PROSPECTIVE GRADUATE STUDENTS

Ritter and McMaster The University of Toledo graduate programs in the Department of Physics and Astronomy aim to develop exceptional personal and professional scientific skills, and engage students in cutting edge research with a world-class faculty, all within a supportive and creative learning environment.

Degrees Offered:

Ph.D. in Physics with specializations in:

- Astrophysics and Astronomy
- Atomic Physics
- Biophysics and Medical Physics
- Condensed Matter, Materials Sciences and Photovoltaics
- Photonics & Non-Linear Optics
Professional Science Master’s in Photovoltaics (PSM-PV)
M.S. in Physics Degree Requirements (thesis-based)
M.S. in Physics Degree Requirements (coursework intensive)
M.S. on way to Ph.D.

Master of Science (M.S)
Master of Science in Physics - Materials Science Option

Graduate Degree Program Summaries (PDF documents):

Department Highlights:

Requirements for Admission

Bachelor's Degree and GPA: The requirements for admission to the graduate program consist of a bachelor's degree in physics or a related field with a grade point average of 2.7 or better on a 4-point scale.

Graduate Record Examination: Due to Covid-19, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Exam is not required for Fall 2023. (Note: the subject GRE in Physics is not required.)

Test of English as a Foreign Language (International Students): International students must present a score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT of ≥80 (iBT strongly preferred) in order to qualify for regular admission to the program. An iBT score of 22 or higher on the Speaking portion is required to be eligible for a teaching assistantship (TA).

Other Application Materials: Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions, three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and resume/curriculum-vitae are required.

Full admission guidelines can be found at the College of Graduate Studies (see Main Campus applicants).

Application Deadline:

Normally, students start their graduate program with Fall semester. The deadline for Fall admission to the Physics and Astronomy graduate program is January 5th. However, applications will continue to be reviewed until all positions are filled. Admission decisions are communicated to successful applicants by April 15th. Students interested in applying for admission to start Spring semester should contact the Graduate Admission committee chair (see contact info here).

Visiting the Department:

Students receiving an admission offer will have an opportunity to visit our department during one of our Open House events scheduled typically during March. During your visit, you’ll become familiar with the University, our research facilities, our faculty, the Toledo area, and also with our current graduate students. Visits during other times of year are also possible and should be coordinated through the department.

Financial Assistance

Successful applicants to our Ph.D. program typically receive an offer of admission including an assistantship and tuition waiver. For some programs, such as the PSM-Photovoltaics, assistantships are limited and therefore very competitive. In addition, the Department offers a limited number of Stipend Enhancement awards to highly-qualified applicants to either doctoral or masters level programs. Complete information is available on our Financial Assistance page.

Step 1: Pre-Application Form

Step 2: Apply for Admission