Overview
Research Opportunities Abound in Wake Forest University's Department of Physics, Which Has State-of-the-Art Facilities
Graduate students at Wake Forest take advantage of several research opportunities on campus when not in class or conducting experiments related to a specific course. Choices in fields of research within the Department of Physics include: biophysics; condensed matter; nanotechnology, nanophysics; gravitation, field theory, particle physics; optical and laser physics; computational physics; and physics of medicine. Many campus researchers are featured in peer-reviewed journals and other respected publications in the field of physics.
All graduate students in the Department of Physics, regardless of whether they are pursuing a Ph.D. or M.S. degree, conduct their own research pertinent to their field of study, in accord with their thesis and dissertation.
Physics professionals the world over are repeatedly impressed by the facilities utilized on the campus of Wake Forest, which also offers state-of-the-art equipment for graduate students to further their studies. The Olin Physical Laboratory is used for both teaching and research in the graduate program, and provides several areas ideal for individual study times. The Center for Nanotechnology and Molecular Materials is the newest addition to the campus's research facilities, and features over 6,000 square feet of space used by students, the local community, and industrial partners.
The Center for Structural Biology offers physics students the benefits associated with an X-ray diffraction laboratory, biomolecular computing and graphics facility, biomolecular resource facility, and protein NMR and mass spectrometry equipment. Any student requiring vast amounts of computation for their research will become familiar with the DEAC Linux cluster computer network that is also used for teaching purposes. Irradiation equipment, low-temperature studies and a spectrometer are all found within the department's EPR laboratory.
Admission to the Graduate Program Offers Students Several Financial Aid, Scholarship, and Fellowship Opportunities
In order to apply for WFU's graduate program in physics, a student may use the online portal to submit both the application and associated fee. Every application must include three letters of reference, official transcripts, GRE scores, and TOEFL results for international students.
When graduate students are admitted, they are automatically considered for financial aid opportunities. Scholarships such as the Ledford Scholarship, as well as external fellowship and teaching assistantship opportunities all work to increase the credits students earn toward their degrees and reduce the amounts they are fiscally responsible for.
Interdisciplinary Research, Close Relationships with Faculty and Special Graduate Degree Programs Invite Students to WFU
WFU has been ranked highly by various reviewers for high graduation rates, notable achievements by alumni, interdisciplinary research opportunities and accomplishments, and the ability of students to work closely with the faculty. Several special programs within the Department of Physics allow Ph.D. and M.S. candidates the opportunity to take advantage of these impressive characteristics.
A degree in structural and computational biophysics is made available to both Ph.D. and M.S. students looking for a more specialized study area. Perhaps the most cutting-edge special study program is medical physics, which allows students to collaborate with and work under faculty from the School of Medicine. Currently, students and faculty involved in this program are studying motion compensation technology for cardiac MRIs.
Finally, the fastest-growing area of physics, computational physics, offers students a unique opportunity to pursue a joint degree with a Master of Science in Computer Science (MS) and a Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD). This option is available to students whose research involves extensive computational tasks, so they can earn credit for this expertise learned during their studies.
Wake Forest University Offers a Premium Liberal Arts Education with an Emphasis on Research in the Town of Winston-Salem
Wake Forest University is a small liberal arts college located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and is known for small faculty-student ratios combined with stellar research programs. Student life on campus frequently centers on the NCAA Division I varsity sports teams with the mascot known as the Demon Deacons.
When not cheering their teams on, students will frequently take advantage of the evening shuttle service from campus to downtown Winston-Salem. Here, it's quite easy to see a movie, catch a play or live music performance, go shopping, or enjoy a meal at one of the many area restaurants.
Outside of town, the many natural wonders of North Carolina abound. A two-hour drive brings students to the Blue Ridge Mountain range, where ski resorts cater to weekend guests all winter long. Summer months present a unique opportunity to explore the beaches of both South and North Carolina, located only four hours away from WFU.
