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The UMD Physics Department is ranked #14 among national physics graduate programs by the US News & World Report. With over 70 full-time faculty and 220 graduate students, we boast one of the largest physics departments in the nation. Our faculty members are involved in research in more than 30 areas of physics, including some of today’s most cutting-edge topics. All of our graduate students are supported through graduate assistantships, fellowships, or grants, largely provided by our department as well as through external fellowships, such as NSF.  Our flexible Ph.D. program allows students to tailor their coursework and get involved in research that suits their interests. 

Check here for answers to frequently asked questions.

We do not have a GradSchoolShopper listing because we feel we can provide clearer information about our graduate program on this web site.
 
Note that UMD also has Ph.D. programs in Astronomy, Biophysics, and Chemical Physics. Although these share a number of faculty members and research labs with Physics (for instance, students in either the Physics or the Biophysics program may do biophysics research), they have separate applications and academic program elements. Also note that the University of Maryland - Baltimore County (UMBC) is a completely independent university.
 

How to Apply

Applications to the Physics Graduate Program are submitted through the University of Maryland’s Graduate School.

Start by checking the Physics Admissions Requirements. When you are ready to begin the application, go to the ApplyYourself site to create an application account. You can save a partially completed application and return to the ApplyYourself site later to complete and submit it. The submission deadline is December 15.

As required by the Graduate School, all application materials are to be submitted electronically:

  • Graduate application
  • Transcript(s)
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
    • General GRE scores
    • Physics GRE score
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores (for international students only – see detailed requirementsdetailed requirements)
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letters of Recommendation (3)
  • Physics Supplementary Application
  • Non-refundable application fee ($75)

Completed applications are reviewed by an admissions committee composed of physics faculty members. The recommendations of the committee are submitted to the Dean of the Graduate School, who will make the final admission decision. 

Information for International Applicants

The University of Maryland is dedicated to maintaining a vibrant international graduate student community. The office of International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS) is a valuable resource for current and prospective international students. International applicants are encouraged to explore the services they offer and contact them with related questions.

The University of Maryland Graduate School offers admission to international students based on academic information; it is not a guarantee of attendance. Admitted international students will receive instructions about obtaining the appropriate visa to study at the University of Maryland, which will require submission of additional documents. Please see the ISSS Graduate Admissions information page for more information. 

Open House

Students offered admission will be contacted about the Open House and other visit opportunities.

Contact

Applicants are encouraged to contact the online application system helpdesk for any technical issues with the application. For general questions related to the admissions process, prospective students may contact the Graduate School. For questions about the Physics graduate program, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For answers to more questions, view our Graduate Student FAQ. 

All application documents and credentials are subject to review.