An undergraduate degree in physics is not required for admission to or support in the MS in Physics program. Many of our most successful students have earned undergraduate degrees in other fields, usually in engineering or a closely-related science, such as mechanical engineering, mathematics, or computer science.Applicants from other disciplines should contact the Physics Program Director prior to submitting their materials to discuss the particulars of their case.
Admission to the MS in Physics program is highly selective. We typically admit fewer than 20% of applicants with support. We suggest that our applicants have a 3.0 GPA but this is not a firm requirement.
Statement of purpose: 300 - 600 words. Indicate your graduate study objectives, research interests and experience, and business or industry experience if applicable. If you are applying for a teaching or research assistantship, include any special skills or experience that would assist in assistantship decisions.
Official transcripts: from all post-secondary institutions attended (regardless if a credential is earned or not). Transcripts should show class rank if available.
Official GRE score: sent directly from ETS, copies/scans not accepted. Not required but recommended, especially for assistantship consideration.
3 letters of recommendation: from persons in the field of your academic major at the institution most recently attended or from supervisors familiar with your recent job performance.
Resume.
Official TOEFL or IELTS scores sent directly from ETS or testing agency, copies/scans not accepted. Required of any applicant who did not earn a bachelor’s degree or higher degree from an accredited academic institution in the U.S. or accepted English-speaking country. We require a minimum score of 533/200/72 (PBT/CBT/IBT) on the TOEFL or BAND 6.0 on the IELTS for entrance to any program and a minimum score of 550/213/79 (PBT/CBT/IBT) on the TOEFL or BAND 6.5 on the IELTS for consideration for a teaching assistantship. Some programs require higher minimum TOEFL or IELTS scores.