Graduate

Admissions

Program Brochure

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).

  • 3 Letters of recommendation.

  • Statement of purpose. As guidance, the statement should address the following points, when relevant:
    1. Why do you wish to study physics?
    2. What skills or experiences particularly qualify you?
    3. Give an example of some difficulty you have had to overcome in your studies so far.
    4. If you have pursued extracurricular interests (e.g., music, chess) or a previous career over an extended period of time, please describe them.
    5. If you have already contacted a professor at USF about possible research, please indicate this.
    6. 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.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND CHECKLIST

  1. Submit the Office of Admissions Graduate Admission Application for the University of South Florida. During this process, you will be asked to pay a one-time application fee of $30.00 by credit card (Master Card, Visa, or Discover) or e-check. Application fee can NOT be waived.

  2. Once you have paid the application fee and have a U-number, complete the Department of Physics Graduate Admission Application. In case of any difficulty, please contact us:

    Joseph "Mike" Fischer III, Academic Program Specialist
    Department of Physics, ISA 2019
    University of South Florida
    4202 East Fowler Avenue
    Tampa, FL 33620-7100
    Email

  3. If admitted, ask your previous academic institutions (undergraduate or master's level, including Diploma, Laurea, etc.), to mail official transcripts to the department address above.

  4. If English is not your first language, ask for TOEFL scores or other documentation (see above under Admission Requirements) to be sent to USF. If you are applying for financial assistance check the language requirement for international teaching assistants.

  5. African American or Hispanic U.S. citizen applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for McKnight Doctoral Fellowships.

  6. Financial assistance for PhD in Applied Physics with emphasis on Medical Physics is very competitive. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for external funding.

ADMISSIONS INFORMATION

APPLICATION DEADLINES 

Admissions Period Fellowship Deadlines** Priority Deadlines*
Fall Admissions December 1 February 1
Spring Admissions NA September 1

* Priority Deadline is the deadline to be considered for financial assistance
** Fellowship Deadline is the deadline to be considered for USF merit-based  fellowships which could provide higher level of support.

Student Testimonials

Noah Schulz

Ph.D. Candidate, Applied Physics

"My research here at USF focuses on studying the interfacial magnetism and graphene-based structures. "

Tempitope Adeoye

Ph.D. Candidate, Applied Physics

"As a result of the research here, we hope to be able to identify the genetic markers that are responsible for Alzehimer's progression."

Nalaka Kapuruge

Ph.D. Candidate, Applied Physics

"My Ph.D. thesis focuses on synthesizing two-dimensional thin films and enhancing their magnetic properties. The faculty support and resources we have here really make a difference."