Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree preferably with a major in physics The Graduate Record Examination GRE including the advanced test in physics is recommended but not required To be accepted as a graduate degree candidate applicants should have maintained an average of approximately B 3.0-4.0 scale in their undergraduate work Applicants with undergraduate averages below this level but not less than 20 may be admitted by submitting other evidence of academic potential ie satisfactory performance in postbaccalaureate work professional experience as evidenced by publications or letters of recommendation andor high test scores

A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better in the undergraduate career that can be confirmed with official transcripts from the institution.
TOEFL IBT -
An overall score of 80 or above 82 for teaching assistantship consideration AND
Minimum scores in the following areas -
Reading 19
Writing 18
Listening 17
Speaking 18 the suggested minimum speaking score for a teaching assistantship is 20.
If you are below the minimum in one area by two points or in two areas by one point but have an overall score of 80 or above the Dean will make a determination if you can be considered.
IELTS -
International English Language Testing System IELTS All scores must be sent directly to URI Required minimum score of 6.5 AND minimum scores in the following areas -
Reading 6.5
Writing 6.5
Listening 6.5
Speaking 6.5. The suggested minimum speaking score for a teaching assistantship is 7.
The minimum score on the Paper-based TOEFL is 550.

Pearson Test of English - Required minimum scores are Reading 53 Writing 59 Listening 47 and Speaking 47 - 62 for international teaching assistants.


Recommendation letters

There is no set format for recommendation letters which can either be submitted online or sent to the Department either by the applicant in sealed and signed envelopes or directly by the letters author