Physics

Overview

Advance Your Career in Physics

An advanced degree in Physics from University of South Dakota builds upon and enhances your knowledge of the field in various ways. At USD, you'll explore individualized research interests, develop your mathematical problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and learn how to analyze data and clearly communicate complex ideas.

Whether you choose a thesis or non-thesis track, you'll become prepared for a future in academia, industry and at national labs. All graduate students can fully engage in a wide range of research, through large collaborations such as COHERENT, DUNE, LEGEND, MINER, PIRE-GEMADARC and SuperCDMS from data analysis and analytics to detector development to simulation. As part of that process, you'll work hands-on in research areas germane to the needs of the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF), such as nuclear/particle physics, double beta-decay, dark matter searches and gravitational wave detection experiments, and more. The interdisciplinary curriculum and small class sizes help establish relationships with your peers and professors that empower you to be successful.

An Affordable Education

Gain valuable real-world, professional experience while enjoying paid employment and discounted tuition rates as a graduate student at USD. The affordability you gain through graduate assistantships and fellowships will equip you with valuable, professional-level skills that will set you apart after graduation. 

Teaching and research assistantships are awarded by individual departments. If you do not receive an assistantship within your department, you are eligible for an assistantship outside of your academic program or within support offices (non-academic units) at USD. Further inquiries should be directed to the graduate director of the department.