All PhD students are strongly encouraged to dual enroll in the MS program, and receive a non-thesis MS in Physics along the way. The Graduate Committee has at least four Physics graduate faculty with the major professor as chair. In addition, in the Physics PhD program, an external graduate faculty from the College of Arts and Sciences must be included, and for the Engineering PhD program a graduate faculty from the Bagley College of Engineering must be included.<br>Students are required to attempt the Comprehensive Research-based Examination (CRE) within 36 months since joining the Mississippi State University Department of Physics & Astronomy PhD program. The CRE is an oral examination, accompanied by a short (4-10 pages) supplemental written document, primarily focusing on the student's capability to perform research on a topic that will lead to the successful completion of the PhD program. If a student passes, and the program of study is completed with the requisite GPA, she/he will be eligible for the non-Thesis MS degree and continuation in the PhD program. If a student fails the CRE after two attempts, she/he will be encouraged to complete the MS-Thesis-Option program (through agreement with their research advisor).