- #1
arunma
- 927
- 4
Anyone know of an online source that provides rankings for graduate physics programs?
robphy said:In my opinion, one needs to look beyond these rankings [over all fields in physics] and consider something more relevant: the strength of various departments in your intended field of study.
The answer to this question can vary depending on the source and methodology used for ranking. Some popular rankings include those from US News, QS World University Rankings, and Times Higher Education. It is important to do thorough research and consider factors such as faculty, research opportunities, and funding when determining the best program for your specific interests and goals.
Graduate physics programs are typically ranked based on factors such as research reputation, faculty publications and citations, student selectivity, and funding. Each ranking system may weigh these factors differently, so it is important to look at multiple sources and understand the methodology used for each ranking.
Overall university rankings consider a wide range of factors, such as undergraduate programs, student life, and diversity, while graduate program rankings specifically focus on the strength of a university's graduate programs in a particular field, such as physics. It is important to use both types of rankings to get a comprehensive understanding of a university's strengths and weaknesses.
While rankings can provide helpful information and a general idea of the quality of a program, they should not be the sole factor in making a decision. It is important to consider your own interests and goals, the specific faculty and research opportunities at each program, and the overall fit for you as a student. Rankings should be used as a starting point for further research and exploration.
Yes, rankings can change from year to year as factors such as faculty publications and research funding can fluctuate. It is important to look at trends over several years to get a better understanding of a program's performance and reputation. Additionally, rankings can vary between different sources, so it is important to consider multiple rankings when evaluating a program.