Graduate Programs

The Physics master's program is suitable as both a means for professional development and preparation for further graduate study.

The program offers enough flexibility to allow for completion of the degree in two, three, or four semesters of full-time enrollment, depending on a student's background. The program may also be completed with part-time enrollment over a longer period.

    Application Information

    Applicants are expected to have a strong background in physics or closely related subjects at the undergraduate level.

    If you have any questions regarding the application process for this program, please emailĀ masters_admissions@brown.edu.

    Application Requirements

    GRE Subject:

    Not required

    GRE General:

    Not required

    TOEFL/IELTS:

    Required for any non-native English speaker who does not have a degree from an institution where English is the sole language of instruction or from a University in the following countries: Australia, Bahamas, Botswana, Cameroon, Canada (except Quebec), Ethiopia, Ghana, Ireland, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, New Zealand, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Swaziland, Tanzania, Gambia, Uganda, United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales), West Indies, Zambia).

    The TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition and the IELTS Indicator exam are accepted.

    Students from mainland China may submit the TOEFL ITP Plus exam.

    Official Transcripts:

    Required. All applicants may upload unofficial transcripts for application submission. Official transcripts are ONLY required for enrolling students before class start. An international transcript evaluation (WES, ECE, or SpanTran) is required for degrees from non-U.S. institutions before enrollment.

    Letters of Recommendations:

    Three (3) recommendations required

    Personal Statement:

    1000-1500 word personal statement that gives your reasons to pursue graduate work in the field of your study. The statement should include examples of your past work in your chosen field, your plans for study at Brown, issues and problems you'd like to address in your field and your professional goals.

    Resume/CV:

    Required

    Dates/Deadlines

    Application Deadline

    5th Year Deadline

    Tuition and Funding

    Graduate Tuition & Fees: Please visit the Student Financial Services Office for up-to-date tuition rates.

    Completion Requirements

    A total of 8 credits, or courses, at the 2000 level form the main requirement for a ScM degree in Physics, including completion of a Master's thesis.

    Of the eight required courses, four will be selected from the six core courses of the PhD program. Preparation of a Master's thesis is highly recommended as it forms an important pillar of the professional training. Therefore, up to two of the eight courses may be Thesis Preparation. With approval of the program director, up to two credits may be 2000 level courses offered by another department.

    Alumni Careers

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    Leadership

    Department Chair
    Vesna Mitrovic
    Director of Graduate Studies
    Jay Tang

    Contact and Location

    Department of Physics

    Mailing Address

    Brown University
    Box 1843
    Visit the Department of Physics

    Resources