Thank you for your interest in the course-based Master's of Science in Physics at UMass Amherst!
The basic requirements for application to the graduate school at UMass can be found here. We provide some additional guidance relevant to our program below.
Please note that students enrolled in the M.S. program are ineligible for teaching or research support at any of the Five Colleges.
Undergraduate Degree
Students admitted to the M.S. program typically have a Bachelor's Degree in Physics. Students with degrees in engineering, mathematics or other related areas may also find this program a good match.
Candidates planning graduate study in physics should have completed at least (preferably, more than) 15 semester credit hours in undergraduate physics beyond introductory courses, as well as at least 6 credits of mathematics beyond college-level calculus.
Standardized Exams
The university does not require Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores for M.S. applicants, although you are welcome to submit your scores if you have taken the general or Physics exams.
International students must take the TOEFL exam to demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English. During the pandemic, other options are also available. Please see the updates on the graduate school covid-19 updates. Further information for international students can be found on the graduate school webpages, here.
For further information about the GRE and TOEFL exams, contact the Educational Testing Service
COVID-19
During the pandemic, please see the graduate school covid-19 updates for other updates on the admission process and requirements.
More Information
For more information about the graduate program, useful links (e.g., financial aid and housing), application advice, and other information return to the M.S. Programs Page.
If you have any further questions, please feel welcome to contact our Graduate Program Manager: Katie Bryant at kjbryant@physics.umass.edu.
Department of Physics