The Physics grad handbook is updated every year with departmental updates and any policy changes implemented by the Program or the Graduate School. Students are held to the terms of the handbook that is in effect when they matriculate, unless changes in University, Graduate School, or Program policy require otherwise. The full details of the program requirements can be found in the GUIDE.
Please note – this handbook is associated with the PhD-Physics, MS-Physics (Research), and MA-Physics programs. Please visit the MS Quantum Computing website for the handbook associated with the MS-Physics (Quantum Computing) program.
Graduate Student Handbooks
- Graduate Student Handbook — v. 2025-26 — published August 2025
- Graduate Student Handbook — v. 2024-25 — published February 2025
- Click here to visit the pre-2024 handbook
Satisfactory Progress Policy
- Satisfactory Progress Policy – in effect for all students entering the PhD in or after Summer 2024
- Pre-2024 Satisfactory Progress policy – Applies to students enrolled prior to Summer 2024. These students will be evaluated under the new policy in Fall 2026.
Please direct comments, edits or questions to Sharon Kahn, Graduate Program Manager and/or Keith Bechtol, Associate Chair, Graduate Program
Please see the following link for information on UW Graduate School Policies and Procedures: https://grad.wisc.edu/academic-policies/