Physics

University Admission Requirements

A student applying to this program must:

• Have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so by the time of program matriculation.
• Submit unofficial transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. The unofficial transcript should be easily readable and clearly indicate degree(s) awarded, courses and course grades for each term.
• If admitted, official domestic transcripts can be emailed from the university to GraduateAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, Graduate School, 208 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 4040, Normal, IL 61790-4040.
• If admitted, official international transcripts can be emailed directly from the international institution to InternationalAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, International Admissions, Campus Box 6180, Normal, IL 61790-6180.

International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the Graduate School Admission Requirements.

Additional Program Admission Requirements

To be considered for this program, you must meet the following requirements.

• A student admitted in the program must have a cumulative GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale for either the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework or any previous work in a master’s program. For admission without deficiencies, applicants need to have successfully completed college courses in:
  • Electricity and magnetism
  • Quantum mechanics
  • Classical mechanics
  • Thermal physics
  • Advanced Mathematics

The Grade Point Average (GPA) of all undergraduate credentials earned in the United States that are used for graduate degree admission evaluation is calculated by the last 60 hours of undergraduate work. International credentials are evaluated by using cumulative GPA (CGPA) in lieu of the GPA from the last 60 hours of undergraduate work.

Students who do not meet these coursework requirements can still be admitted into the program but will have to take additional classes. The responsibility for determining academic deficiencies rests with the Graduate Committee.

Personal Statement

Submit a personal statement (300-600 words) explaining your accomplishments, reasons for pursing graduate work in physics, and your career objectives. Please include research, related work experiences, and any special points about your preparation for graduate work that are important for us to know. Please articulate possible research interests in the context of ongoing work in the Department of Physics (see: Faculty Research)

Letters of Recommendation

Submit the names and email addresses of two references for letters who can comment on your ability to pursue graduate work in physics.

GRE

GRE general test scores are taken into consideration, but not required, for admission. Applicants can use Illinois State University's institutional code 1319 to submit their test scores.

International Students

International students applying to the Master’s in Physics must have a TOEFL score of at least 100 iBT, IELTS score of 7.0 band, or Duolingo score of 120.

Application Deadlines

• Fall (August) Term — Priority Deadline: February 15, 2025, Final Deadline: April 1, 2025 - Application review will begin on February 16, and students are strongly encouraged to apply by the priority deadline.
• Spring (January) Term — Coordinator Approval Only

Apply Now