Finding Physics Grad Schools by Specialization

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding suitable physics graduate schools based on specific specializations, including Bose-Einstein condensates, optics (with a focus on quantum optics), and particle physics. Participants share suggestions for institutions and resources that may assist in this search.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in graduate programs specializing in Bose-Einstein condensates, optics, and particle physics, mentioning that online searches typically categorize schools by state.
  • Another participant suggests the University of Colorado for Bose-Einstein condensates and Oklahoma and Texas for quantum optics.
  • A participant provides a link to a website, gradschoolshopper.com, but notes that it lists results alphabetically without useful rankings, suggesting cross-referencing with ranking sites.
  • Another participant mentions Washington State University (WSU) as a potential option for Bose-Einstein condensates, referencing a professor known for relevant research, while expressing uncertainty about the overall quality of the graduate program.
  • Arizona and Rochester are highlighted as strong schools for optics, with separate programs in optical sciences that support robust research in the field.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple suggestions for schools based on different specializations, indicating a lack of consensus on the best options. Some participants agree on the strengths of specific institutions for certain fields, while others express uncertainty about the quality of certain programs.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations in the resources available for searching graduate schools, including the lack of useful ranking systems and the need for cross-referencing information.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in pursuing graduate studies in physics, particularly those focused on Bose-Einstein condensates, optics, or particle physics, may find this discussion helpful.

Pythagorean
Science Advisor
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I'm looking into suggestions for physics grad school based on specialization (every search online just does it by state, which is secondary priority to me)

my interests are: bose-einstein condensates, optics (maybe quantum optics), particle physics.

I've heard U of Colorado is good for BEC, and Oklahoma and Texas are good for quantum optics.

Or is there an online resource that searches grad schools by branch of physics?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Unfortunately, that site simply lists results alphabetically, and doesn't seem to do any useful ranking...although, I suppose you could cross-reference with some of the ranking sites...

I think this site might be useful, too:

http://www.phds.org/
 
I have toured the department at WSU twice with my high school and I know Professor Peter Engals there has produced BEC and he seems like a nice guy. This might be a good backup for you to think about, although I must say I'm not sure if WSU is too great as far as grad school, it may be but I don't know. They also have a new schock physics building where they do a lot of pretty cool research.

For more information: http://www.physics.wsu.edu/
 
Arizona and Rochester are both great schools for optics, they have separate programs in the optical sciences, so their physics programs also have strong research programs in optics. You could apply in optical science or physics.
 

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