Graduate
 Elaine Fu Photo Credit: John Consoli, University of Maryland |
The APS maintains a keen interest in graduate education in physics and science and seeks to disseminate information about successful programs as well as reports which may be of interest to the science education community.
Graduate Education in Physics: Which Way Forward?
On January 31 - February 2, 2008, APS and the American Association of Physics Teachers held a conference at the American Center for Physics to address the status and future of graduate education in physics. Topics included the graduate curriculum, preparation for non-academic careers, communication skills and professional development, TA training, ethics, comprehensive exam, departmental climate, and advising.
Report of the Joint APS-AAPT Task Force on Graduate Education in Physics
This October 2005 report (updated in June 2006) is an examination of the status of graduate education in physics with recommendations for improvement in the curricula.
Other Resources:
AIP Statistics at a Glance - Graduate Education in Physics
These reports provide current data and historic trends for enrollments and degree production in graduate physics and astronomy education at US universities including student demographics, educational experiences and post degree plans.
Professional Master's Degree Programs
AIP web site provides latest information on professional master's degree programs in physics and related fields. Mastering Physics for Non-Academic Careers (January 2001) identifies characteristics that distinguish a professional master's degree program from a more traditional, academic master's degree program.
Re-Envisioning the Ph.D.
New developments in re-envisioning the Ph.D. to meet the needs of the society of the 21st Century.
Association of American Universities Committee: Graduate Education Report and Recommendations, Oct. 1998
Evaluation of conduct of graduate education among member campuses.
Reshaping Graduate Education of Scientists & Engineers, National Academy of Sciences, June 1995
Recommendations for revitalizing the doctoral program to respond to changing forces both within and outside the academic setting.
American Astronomical Society's Examination of Graduate Education in Astronomy
National Science Foundation, Graduate Research Fellowships
The Graduate Research Fellowships provide three years of support for graduate study leading to a research-based master’s or doctoral degrees. For students at the early stages of their graduate study.
Graduate Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology Education, NISE
National Institute for Science Education (NISE) examines forces at play on graduate education and the innovative responses to these forces.
Planning for Graduate Studies in Physics and Related Fields
Written for students considering graduate work in physics, astronomy, biophysics, and applied physics. Information on how to decide whether to pursue a graduate degree and how to prepare while still an undergraduate. American Association of Physics Teachers, 2002.
