Work alongside award-winning faculty while earning an M.S. or Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, or Astronomy.  Conduct research tackling fundamental and applied research problems in fields ranging from from Astronomy & Astrophysics, Biological Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, Optical Physics to Particle Physics. All incoming Ph.D. students are fully supported by TA positions. Outstanding students are automatically considered for the university-supported Rensselaer Graduate Fellowship Awards. For additional information or if you have any questions, please email gradphysics@rpi.edu.

Admission Requirements

Physics graduate program admission requirements.

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

Bachelor’s degree requirements: Bachelor’s degree is required with courses and grades demonstrating ability and preparation adequate for graduate study in Physics. Remedial courses available as needed.

Minimum undergraduate GPA: 3.2

 

GRE General Test requirements

The GRE General is optional for Spring and Fall 2024 admissions.

 

GRE Subject test requirements

The GRE Physics is optional for Spring and Fall 2024 admissions.

 

TOEFL requirements

The TOEFL exam is required for students from non-English speaking countries.

PBT score: 600

iBT score: 100

The above are the suggested minimum.

 

Other admissions information

Undergraduate preparation assumed: Students are normally expected to have taken intermediate-level courses in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum physics, statistical mechanics, and experimental physics. Typical texts are Marion and Thornton, Griffiths, Brehm and Mullin, Stowe, and Liboff.  However, students may take a limited number of remedial courses after enrollment where inadequate preparation has been available, but where other courses and grade records indicate adequate ability.

Ph.D in Physics

Conduct both fundamental and applied research, in collaboration with researchers from other departments, other universities, industry, or the national laboratories.

M.S. in Physics

Concentrate your studies in a particular area in conjuction with a sound foundation in Physics.

M.S. in Astronomy

Astronomy and related fields are at the forefront of science and technology.