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.
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.
Student Focus Areas
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.
Student Opportunities
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.
Related Majors
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.
Interdisciplinary Studies, Ph.D.
Develop a dynamic degree that draws from multiple fields of study, all under the close guidance of UAF professors.
Ready to apply to the Space Physics Ph.D. program?
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.
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