About

The Department of Physics offers graduate programs leading to an M.S. in Physics, a Ph.D in Applied Physics, and a Ph.D. in Applied Physics with Emphasis in Medical Physics.

The Department of Physics offers graduate programs leading to an M.S. in Physics, a Ph.D in Applied Physics, and a Ph.D. in Applied Physics with Emphasis in Medical Physics. The industrial practicum course is an important feature of the Ph.D. program in Applied Physics allowing students to gain first-hand experience in laboratories outside of the University. This experience directly supports our doctoral students in their efforts to connect fundamental knowledge acquired in the academic setting with real-world applications and challenges.

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Program Requirements

Admission Requirements

-Bachelor's degree in Physics or a related field with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 out of 4 (letter grade of B). If the degree is in physics, undergraduate coursework would normally include upper-level classes in classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and thermodynamics and statistical mechanics (thermal physics).

-The GRE (Graduate Record Exam) is not required at this time, but may be required again in the future. The GRE Physics Subject Test is recommended.

-3 Letters of recommendation.

-Statement of purpose. As guidance, the statement should address the following points, when relevant:
Why do you wish to study physics?
What skills or experiences particularly qualify you?
Give an example of some difficulty you have had to overcome in your studies so far.
If you have pursued extracurricular interests (e.g., music, chess) or a previous career over an extended period of time, please describe them.
If you have already contacted a professor at USF about possible research, please indicate this.
If you will already have earned a master's degree at an institution that offers a doctorate in physics, please describe the circumstances that led you to leave that institution and apply to USF. You should also ask your letter-writers to address this.

-Students from non-English speaking countries are required to demonstrate proficiency in English via the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or one of several alternatives: please read carefully the graduate school's language requirements.
GRE Requirements: Recommended
Physics GRE Requirements: Recommended
TOEFL Requirements: Required

Description of your department culture

The Department of Physics prides itself on achieving major growth in both our undergraduate and graduate student population, while maintaining an atmosphere of close personal contact between faculty and students. This is fostered by active Physics Graduate Student Committee and Society of Physics Students organizations and a vibrant Departmental Colloquium series that brings distinguished visitors to our campus.