Abstract
The University of Mississippi provides a unique opportunity to study physical acoustics in two departments: the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Department of Mechanical Engineering. It is one of the few universities in the United States where students can pursue PhD and MS degrees in Physics with a focus on physical acoustics research. The National Center of Physical Acoustics (NCPA) is an 85 000 square foot standalone facility that houses many laboratories on the campus of the University of Mississippi solely dedicated to the physics and engineering applications of acoustics over the entire frequency range, from infrasound to ultrasound. Students can study a wide range of topics including the atmosphere, ocean, weather, jet noise, porous media, acoustic metamaterials, ultrasonic properties of materials, nondestructive testing, and fluid dynamics. Our alumni work in academia, national labs, industry, and the medical field among other occupations. The University of Mississippi is a PhD granting institution with an R1 Carnegie designation placing it among schools with the highest level of research activity. It is located in Oxford, MS, a cultural mecca of the southern United States, home to William Faulkner (one of the most celebrated American authors), many artistic festivals and sporting events.