M.S. and Ph.D. Programs

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WPI physics graduate program prepares students for careers in research that require a high degree of initiative and responsibility. Prospective employers are industrial laboratories, government or non-profit research centers, as well as colleges or universities.

WPI’s physics courses are generally scheduled during the mornings but with sufficient flexibility to accommodate part-time students. Special topics courses in areas of faculty research interest are often available. To improve the course offerings and opportunities for graduate students, the Departments of Physics at WPI and Clark University share their graduate courses. Please visit the Clark University Physics Department web pages for more information on their offerings.

Contents

Physics Graduate Handbook

How to apply

There is no deadline for applications, we have rolling admissions, however, so that you should submit your application as soon as possible to improve your chances.

Entry Requirements

B.S. in physics preferred. However, applicants with comparable backgrounds will also be considered.

There is no minimum score requirements for GRE or GRE/sub.

Minimum TOEFL Scores

To be considered for a TA

  • Internet-Based 100
  • Computer-Based 250
  • Paper-Based 600-603

Separately, if you don't wish to be considered for a TA, then the requirement imposed by WPI are:

  • Internet-Based 79-80
  • Computer-Based 213
  • Paper-Based 550

Teaching and Research Assistantships

For students seeking a Ph.D., we offer financial support in the forms of teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships. Other options for financing your graduate study can be found on the Graduate Studies & Enrollment Web site.

  • Teaching Assistantships: A 9 month appointment at $15,000 through the department. For more information, see Teaching Assistantships.
  • Research Assistantships: Usually a 11 - 12 month appointment for $20,000 - $22,000 with the Principle Investigator.
  • Fellowships: A wide variety available and individually applied.

Degree Requirements

For the M.S.

The M.S. degree in physics requires 30 semester hours of credit: 6 or more in thesis or directed research with the remainder in approved courses and independent studies, to include PH 511, PH 514, PH 515, PH 522 and PH 533 (15 semester hours). The thesis option requires the completion and defense of a M.S. thesis as well as a seminar presentation based on the thesis research. The seminar and defense may be done in conjunction. The non-thesis option requires a satisfactory performance on the Qualifying Examination.

For the Ph.D.

The doctor of philosophy degree requires 90 credit hours, including 42 in approved courses or directed study (which must include PH 511, PH 514-515, PH 522 and PH 533, or their equivalents), 30 of dissertation research, and completion and defense of a Ph.D. thesis. Courses taken to satisfy M.S. degree requirements may be counted against the required 42 credits of courses, but completion of a M.S. degree is not required.

One year of residency and passage of a qualifying examination are required.

A minimum of 60 credits must be earned at WPI.

Passing the PhD Qualifying Examination.

Graduate Courses

PhD qualifying Exam

The Qualifying Examination for the doctor of philosophy degree is usually administered each year at the beginning of the second semester. Ph.D. aspirants who enter after the bachelor’s degree may take the examination during their first year of graduate school, and are expected to take the examination by the end of their second year. There is no penalty for failing or not taking the examination during the first year. Students who fail the examination during their second year must pass the examination when it is next offered. The Qualifying Examination will include, but is not limited to, material taken from PH 511, PH 514-515, PH 522 and PH 533. Each student’s academic work is reviewed on an annual basis by the Physics Department Graduate Committee. Continuation of student status is based on satisfactory progress toward a degree, coursework, research, teaching, and service to the Department. Renewals of research and teaching assistantships are dependent on satisfactory performance of required duties.

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