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chrisphd
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Do you think it is possible to complete a PhD in theoretical physics in just one year, since no experiments have to be done?
chrisphd said:Do you think it is possible to complete a PhD in theoretical physics in just one year, since no experiments have to be done?
spb said:PhD coursework itself is (generally) 72 credit hours, 12 per semester for 3 years. The 4th year is generally reserved for research and your dissertation.
Choppy said:I'm sure that if you looked hard enough you could find an example of someone who has done this. I had been under the impression that de Broglie's thesis, for example, was exceptionally short and completed in about a year. The idea that electrons could behave as waves became clear to him in 1923, and he was awarded a PhD in 1924. However, if you look into the story, he actually started his PhD studies in 1920.
chrisphd said:Do you think it is possible to complete a PhD in theoretical physics in just one year, since no experiments have to be done?
TMFKAN64 said:The 5th, 6th, and 7th years are also reserved for this purpose.
(Graduating in 4 years is definitely possible and people do it every year... It's just not the way to bet.)
chrisphd said:Do you think it is possible to complete a PhD in theoretical physics in just one year, since no experiments have to be done?
tmfkan64 said:i'd really suggest that you aim for 13 months, because you will need the extra month to work on your nobel prize speech.
spb said:PhD coursework itself is (generally) 72 credit hours, 12 per semester for 3 years. The 4th year is generally reserved for research and your dissertation.
Jack21222 said:That's because a PhD in the UK requires a Master's first, iirc. In the US, a PhD program doesn't require a master's.
I think that's where the difference comes in.
It is highly unlikely that a person can earn a Physics PhD in just 1 year. A typical PhD program in Physics takes 4-5 years to complete, and even then, many students require additional time to complete their dissertation and defend it.
While some universities may offer accelerated programs for certain fields, such as business or law, these programs are not typically available for PhD programs in Physics. The rigorous coursework and research required for a PhD in Physics cannot be completed in just 1 year.
In rare cases, a student may be able to complete their PhD in Physics in just 1 year if they have already completed a significant amount of coursework and research prior to entering the program, and are able to complete their dissertation in a timely manner. However, this is not a common occurrence and is not a guaranteed option for all students.
Having a Master's degree in a related field may be beneficial in terms of prior knowledge and experience, but it does not necessarily shorten the time it takes to earn a PhD in Physics. The requirements and coursework for a PhD program are typically more extensive and specialized than a Master's program.
Attempting to earn a Physics PhD in just 1 year may have several disadvantages. It may require an extremely heavy workload and may not allow for adequate time for research, which is a crucial aspect of a PhD program. Additionally, it may limit the opportunities for networking and building relationships with faculty and peers, which can be valuable for future career opportunities.