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Department of Physics and Astronomy

PROSPECTIVE GRADUATE STUDENTS

Ritter and McMasterThe 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:

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

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: The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Exam is not required for Fall 2025 admission applicants. (Note: the subject GRE in Physics is also not required.)

Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students): International students will need minimum English Proficiency Scores (see list below) in order to qualify for regular admission to the program. The University of Toledo institution code is 1845.  
  • NOTE: Test scores for TOEFL/IELTS/PTE/Duolingo cannot be older than 2 years from the first day of the term the student begins their program. In the event test scores are considered invalid and cancelled by ETS, The University of Toledo reserves the right to require submission of new test scores. Please contact the College of Graduate Studies if you have questions regarding this.
  • Information on a waiver of foreign language requirements can be found under the College of Graduate Studies page on Graduate Admission Requirements.
English Speaking/Conversational Proficiency (International Students):  A score of 22 or higher on the Speaking portion of the TOEFL iBT is required to be eligible for a teaching assistantship (TA). Equivalents for this minimum speaking/conversation score include an IELTS speaking score of 6.5, Duolingo conversation score of 120, and/or a Pearson PTE speaking score of 60.
 
Other Application Materials:  Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions, two to 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 (applications are not considered for spring semester start). The deadline* for Fall 2025 admission to the Physics and Astronomy graduate program is January 6th, 2025, and after that date applications will continue to be reviewed until all positions are filled. Admission decisions are communicated to successful applicants by April 15th.

Visiting the Department:
Domestic 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 M.S. degree including the Professional Science Masters in Photovoltaics (PSM-PV), assistantships are extremely limited and therefore unlikely. Complete information is available on our Financial Assistance page. For self-paying or employer-sponsored students, please note that a table has been compiled showing Graduate Tuition and Fees.
 
Apply for Admission!
Last Updated: 4/18/25