Application Process

The Graduate School will have the most up-to-date information about application deadlines. You can always contact the Graduate Program Coordinator for more information.

Requirements for Admission

Admission to the graduate program is based on evidence of intellectual accomplishment and commitment, as well as strong communication and interpersonal skills. Students must have bachelor's degree in physics or a related field with a minimum GPA of 3.0 to enter the graduate program. The general Graduate Record Exam is required, and the Physics Subject GRE is normally required.

Students from non-English speaking countries must demonstrate proficiency in English by taking the TOEFL or IELTS exam. The minimum required TOEFL score is 600 (paper) or 100 (iBT). For the IELTS, the minimum required score is 7.5. Note that these requirements are stricter than those of the graduate school because of the industrial apprenticeship requirement. GRE scores are valid for 5 years from the date of the test, while TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for 2 years from the date of the test.

Applications

Prospective students should complete the Graduate School application procedures. A completed application consists of an application form, application fee, and the following credentials: (Note: The Graduate School will not accept any credentials via email or fax)

1. Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
2. GRE Physics Subject test
3. Official transcripts from all institutions attended after high school
4. Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
5. Three letters of recommendation
6. Academic statement of purpose
7. TOEFL or IELTS score

Letters of Recommendation:
Since grades and test scores don't tell the whole story, it is important to carefully select the people who will write your letters of recommendation. Choose people who are in a position to assess your capacity for research and who have known you for an extended period, like a professor or research advisor. It is better to choose someone who knows you well than someone more famous who knows you worse.

Academic Statement of Purpose:
The statement of purpose should be typed and one to two pages long. It should describe your background as it relates to your interest in pursuing graduate studies in the physics program at Georgetown. For example, you could mention academics, research and work experience, and community contributions. Your statement should also cover your academic and professional goals, how the physics program will help you achieve those goals, your talents and abilities, and your commitment to graduate studies at the time of application. If you are applying to the Industrial Leadership in Physics program, your statement of purpose must address your specific interest in the ILP program.

TOEFL and IELTS scores:
For applicants whose native language is not English, certification of English language proficiency is required via TOEFL or IELTS. The minimum TOEFL score is 600 for the paper version or 100 for the internet version. The minimum IELTS score is 7.5.

Transfer Students:
We welcome applications for the Ph.D. degree from students who already hold Master's degrees. Particular programs of study for transfer students will be determined on a case-by-case basis.