About the course

Condensed matter physics encompasses the study of solids, liquids and complex materials. Faculty at NIU are engaged in the study of phenomena relevant to magnetism, superconductivity and ferroelectricity. Other work centers on how to synthesize new materials, and the physics of soft matter and biomaterials. This research has relevance to a wide range of practical applications including helping design the next generation of computer memory, designing new types of refrigeration, creating fuel cells to power electric cars and creating stronger polymers. The condensed matter group includes theorists and experimentalists. Experimental facilities at NIU include two physical property measurement systems, a Mössbauer spectrometer, a powder x-ray diffractometer, two surface x-ray diffractometers, a dynamic light scattering spectrometer, a differential scanning calorimeter, a thermogravimetric analysis instrument and a Langmuir-Blodgett trough. The physics department faculty and students have access to a class 100 clean room containing a wide array of fabrication and characterization instruments and deposition systems. The university also hosts a center for high performance computing. Some faculty in the department also base their research programs at Argonne National Laboratory, located 44 miles southeast of the University. Argonne is home to several national user facilities including the Advanced Photon Source and the Center for Nanoscale Materials with advanced nanoscale fabrication and characterization fasicilities such as advanced electron microscopes. Scholarships - View all scholarships Internships

　　

Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. Speak to a counsellor to get an accurate price.

　　Duration: 10 Semester(s)Fees: Not available

Intake	Location
Spring (January), 2024	DeKalb
Fall (August), 2024	DeKalb
Spring (January), 2025	DeKalb
Fall (August), 2025	DeKalb

　　

How to apply

Entry requirements for Northern Illinois University

Students seeking admission to the Ph.D. program in physics must have a background equivalent to that attained by acquiring the B.S. degree in physics at NIU. Although applicants are not required to submit scores other than the GRE General Test score required for admission to the Graduate School, the submission of scores from the GRE Subject Test in physics could enhance their application. An applicant whose native language is not English must present an IELTS score of 6.5 or alternatively, a TOEFL score of at least 80 on the TOELF ibt. Normally, to be considered for admission, a non-U.S. citizen shall have completed a four-year undergraduate degree. A minimum 2.75 overall GPA on a 4.00 system or a 3.20 GPA with 15 or more semester hours of graduate work at an accredited institution.

　　

English language requirements

　　6.5

　　Overall IELTS band score

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　　TOEFL Internet based overall score: 80.0

　　

Application deadline:

This date isn’t available – speak to an IDP counsellor to get detailed information.

　　

Further information

Career outcomesIf you aren’t eligible for the above entry requirements, you might want to explore pathway options at Northern Illinois University. If you want to find out more, please speak to our counsellors.

　　Pathway options to study at this institution

　　

Reviews and rankings

World ranking

　　601st / 1250

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