Fisk-Vanderbilt Masters-to-PhD Bridge Program in Physics
The Fisk-Vanderbilt Masters-to-PhD Bridge program is designed to allow Fisk Master’s students transition into PhD programs in physics, astronomy or materials science at Vanderbilt. The program, which usually requires 2 years, is flexible and is individualized to the goals and needs of each student. Courses are selected to address gaps in undergraduate preparation, as are research experiences that allow students to develop and demonstrate their full scientific talent and potential. The program provides:
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full access to courses at both Fisk and Vanderbilt
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research performed with Fisk and Vanderbilt faculty
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a nurturing, friendly academic environment and a warm social network w/other Bridge students/postdocs/faculty
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full funding support, tuition waiver, stipend, and health insurance.
Curriculum Guidelines for Fisk-Vanderbilt Masters-to-PhD Program in Physics, Materials Science, or Astronomy
- Have Spring Thesis Committee Meeting- this meeting should lead to ‘permission to prepare MA thesis’ documentation.
Physics/Materials Science Requirements
First Year, Fall Semester (10.5 credits)
- PHYS 583: Journal Club
- Choose Faculty Research Mentor
First Year, Spring Semester (10.5 credits)
- VPHYS 8020 and VPHYS 8030: Based on performance in Fisk-prepared pretest
- PHYS 584: Journal Club
- Establish Advisory Committee
- Have first meeting of Thesis Committee by Mar 1
Second Year, Fall Semester (9 credits)
- PHYS Electives (as recommended by advisor): Fisk 400 and 500 series
- PHYS 583: Journal Club, encouraged but not required
- PHYS 591: These three count toward 30 hours required for graduation
Second Year, Spring Semester (9 credits)
| PHYS | Electives (as recommended by advisor) | |
| | Or | |
| PHYS 581 | Special Topics Independent Study (Experiments) | 2-4 |
| | | |
| PHYS 599 | Masters Thesis Preparation | 0 |
| PHYS 583 | Graduate Physics Seminar | 1 |
- PHYS Electives (as recommended by advisor): Fisk 400 and 500 series
- PHYS 599: Hours for Thesis Prep do not count toward 30 hours required for graduation
- PHYS 583: Journal Club- encouraged but not required
Physics/Astrophysics Graduate Program Requirements
First Year, Fall Semester (9.5 – 12.5 credits)
- Choose Faculty Research Mentor
First Year, Spring Semester (9.5 credits)
- VPHYS 8020: Based on performance in Fisk-prepared pretest
- PHYS 542: On advice from advisor –can be replaced with VU PHYS 8030
- Establish Advisory Committee
- Have first meeting of Thesis Committee by Mar 1st
First Year, Summer (6 credits)
Second Year, Fall Semester (9 credits)
- PHYS 583: Journal Club, encouraged but not required
- PHYS 591: Do not count toward 30 hours required for graduation
- Have Fall Meeting with Advisory Committee
Second Year, Spring Semester (3 credits)
- PHYS 583: Journal Club- encouraged but not required