Scientific research is increasingly interdisciplinary, with the most exciting discoveries emerging along the boundaries and intersections of traditional fields. Housed within the Institute for Physical Science and Technology (IPST) - an institute created to enhance collaboration across scientific fields - the Chemical Physics program offers its graduate students rigorous academic training, unmatched research opportunities, and preparation for careers at the cutting edge of both physics and chemistry.
The Chemical Physics program offers Ph.D. and M.S. (en route to Ph.D.) degrees and is open to students with undergraduate backgrounds in physics, chemistry, or related fields such as mathematics or engineering, provided they have a solid grounding in both physics and chemistry.
Our research areas are vast and ever-evolving, including:
- Atmospheric and Space Sciences
- Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Science
- Condensed Matter
- Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
- Nano, Molecular, and Quantum Materials
- Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos
- Quantum Information Science and Technology
- Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics
- And more, including Plasma Dynamics and Nuclear Science
Our students carry out their dissertation research with faculty from across the University's many departments, institutes, and centers, including:
- Department of Physics
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
- Department of Mathematics
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Department of Atmospheric & Oceanic Science
- Institute for Physical Science & Technology (IPST)
- Joint Quantum Institute (JQI)
- Joint Center for Quantum Information & Computer Science (QuICS)
- Quantum Technology Center (QTC)
- Quantum Materials Center (QMC)
- Institute for Health Computing (IHC)
- Institute for Research in Electronics & Applied Physics (IREAP)
Additionally, students have the opportunity to pursue research with scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) or the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under the joint supervision of University of Maryland faculty.
Join us and be part of a program where the spirit of discovery is woven into every aspect of your graduate experience!