This is a dual-degree program offered by the Department of Physics and Astronomy, leading to a master's and a doctoral degree in Physics and Astronomy.

With approximately 90 graduate students and 27 faculty members, the department maintains a friendly and informal atmosphere that is conducive to close interaction between faculty and students.

Our faculty bring in over $16 million per year in scientific research grants, which provides students with research assistantships, support for travel to national and international meetings, and access to state-of-the-art research equipment, including computational facilities and fully staffed electronic and instrument shops. One example of the cutting-edge research facilities available is the Extreme Light Laboratory, which houses a multi-million-dollar laser system capable of focusing light to the highest level of intensity ever achieved. Not only is this capability expected to lead to new discoveries in fundamental physics, but it has important multidisciplinary applications in materials science, chemistry, biology, as well as medicine, security, and defense.

Our program prepares students for employment in all sectors. Students interested in academic or government employment have been hired as postdoctoral research associates at Princeton, Caltech, Berkeley and the Office of Naval Research. Our graduates also work in the industry at places like Seagate, Applied Magnetics, Micron and Eaton SEO and in academia, including McMurry University, Loras College, Fort Hayes State University and St. Thomas University.

Do you see yourself here? Take the virtual tour to learn more.

Physics and Astronomy (MS)

Physics and Astronomy (PhD)

Physics and Astronomy (MS/PhD)

• GRE General and GRE Physics tests are optional
• Curriculum Vitae: Your CV should include a complete account of your academic background, scholarly accomplishments, awards, professional activities, published work, and research experience.
• Personal Statement: Describe your academic and research background and accomplishments, research interests, professional goals, and reasons for pursuing a graduate degree at UNL.
• Research Interests:  Indicate up to two preferences among the following options:  Atomic, Molecular, Optical, and Plasma Physics (experiment or theory); Condensed Matter and Materials Physics (experiment or theory); High Energy Physics (experiment or theory).  You may also write "Flexible" if you don't have a particular preference.
• Faculty: Identify up to four faculty members you are interested in working with.
• Publications:  Upload your publications, if any, in the Experience, Awards, and Publications section of the application form. Include your research papers, preprints, theses, and other such materials that demonstrate your professional accomplishments.  For papers that are published and readily available it is sufficient to include citations and URL links in the CV.
• Other Upload (optional): You are welcome to use the application's Other Upload slot for any additional documents that you would like us to consider. You may wish to include abstracts, publications, documentation of special recognitions or certifications, or other similar supporting information. Please provide this as a single PDF file of 10 MB or less. Please do not duplicate documents uploaded elsewhere in this application.
• Letters of recommendation:  A minimum of 2 recommenders are required; 3 is strongly recommended; the fourth is optional.

For financial consideration: January 15 for Fall.