Physics, Ph.D.

Physics doctoral students are immersed in Florida Tech's rich research culture, where scientists and engineers explore the behavior of matter and energy across the universe and in practical aerospace contexts.

Faculty conduct research in high-energy particle physics, space physics, astrophysics, planetary science, plasma processes and the physical dynamics of atmospheres and oceans. Students have opportunities to work in specialized laboratories such as the High-Energy Physics Lab and the Geospace Physics Lab, as well as on aerospace and space-system challenges involving orbital mechanics, aerodynamics, propulsion and spacecraft dynamics.

This breadth supports doctoral research that connects fundamental physics with applied discovery, from subatomic particles to planetary systems.

Florida Tech’s physics faculty bring global research experience into the classroom and lab, with work ranging from particle studies at CERN to advanced computational methods in high-energy physics. Faculty lead and contribute to research in detector design, dark matter, high-energy astrophysics and advanced modeling, and participate in international collaborations such as CMS and RD51. These connections link students directly to active research networks worldwide.

The F.W. Olin Physical Sciences Center is home to the Department of Aerospace, Physics and Space Sciences. It houses state-of-the-art instrumentation such as gas electron multiplier detectors and an array of small and large telescopes. Many research projects take place in this building, including a large Mars chamber and a muon detection system for the Large Hadron Collider.

Olin Physical Sciences features a rooftop observatory, as well as a geospace laboratory with a clean room for spacecraft instrumentation projects and a 3,500-square-foot high bay physics research hall for magnetic levitation launch systems and high-energy physics research.

Florida Tech is ideally located for physics students, in the heart of the Space Coast high-tech corridor. NASA-Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral is just north of us, and the region is home to numerous aerospace and high-tech companies.

Students benefit from Florida Tech’s strong connections to leading organizations both locally and globally, gaining access to research collaborations and networking opportunities that can shape their careers.

Some organizations that provide Florida Tech physics students with hands-on opportunities include:

• CERN, Switzerland
• L3Harris Technologies
• NASA-Kennedy Space Center
• Lockheed Martin

Academic units at Florida Tech may offer graduate student assistantships to full-time, degree-seeking graduate students on a competitive basis.

Teaching Assistants (TAs) support faculty in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, including tasks such as grading, tutoring and conducting office hours. First-time TAs attend a teaching assistant seminar to prepare for their responsibilities.

Research Assistants (RAs) collaborate with faculty on projects funded by government agencies, private sponsors and university research funds.

For current information about assistantships, please contact the Department of Aerospace, Physics and Space Sciences.

Florida Tech offers a safe and welcoming campus environment that supports advanced research alongside personal well-being. The campus includes extensive green spaces, such as the Joy and Gordon Patterson Botanical Garden, along with facilities like the Holzer Health Center and Clemente Center for health, fitness and stress management.

Located minutes from the Indian River Lagoon and 72 miles of Atlantic beaches, the university combines access to outdoor recreation with proximity to industry and government organizations that contribute to research collaboration and career development.

Graduate students from around the world come together at Florida Tech in a campus community that fosters international collaboration and innovation. This environment encourages students to work across cultures and perspectives, preparing them for research and professional settings around the globe.

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) supports international students throughout their academic journey, providing guidance on immigration matters, serving as a liaison with sponsoring agencies and foreign governments, and sharing information about campus and community resources.