Ph.D. Degree Program

Course List

The Program

4-6

Years Long

9

Faculty Members

Course Delivery: In-person

UAF’s Space Physics Ph.D. program offers you an opportunity to explore the fascinating physics of upper atmospheres, ionospheres, magnetospheres and the interplanetary medium. You’ll gain deep expertise in the field through a mix of foundational and specialized courses in areas like plasma physics, auroral physics, aeronomy and magnetospheric physics. You’ll also receive hands-on training in advanced techniques like numerical simulations and time-series analysis, equipping you with the skills needed to excel in a wide range of professional roles.

Whether you’re interested in academia, research, engineering and technology development, finance, consulting, science communication or government policy, this program prepares you for a successful career at the cutting edge of space science.

Research and Faculty

The Physics Department offers a wide range of opportunities across various areas of physics, with faculty and student research focusing on a broad scope of cutting-edge topics: auroral, ionospheric, magnetospheric and space plasma physics; the physics and chemistry of the upper and middle atmosphere; radio wave propagation and scattering; solar-terrestrial relations; remote sensing; snow, ice, and permafrost; complex systems; solar physics; science education; and condensed matter physics. Join us and study among the best, where innovation and discovery are at the heart of everything we do.

Read more about UAF's ongoing research to find the right fit for your passion.

Faculty and Ongoing Research

Career Opportunities Pathways Graduates of Space Physics Ph.D. program go on to thrive in their roles as academic researchers, teachers and professors, and innovators in both the public and private sectors. Our graduate-level physics programs are designed to be both challenging and rewarding, setting you up for a successful and impactful future. As a student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, you’ll have the unique opportunity to work alongside the world-renowned Geophysical Institute, a global leader in advancing our understanding of the atmosphere, our planet and the universe beyond.

Expertise

Master your area of study and learn how to apply your knowledge in the field.

Analytics

Independently analyze a problem, identify the critical aspects and devise appropriate methods to resolve the questions that arise.

Research

Demonstrate the ability to make original contributions to your research field.

Gain access to unique research facilities like Poker Flat Research Range, HAARP and the world-renowned Geophysical Institute.

Participate in local and national conferences, such as the American Geophysical Union (AGU).

Join opportunities for community outreach in the greater Fairbanks area and throughout Alaska.

Meet Athul Jose

Ph.D. candidate in Space Physics

Athul Jose is a Ph.D. candidate in Space Physics at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, originally from India. Athul's journey towards understanding the vastness of space has been greatly enhanced by the opportunities in UAF’s Ph.D. program, which has brought him closer to achieving his goals. Currently, he is focused on building a strong foundation in core areas of space science, including electromagnetism, plasma physics and space weather phenomena. Athul is excited to continue exploring the wide-ranging facets of space physics and contribute to the advancing research in this fascinating field.

Meet Gabby Nowak

Space Physics Ph.D. student

Gabby is a space physics Ph.D. student at UAF. She earned her bachelor's degree in physics at Central Michigan University where she participated in astronomy research as an undergraduate research assistant. Her current research as a graduate student involves investigating the similarities and differences in geomagnetic observations at magnetically similar locations in both hemispheres of Earth. Outside of her studies, Gabby enjoys cross-country skiing and spending time with her dogs, Onyx and Opal.

Meet Vincent Ledvina

Space Physics Ph.D. student

Vincent is a second-year Space Physics Ph.D. student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks studying auroral beads and how to leverage optical data from aurora chasers to do scientific work. He is also a student representative on the Space Weather Advisory Group, a federal advisory committee reporting to the White House on topics related to space weather. Additionally, Vincent is partnering with the Aerospace Corporation as an intern to conduct his Ph.D. research into auroral beads, and is a Heliophysics outreach lecturer with the NASA SCoPE project. Outside of school, Vincent is an avid aurora chaser and runs aurora photography workshops in Fairbanks, Alaska. He loves the outdoors and traveling — his dream destinations are Antarctica and Svalbard.

Physics, Ph.D.

Earn an M.S. or Ph.D. degree in physics with research specialties in a variety of areas, including research conducted by the UAF Geophysical Institute.

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Interdisciplinary Studies, Ph.D.

Develop a dynamic degree that draws from multiple fields of study, all under the close guidance of UAF professors.

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Get started here with UAF’s application. All Ph.D. applications require a combination of a student’s college transcripts, resume, personal statement, GRE test scores (varies by program), letters of recommendation and possibly other requirements. Please contact the Space Physics Ph.D. program’s department directly with questions about application requirements.

Start your UAF Application