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

TOEFL requirements: The TOEFL exam is required for students from non-English speaking countries: PBT score: 600; iBT score: 100; IELTS overall band score: 7 (these 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.

Our department provides an excellent environment to pursue M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Physics or Multidisciplinary Science. Our diverse faculty, assisted by our friendly and knowledgeable administrative staff, work hard every day to see our graduate students succeed. We take pride in the academic and professional accomplishments of our students and alumni.

The department recognizes the importance of the students’ perspective. We value discussions with the representatives of the Physics graduate students and the Society of Physics Students.

The Rensselaer Society of Physics Students is an on-campus organization that caters to both undergraduate and graduate students with an interest in physics. As an organization, we serve students both academically and socially. We provide students with information about unique opportunities to further themselves academically and professionally both during and after their time at Rensselaer via talks from guest speakers and advice from current students, alumni, and professors. We also enable students to network with other students interested in physics, allowing them to discuss physics problems, build demonstrative apparatus, and play with liquid nitrogen.

Women in Physics, a community of women who seek to support each other through mentoring, workshops, and community building events. Women in Physics was started to give a voice to underrepresented groups in physics. Working to support women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ community pursuing careers in science and technology, WiP does outreach educating students about imposter syndrome and building confidence in the lab and the classroom.

Beyond the classrooms and laboratories, students and faculty socialize at numerous picnics and activities throughout the year.