Master's:
The requirements for the Master of Science degree include 30 semester hours of coursework, a thesis, and an oral comprehensive examination.

Doctorate:
The requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy include 60 semester hours of advanced coursework (or 30 semester hours beyond the Master's), a written examination for admission to candidacy, a written and oral research proposal/comprehensive exam, and a dissertation. Two consecutive semesters of full-time enrollment for residency are also required.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy no longer requires the GRE for admission consideration.

For international students, the USC Graduate School is currently accepting the following English Proficiency Exams and minimum scores:
TOEFL: 80 for internet-based tests
IELTS International Academic Course Type 2: 6.5
PTE Academic: 53
Duolingo: 120

The USC Department of Physics and Astronomy is known for the global impact our students, faculty, and alumni make with their research and cutting-edge international collaborations. We have ample hands-on research opportunities for all of our students.

Whether you’re studying subatomic particles or unraveling the mysteries of the galaxy, you'll engage in every aspect of cutting-edge research in local groups and in leading international collaborations at exceptional facilities on and off campus. You'll regularly meet with an advisement or doctoral committee who’ll support your progress toward your degree, which, combined with immersive in-classroom instruction, will set you up for a successful career.

In addition to the department's weekly colloquium series, we have held several public lectures with speakers including Nobel Laureates, chief scientists, and best-selling authors. These lectures are presented at a level designed for a general audience and feature both popular and recent topics in physics and astronomy.