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.
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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. Some deficiencies in the undergraduate preparation while having an otherwise excellent record should not deter from applying, as these may be made up during the first year of graduate study.
See Ohio University Graduate Admission 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.
- International Students: See information for prospective international students.
- English Language Proficiency Requirements: The Physics and Astronomy Department has English proficiency requirements that are higher than the minimum university requirements. The minimum scores for Physics and Astronomy are TOEFL are 95 (iBT) or 590 (PBT); for the IELTS a minimum score of 7 across all bands is required. Please review information about Ohio University’s English Language Proficiency requirements.
A completed online application includes
- 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. Note: The application fee waiver can be considered for applications to the Ph.D. program that satisfy a GPA greater than 3.5 and the minimum English proficiency requirements (see above) and submitted on or before Dec. 13, 2024. Send inquiries about the application fee waiver to physicsgradapps@ohio.edu.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three (3) letters of recommendation written on recommender's original letterhead stationery. The online application provides a place to list contact information for each recommender (name, organization, position/title, relationship to applicant, telephone, and email address). Recommendations should come from the recommender’s professional or business email account rather than a personal email account (e.g., John.Doe@StateU.edu, not JNDoe9952@gmail.com). Please check with your intended recommenders before listing them on your application to confirm their willingness to provide a recommendation on your behalf.
- Resume or CV.
- Statement of Purpose.