The Doctoral Program in Physics Education
at the University of Maryland

The physics education research group (PERG) in the University of Maryland physics department is a research group consisting of physicists interested in developing a better understanding of how students come to understand physics and how to teach it more effectively. Advanced degrees may be obtained in either physics or education, depending on the level of sophistication of the physics the candidate wants to explore.

Requirements for a Physics Ph.D. with a concentration in Physics Education

Physics dept. requirements

Basic courses in advanced physics including:

  • Theoretical Dynamics (Physics 601), 
  • Methods of Statistical Physics (Physics 603),
  • Methods of Mathematical Physics(Physics 604),
  • Electrodynamics (Physics 606), 
  • Introduction to Quantum Mechanics I and II (Physics 622 and 623)

In addition, the successful candidate must

  • Pass the physics qualifier exam (two 4-hour general exams)
  • Take the Graduate Laboratory course (Physics 621)
  • Take two 600 or 700 level courses in a traditional physics specialization
  • Write a scholarly paper and give an oral presentation

PERG Requirements

In addition, the research group requires that the student take additional courses within the physics department

and some courses given outside the physics department

  • one course research in science or math education
  • one course in cognitive or developmental psychology
  • one course in educational statistics

For more information on graduate courses at the University of Maryland, click here to view the graduate catalog.

RETURNS

University of Maryland Physics Department PERG UMD

page prepared by E. F. Redish
email:redish@physics.umd.edu
last updated 3/26/97