Physics & Astronomy Graduate Admissions

The Admissions Committee in the Physics & Astronomy Department looks for candidates with an aptitude for and active interest in scientific inquiry.

• Deadlines
• Requirements

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Admissions Deadlines

Applications received by Jan. 15 are given full consideration and the majority of offers are made by April 15. Most students enter the physics program in the fall, although some add the preceding summer session. Entry during the academic year is possible under exceptional circumstances. For all details concerning the graduate program, contact the Chair of the Graduate Admissions Committee (physicsgradapps@ohio.edu).

Admissions Requirements

Students entering this program are normally expected to have successfully concluded undergraduate work in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics. They should also possess a working knowledge of mathematics including calculus, ordinary differential equations, Fourier series, vector analysis, and basic elements of partial differential equations. The Verbal and Quantitative GRE General Tests are optional. The Physics GRE Subject Test is optional. Deficiencies of undergraduate preparation should not deter a prospective student with an otherwise good record, as these may be made up during the first year of graduate study.

See Ohio University Minimum Graduate Requirements. Applicants are responsible for reading and understanding the admission policies and procedures in the Graduate Catalog.

• Bachelor's degree from government recognized/accredited U.S. institutions or equivalent. Applicants are not required to hold a U.S. master's-equivalent degree for admission.
• Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA): Successful candidates are students who have excelled academically. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 or equivalent is required.
• Recommended Coursework: Students entering this degree program normally are expected to have successfully concluded undergraduate work in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics, and should also possess a working knowledge of mathematics including calculus, ordinary differential equations, Fourier series, vector analysis, and the elements of partial differential equations.
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE): The Verbal and Quantitative GRE General Tests are optional. The Physics GRE Subject Test is optional. To be considered official, test scores must be reported directly from the testing agency to Ohio University.

A complete student application package consists of the following:

• A completed online application form.
• Transcripts: Official transcripts from all college-level institutions that you attended, even if you did not receive a degree.

The application fee is $50 for domestic applicants and $55 for international applicants.

International Applicants must also provide the following: Official, final diploma and/or certificate in native language with English translation. In order to be considered official, both the original language and English language documents must be certified or attested (stamped and signed) by the Registrar (or equivalent office) of the degree granting institution(s). (Applicants from India are required to send all of their mark sheets received at the end of each semester or annual examination, certified either by the Principal of the College attended or the Registrar of the degree granting university. The consolidated transcript generated at the end of the program is not considered sufficient by itself).

• Letters of Recommendation: Three (3) letters of recommendation written on recommender's original letterhead stationery and accompanied by completed Ohio University Recommendation Forms.
• International Students: All non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting official test scores for either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS academic). To be considered official, test scores must be reported directly from the testing agency to Ohio University's Graduate College. The Ohio University institution code for the TOEFL is 1593. Minimum scores: TOEFL 95 (iBT), 590 (paper-based); IELTS 7 minimum across all bands.
• Resume or CV.
• Statement of Purpose.