experiments.
• Laboratory and instrumentation training emphasises detector design, electronics, and experimental methods relevant to experiments at national and international facilities.
• Research seminars and colloquia expose students to current results and methodology, often featuring invited speakers from international collaborations and national laboratories.
• Qualifying examinations evaluate mastery of core material and readiness to proceed to independent research.
• Dissertation research is undertaken under the supervision of a faculty advisor and is expected to contribute original results to the field. Students often participate in major international collaborations and may spend periods working at partner laboratories or facilities.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor's degree in physics or a closely related discipline; many successful applicants have a master’s degree or equivalent research experience. A strong academic record with substantial undergraduate or graduate coursework in core physics subjects (quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, statistical mechanics and classical mechanics) is expected.

• Transcripts: official undergraduate and any graduate transcripts demonstrating preparation for advanced study.
• Letters of recommendation: typically two or three letters from academic or professional referees who can address research potential.
• Statement of research interests: a concise description of research experience and how the applicant’s interests align with faculty expertise.
• Research experience: prior laboratory or computational research is strongly recommended, especially for applicants focused on experimental particle or nuclear physics.
• English language proficiency: required for applicants whose first language is not English, demonstrated by a recognised test or acceptable prior degree completed in English, where applicable.

The programme evaluates applicants holistically; additional items such as a CV, publications or conference presentations strengthen an application. Specific test requirements and application materials are set by the department and should be checked on the department’s admissions page.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD programme pursue careers in a range of sectors where advanced analytical, experimental and computational skills are valued:

• Academic research and teaching: postdoctoral positions leading to faculty roles in universities and research institutions.
• National and international laboratories: research positions at accelerator and nuclear physics facilities, and roles in detector development and large-scale experimental collaborations.
• Technology and industry: roles in instrumentation, semiconductor and photonics industries, and companies that require expertise in data analysis, modelling and simulation.
• Data science and computing: careers in big data analytics, machine learning and high-performance computing that build on skills developed analysing large experimental datasets.
• Policy, science communication and applied fields: positions in science policy, patent law (with additional training), and applied research in medical physics or nuclear engineering sectors.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a PhD environment that combines active faculty research in nuclear and particle physics with opportunities to join major international collaborations. The Department of Physics & Astronomy provides access to strong experimental and theoretical groups, instrumentation facilities and computational resources.

Students benefit from the university’s collaborative links with national laboratories and overseas facilities, enabling participation in experiments and hands-on work with modern detectors and accelerators. The campus location also supports interdisciplinary interactions across astronomy, geology and oceanography, broadening training possibilities for students interested in cross-cutting instrumentation and data-science applications.

Support for graduate students includes mentorship by research-active faculty, teaching opportunities, and a research community that emphasises professional development, conference participation and preparation for careers in academia, government laboratories and industry.